Watch out for state estimated taxes too!!! Everyone's talking about federal, but depending on your state, you might need to make a state estimated payment as well. I forgot this last year when I started my side business in November and got hit with a state underpayment penalty even though I was fine on the federal side.

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who went through this exact situation two years ago with a graduate research assistantship that started in November. One thing that really helped me was documenting everything about the timing and nature of my income for when I filed my taxes. I kept records showing that the fellowship was unavailable to me until December (had the offer letter with start date), my previous quarters' minimal income from part-time work, and calculated what my "annualized income" would have been if I tried to project the December amount across the whole year (which would have been wildly inaccurate). When I filed my return, I used Form 2210 and was able to show the IRS that requiring estimated payments based on projected annual income from a single month would have been unreasonable. The annualized income installment method completely eliminated any underpayment penalty. The key is being able to demonstrate that your income pattern was genuinely unpredictable and that making estimated payments earlier in the year based on your actual income at that time wouldn't have captured this December windfall. Keep good records and you should be fine!

An important point nobody's mentioned yet: the "active participation" status matters most if your adjusted gross income is under $100,000. The $25,000 allowance for rental losses starts phasing out at $100,000 AGI and completely disappears when your AGI hits $150,000. So if your income is over $150,000, the active participation doesn't actually provide you any benefit for deducting losses. This might be why your family member thought it was "simpler" to just check the box - because for many higher-income landlords, it ultimately doesn't change your tax situation either way.

Nobody's mentioned record keeping yet! If you're claiming active participation, it's smart to keep some basic documentation of your management activities. Even just a simple log noting when you communicate with your tenant, when you inspect the property, when you make decisions about repairs/improvements, etc. Doesn't need to be elaborate, but having something to show your involvement can be really helpful if you're ever questioned about it.

I've researched this issue extensively and found several important points: • The IRS verification system is intentionally rigid due to the 2015-2016 security breaches • Many people don't realize Form 4506-T can be faxed OR mailed • The transcript request phone line (800-908-9946) is separate from general IRS support • In-person appointments are available but often booked 3-4 weeks out • Creating a new account works but requires passing Experian identity verification I'm skeptical of quick-fix solutions because the IRS has deliberately made transcript access secure after identity theft issues. The most reliable option is still Form 4506-T, though it's not the fastest.

I faced this exact same frustration when I switched from my old carrier last year! The IRS verification system definitely feels like it's stuck in 2010 compared to banks that offer multiple backup options. From my experience, here's what actually worked: The fastest route was calling 800-908-9946 (the dedicated transcript line mentioned by others) early morning around 7:30 AM - much shorter wait times than the main IRS number. They can verify you using your previous year's AGI and some personal details instead of the old phone number. If you need them urgently for quarterly planning, I'd also recommend trying the "Create New Account" option. Yes, it's annoying to have a duplicate, but the Experian verification usually works if you can answer questions about your credit history. Just make sure to use your current phone number this time! One thing I learned: keep a record of which verification method you use when you finally get access, because you'll likely need it again for future logins. The IRS doesn't make account management intuitive, but once you're in, bookmark everything and document your login process for next time.

Word of caution from someone who made this mistake: DO NOT call the IRS too early. I was in your exact situation, caring for a sick family member and anxiously waiting for my refund. I called after just 14 days, and the representative actually noted my account as "taxpayer inquiry before normal processing time" which flagged my return for additional review and DELAYED it by another 3 weeks. The IRS processing guideline is 21 days minimum before they consider a return delayed. Calling before then can sometimes backfire spectacularly. I learned this expensive lesson so you don't have to!

I completely understand your frustration - been there with my own family medical situation last year. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like you're still within the normal processing window, especially if you claimed any credits. One thing that helped me manage the anxiety was setting up a simple daily reminder to check just once in the morning rather than constantly throughout the day. Since the system updates overnight, you're not missing anything by checking multiple times. Given that this is for your mom's medical expenses, you might want to look into the Taxpayer Advocate Service that Jade mentioned if you get past the 21-day mark. They can sometimes help expedite returns when there's a genuine hardship situation. You'd need to document the medical expenses, but it's worth knowing that option exists. Hang in there - the waiting is the worst part, but most returns do process normally even when WMR seems stuck forever.

I'm new to this community but dealing with the exact same EPD K-3 nightmare! Just got my K-1 today and like everyone else here, it references the K-3 as required but there's nothing attached. This is my first year investing in PTPs and honestly, I had no idea it would be this complicated. Reading through all these experiences has been incredibly helpful. I have a relatively small position (around $4,000), so based on what Paolo shared about EPD's under-$10,000 threshold, I should definitely qualify as immaterial. The placeholder method that Amina described sounds like the most reasonable approach - file with zeros for potential foreign items and amend later if needed. It's frustrating that a major partnership like EPD can't provide clear guidance or timely documentation to their investors. The "maybe by August" response is completely unacceptable when we're trying to meet the April 15th deadline. At least now I know this is a widespread issue and not just my own confusion! Thanks to everyone who shared their solutions and experiences. It's really reassuring to know there are practical approaches to deal with this situation without having to file an extension.

I'm also dealing with this exact EPD K-3 situation! Just received my K-1 yesterday and same story - it references the K-3 as required but nothing provided. This is my second year with EPD and I was really hoping they would have sorted out this process by now. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly valuable. I have about a $7,500 position, so based on Paolo's confirmation that EPD considers under $10,000 as immaterial, I should be fine to proceed without waiting until August. I'm going to follow Amina's placeholder method - file with zeros for any potential foreign income items and be ready to amend if the eventual K-3 shows anything significant. Given the investment size, I seriously doubt there will be material amounts that would actually affect my tax liability. It's really frustrating that such a large partnership can't provide clear communication about these requirements. The vague "maybe by August" response is completely unhelpful when we're all trying to meet filing deadlines. At least this thread has shown me there are practical solutions and I'm not alone in this confusion! Thanks to everyone who shared their approaches - you've saved me from filing an unnecessary extension.