I've been using Varo for tax refunds for three years now, and compared to traditional banks, the timing is much more favorable. With my previous bank (Wells Fargo), even after the IRS released the funds, I would often wait 1-2 additional business days before seeing the money. With Varo, I've consistently received my H&R Block processed refunds between 9am-12pm Eastern on the same day the IRS releases the funds. This year was particularly efficient - my return was accepted February 12th, and my refund hit my Varo account exactly 15 days later at 10:17am. The processing timeline was nearly identical to last year's experience.

Thanks for sharing all these experiences everyone! As someone who's been through this waiting game multiple times, I can confirm that Varo is definitely faster than traditional banks for tax refunds. Mine typically arrives between 10am-1pm EST when using H&R Block. One tip that helped reduce my anxiety - I set up account notifications so I get a text immediately when any deposit hits, then I just put my phone away and focus on work instead of constantly refreshing the app. The money always comes through, usually within that morning window everyone's mentioned. Good luck to anyone still waiting! 🤞

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I was able to find the Payments section in FreeTaxUSA and enter all four of my quarterly payments. I used the standard due dates since I made my payments around those times, and the total amount matched what I actually paid throughout 2024. One thing I learned from this thread is that I should definitely switch to EFTPS for next year to have better record keeping. The IRS Direct Pay system works but doesn't give you the same detailed payment history that would make tax prep easier. I also double-checked in the Summary section like Sean suggested and confirmed that all my payments are showing up correctly in the final calculation. My refund amount looks right now that the estimated payments are properly credited. Really appreciate this community for helping me figure this out!

As someone who's been through this exact scenario with FreeTaxUSA, I can confirm that the process everyone described works perfectly. One additional tip I'd add is to keep a simple spreadsheet next year tracking your quarterly payment dates and amounts as you make them. I learned this the hard way after spending way too much time trying to reconstruct my payment history from bank statements and IRS confirmations. Now I just log each payment immediately after making it - takes 30 seconds but saves hours during tax prep. Also, if you're using Schedule C for your photography business, make sure you're taking advantage of all the business deductions available to you. Equipment purchases, home office expenses, travel for shoots, etc. can really add up and reduce that tax burden that's driving those quarterly payments in the first place.

Has anyone else noticed that the IRS website seems to work better at certain times of day? I had a similar issue last month, and I found that logging in very early in the morning (like 5-6 AM) sometimes showed my balance when it wouldn't show it during normal daytime hours. Might be worth trying if you haven't already.

I've been dealing with IRS payment plan issues for years, and what you're experiencing is unfortunately very common. The IRS systems are notoriously slow to update, especially when there are multiple processes happening simultaneously (like a payment plan application while you still have an outstanding balance). A few things that might help while you're waiting: 1) Keep trying to log in at different times - the system really does work better during off-peak hours, usually early morning or late evening. 2) Make sure you're using the correct login credentials. Sometimes people create multiple IRS accounts accidentally and end up logging into the wrong one. 3) If you submitted your payment plan application online, there should have been a confirmation number or reference ID. Keep that handy - you'll need it when you eventually get through to someone. 4) Even if your payment plan isn't officially approved yet, the IRS usually won't penalize you for late payments if you can show you applied in good faith before the deadline. But definitely document everything. The 3-week mark is still within normal processing time, though I know it's stressful not knowing. Most people I know who've been through this process say it took 4-6 weeks to get full confirmation and see their accounts update properly.

Has anyone actually received a 1099 from Airbnb for hosting? I've been hosting for 3 years and never got one, even though I made well over the threshold amount.

This is a complex situation that touches on several different tax issues for new permanent residents. Let me break down the key points: **Immediate Action Items:** 1. **File FBAR immediately** - As mentioned by others, you're required to file FinCEN Form 114 for any year your foreign accounts exceeded $10,000. The deadline was October 15th, but you can still file late. Consider the IRS Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures if you weren't aware of this requirement. 2. **Amend your 2023 return** - Your tax preparer's advice was likely incorrect. Even if you're just passing through income, the IRS typically views the person receiving the payments as having constructive receipt of the income. You'll need to report the Airbnb income and then potentially claim offsetting deductions for amounts transferred to your father. **Going Forward:** - Definitely switch the Airbnb payouts directly to your father's account - Keep meticulous records of all transfers and your management arrangement - Consider formalizing your arrangement with a written property management agreement **The W-9 Dilemma:** If Airbnb insists on the W-9, you may have to comply since you're the account holder. This will likely trigger a 1099-K being sent to both you and the IRS, making it even more important that you properly report this income on your amended return. Given the complexity with international tax obligations, FBAR requirements, and potential penalties, I'd strongly recommend consulting with a tax professional who specializes in international taxation for permanent residents. The cost of proper advice now will be much less than potential IRS penalties later.

Based on my experience working with tax clients, what you're experiencing is likely an ACH processing delay. The Treasury Financial Management Service (FMS) initiates the ACH transaction, but it must pass through the Federal Reserve's processing system before reaching your financial institution. This typically takes 24-48 hours after your DDD, but can extend to 5 business days during peak tax season without indicating any problem. If your bank isn't showing a pending deposit by day 5 post-DDD, that's when you should request a payment trace through the IRS.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My transcript shows the 846 code with today's date, and I've been refreshing my banking app every hour like it's going to magically appear. It's so frustrating when you're counting on that money. From what I'm reading here, it sounds like this delay is more common than the IRS lets on. I think I'm going to give it until Monday before I start panicking - thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it really helps to know I'm not alone in this!