lmaoo the irs playing games while the state already sending money 🏃‍♂️💨

Same here! Got my state DDD for this Tuesday but federal is still showing PATH hold. At least we know the state side is moving fast this year. Hoping federal starts releasing after the 15th like usual 🤞

Word of advice - never count on them coming together. IRS moves at snails pace these days smh

Dont worry bout it, perfectly normal. Each tax authority does their own thing on their own timeline. State systems usually process faster cuz they're dealing with way less returns than the IRS who's gotta handle ALL federal returns for the whole country.

This is really helpful information everyone! I'm in a similar boat - been paying a TPA for years for my Solo 401k when my balance has been under $200k the whole time. Based on what I'm reading here, it sounds like I have a few options: 1. File one final 5500-SF marking it as terminated/final to avoid any IRS questions later 2. Just stop filing and deal with any potential inquiry letter (which sounds pretty manageable based on Cameron's example) 3. Keep filing even though I'm not required to, just for peace of mind I'm leaning toward option 1 - filing a final form and then stopping. Has anyone actually done this termination approach? What exactly do you check on the form to indicate it's your final filing? Also, for those who've used the EFAST2 system - do you need any special software or can you do everything through their web portal?

I went through this exact situation two years ago! I had been paying my TPA about $800/year for my Solo 401k when my balance was only around $180k. Like you, I felt like I was throwing money away. I ended up doing exactly what Sophia mentioned - filed one final 5500-SF with the "Final Return/Report" box checked. It was actually pretty straightforward once I got into the EFAST2 system. The hardest part was just getting over my initial nervousness about doing it myself. One thing I wish I had known earlier: you can actually request copies of your previous filings from the DOL to use as a reference. This helped me understand what my TPA had been submitting and made me more confident about filling out my final form correctly. Since then, I've had zero issues with the IRS. No letters, no questions, nothing. I've saved over $1,600 in TPA fees so far and honestly wish I had made the switch sooner. The peace of mind from properly closing out the filing history was definitely worth the small effort of doing that final form myself.

I've been dealing with similar EIN applications for complex entity structures in my accounting practice, and I want to add a few practical points that might help streamline your process: **Document preparation tip:** Before filling out Form SS-4, gather all the relevant documents (trust agreements, LLC operating agreements, etc.) and highlight the key sections that define ownership and trustee authorities. This makes it much easier to complete the form accurately and helps if the IRS asks for clarification later. **For the grantor trust LLC:** When using the online application, I've found success by being very concise in the explanation fields. Something like "Disregarded entity of grantor trust - grantor is tax owner" usually works well. The online system seems to handle shorter explanations better than lengthy ones. **Timing considerations:** If you need the EINs urgently for bank account opening, consider applying for the grantor trust LLC online first (since that's typically faster) while simultaneously mailing the paper application for the non-grantor trust LLC. This way you can start some of your banking setup while waiting for the second EIN. **Follow-up strategy:** When calling to check on paper applications, have your complete mailing details ready (date sent, certified mail tracking number, etc.). The IRS representatives can locate applications much faster with this information, and you'll get better service. One last suggestion - keep detailed notes throughout the process. These entity structures tend to come up again for amendments, additional entities, or tax questions, and having a clear record of exactly how you handled the initial EIN applications saves time later.

I just successfully completed this exact process for two LLCs with complex ownership structures, and I wanted to share what finally worked after several failed attempts. The key breakthrough was understanding that Form SS-4 has two completely separate requirements that often get confused: (1) the administrative "responsible party" requirement (must be an individual for IRS contact purposes), and (2) the actual tax ownership structure (determines how the entity is taxed). These don't have to be the same! **For your grantor trust LLC:** Since grantor trusts are tax-transparent, you (the grantor) are already considered the tax owner. List yourself as the responsible party in Part 3, then put the trust details in Part 7a. The online application actually works well for this scenario - just select "Other" for entity type and briefly explain "Disregarded entity of grantor trust." **For your non-grantor trust LLC:** Paper form is definitely the way to go. List an authorized trustee as the responsible party in Part 3, trust info in Part 7a, and in Part 9 add a simple explanation like "LLC owned by [Trust Name] and will be treated as disregarded entity for tax purposes." Pro tips that saved me time: Use certified mail for paper applications, call the Business & Specialty Tax Line (800-829-4933) after 2-3 weeks to confirm receipt, and keep copies of everything since they sometimes ask for clarification during processing. The whole process took about 3 weeks for my paper application and 10 days for the online one. Don't let the confusing instructions discourage you - once you understand what they're actually asking for, it's much more straightforward than it appears!

Has anyone heard if business grants need to be treated differently for 2025 filing? I just received a similar grant and wondering if the reporting requirements have changed since the COVID relief period.

I went through this exact same frustration with H&R Block Business last year! The software definitely isn't designed to handle business grants properly. What worked for me was a hybrid approach - I used Connor's workaround of entering it manually as "Other Income" but I also kept a copy of the actual 1099-G in my records with a note referencing where I reported it on the return. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given - make sure you're also considering the timing of when you received the grant versus when you're reporting it. If you received the grant in late 2024 but it's for 2023 activities, there might be timing issues to consider. The IRS is pretty strict about matching 1099-G income to the correct tax year. Also, if your city required any specific reporting or has clawback provisions, document those thoroughly. I learned the hard way that some grants have strings attached that aren't obvious until later. Better to over-document than get surprised during an audit!