I work at a volunteer tax prep site, and we've dealt with this issue a lot. The solution depends on which stimulus payment we're talking about: 1st & 2nd payments (2020): You'd need to amend your 2020 return if you haven't already claimed them 3rd payment (2021): You'd need to amend your 2021 return The easiest approach now would be to file the amended returns using Form 1040-X and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for the payments you never cashed. Keep those expired checks though! The IRS might request documentation later. Also, there's a time limit to claim these credits - generally 3 years from the original filing deadline. So for 2020 returns (1st & 2nd stimulus), you have until April 15, 2024. For 2021 returns (3rd stimulus), you have until April 15, 2025.

I went through this exact situation last year! I had two expired stimulus checks from when I was deployed overseas. Here's what worked for me: First, try calling the IRS at 800-919-9835 and ask specifically for the "Economic Impact Payment" department. When you get through (which can take forever), tell them you have expired stimulus checks and need to request a payment trace. They'll ask for the check numbers, amounts, and issue dates if you have them. The agent will initiate a trace to confirm the checks were never cashed, then they can reissue new payments. This took about 8-10 weeks for me, but I did get replacement checks for the full amounts. One tip: if you decide to go the amended return route instead, make sure you're claiming the right tax year for each payment. The first two stimulus payments go on your 2020 return, and the third one goes on your 2021 return. You can't mix them up or it'll delay processing. Either way, definitely keep those expired checks as proof - the IRS may ask for copies during their review process. Good luck getting your money back!

Does anyone know how long the IRS takes to process a corrected 941-X? I filed one 8 weeks ago to fix an ERTC overreporting issue and haven't heard anything back. Getting nervous...

I was in almost the exact same situation with my landscaping business last year - overreported ERTC on my 941-X by about $8,000 and got the refund before I realized my mistake. The anxiety was killing me! Here's what I learned: file the corrective 941-X as soon as possible, but make sure you're 100% accurate this time. I actually hired a CPA who specializes in payroll taxes to help me with the correction because I was terrified of making another error. The key is being very clear in Part 4 about what the original error was and showing you're voluntarily correcting it. One thing that helped my peace of mind - I called the IRS Practitioner Priority Service line (my CPA made the call) and they confirmed that voluntary corrections like this are viewed much more favorably than if they catch the error during an audit. The fact that you're proactively fixing this shows good faith compliance. Also, prepare to wait. My corrected 941-X took almost 5 months to process, but it was eventually accepted without any penalties beyond interest. The waiting is the worst part, but you're doing the right thing by fixing it promptly.

I'm so sorry for your aunt's loss. This is such a difficult time, and dealing with tax matters on top of grief is overwhelming. One thing that might help organize this process: have your aunt gather any tax documents she can find first - last year's tax return, W-2s, 1099s, bank statements showing interest/dividends, etc. Even if incomplete, these will give you a roadmap of what income sources to look for. For the Form 4506-T request, she should request both the "Wage and Income Transcript" and "Account Transcript" for 2023. The wage transcript shows all the 1099s and W-2s filed under his SSN, while the account transcript shows if there were any prior payments or issues with previous returns. Also, don't forget to check if your uncle had any estimated tax payments for 2023 - these would show up on the account transcript and could significantly impact what's owed or refunded. Since she has mobility issues, everything can be done by mail. The IRS typically processes transcript requests within 5-10 business days when mailed. Make sure to include a copy of the death certificate with the Form 4506-T to avoid any delays. Hang in there - once you get the transcripts, the picture will become much clearer about what needs to be filed.

I'm so sorry for your aunt's loss. This is such a challenging situation to navigate while grieving. One important resource that hasn't been mentioned yet is the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). Since your aunt has mobility issues and is dealing with a complex situation involving a deceased spouse, she may qualify for their assistance. TAS is a free service within the IRS that helps taxpayers resolve problems and navigate difficult situations. You can reach TAS at 1-877-777-4778, and they often can help expedite transcript requests or provide guidance on exactly what forms are needed in her specific situation. They're particularly helpful for taxpayers facing hardships, which certainly applies here. Also, if your uncle had any business income (Schedule C), rental properties (Schedule E), or investment accounts, those may require additional forms or have specific reporting requirements that could affect the final return. The transcripts will reveal these, but it's worth mentioning so you're prepared. One more practical tip: when your aunt signs the final joint return, she should use blue ink if possible. The IRS can better distinguish original signatures from photocopies, which can help avoid processing delays. Take care of yourselves during this difficult time. The tax situation will get resolved - focus on supporting your aunt through her grief as well.

Former mortgage lender here. The "keep your mortgage for the tax deduction" advice is one of the most misunderstood financial tips out there. Quick example: If you pay $10k in mortgage interest and are in the 22% bracket, you're not "saving" $2,200. You're spending $10k to save $2,200 IF you itemize AND your total itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction. That's like spending a dollar to get 22 cents back. Congrats on being mortgage-free! That's a huge achievement and gives you incredible financial flexibility. The psychological benefit of no mortgage payment is massive and doesn't show up in tax calculations.

I kept my mortgage specifically for the tax deduction for years until I actually ran the numbers. Here's what I found: Mortgage: $280,000 at 4.5% Annual interest: ~$12,420 Tax bracket: 24% Potential "tax savings": $2,981 BUT... since the standard deduction was $27,700 for us, and our other itemized deductions were only about $8,000, we weren't getting ANY tax benefit from $10,700 of that mortgage interest ($27,700 - $8,000 = $19,700 needed to hit standard deduction). So we were only getting tax benefit on $1,720 of our interest, saving us just $413 in taxes while paying $12,420 in interest. Don't listen to people who don't understand how itemized deductions actually work!

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation! Filed in late January, got accepted immediately, then saw the 570 code appear about 3 weeks later with a processing date of 4/2/24. Also expecting a large refund with EIC and CTC (around $8,400). It's incredibly frustrating not knowing what's happening, especially when there's no communication from the IRS. I've been checking my transcript weekly but still just that lonely 570 code sitting there with no movement. Reading through everyone's experiences here is actually somewhat comforting - seems like we're not alone in this. The timeline that @Chloe Harris shared gives me some hope that things will eventually move, even if it takes longer than expected. I'm going to wait until after my processing date passes before trying to call, since it sounds like they can't really tell you much until then anyway. The waiting game is brutal but at least we know others are going through the same thing!

I'm going through the exact same nightmare! Filed in early February and have been sitting with a 570 code for about 3 weeks now, processing date of 4/10/24. Expecting around $6,900 with EIC and CTC. What's driving me crazy is the complete lack of transparency from the IRS. Like, just tell us what you're looking at! Are you verifying income? Identity? Credits? Something else entirely? The silence is honestly worse than knowing there's an actual problem. I've been religiously checking my transcript every Friday morning hoping to see literally ANY change - a 971, a 571, anything - but nope, just that same 570 code taunting me. It's somewhat comforting (in a misery loves company way) to see so many others dealing with this exact situation. From reading everyone's timelines, it seems like 4-8 weeks is becoming the new normal for these holds, which is absolutely insane. I'm going to try to hold out until after my processing date passes before attempting the IRS phone roulette, but that Claimyr service people mentioned is looking more tempting each day. Stay strong - we'll get through this bureaucratic purgatory eventually! 🤞