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To all those having trouble reaching a human at IRS. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c
Hey Shay! Don't panic - this message doesn't automatically mean you're getting audited. The "delayed beyond normal timeframe" with Tax Topic 152 is super common, especially if you claimed credits like EITC, Child Tax Credit, or Additional Child Tax Credit. The IRS has to do extra verification on these returns by law, which can add 8-12 weeks to processing time. It could also be something simple like a math error, missing form, or identity verification. I'd suggest checking your IRS account transcript online to see if there are any notices or codes that might give you more insight into what's causing the delay. Hang in there!
Thanks Sophie! That's really helpful to know about the EITC and CTC verification requirements. I did claim the Child Tax Credit this year so that might explain it. How do I check my IRS account transcript online? Is that different from the Where's My tool?
I think you're overthinking this tbh. If the void box was checked on the original, you're fine. That's literally what the void box is for - to tell the IRS to ignore that form. The casino's system will only report the non-voided form to the IRS. I've had this happen 3 times (slot attendants make mistakes A LOT) and never had an issue with double reporting.
I work as a tax preparer and see W2-G issues frequently. Here's what I always tell my clients: definitely request that Wage and Income Transcript around March to verify what's actually on file with the IRS. Even though the casino checked the void box, I've seen cases where both forms still ended up being transmitted to the IRS due to system errors. Also keep both the voided form AND the reprint in your records. If there's ever a discrepancy, you'll need both documents to prove the situation. The IRS will want to see the voided form with the void box checked and the reprint with the same winning amount to understand why there might be duplicate entries in their system. Most importantly, when you file your return, only report the amount from the valid (reprinted) W2-G. Don't try to "offset" or account for potential double reporting on your return - that just creates more confusion. If the transcript shows a problem, deal with it then through proper channels.
This is really helpful advice! As someone new to dealing with gambling winnings, I didn't realize you could request transcripts to verify what the IRS actually has on file. Quick question - when you mention keeping both the voided form and the reprint, should I also keep any other documentation from the casino about the error? Like if they gave me a receipt or incident report when they were fixing the mistake?
I work in municipal finance and see these kinds of mix-ups more often than you'd expect, especially with common names. The frustrating part is that many tax office clerks don't fully understand the procedures for correcting these errors, which is why you're getting the runaround. A few additional points to consider: First, most states have laws requiring tax offices to maintain reasonable identification procedures when accepting payments. When you specifically requested YOUR bill and they handed you someone else's, that's a failure of their verification process, not your mistake. Second, you mentioned paying in cash - make sure you have a receipt showing the date, amount, and any property identifiers. This documentation will be crucial for any formal complaint process. Third, if the informal approaches don't work, consider contacting your state's Department of Revenue or equivalent agency. They often have oversight authority over local tax collection procedures and can intervene when counties aren't following proper protocols. The bottom line is that you shouldn't be financially penalized for their administrative error. Keep pushing back - this is absolutely their responsibility to correct, not yours to just accept.
This is exactly the kind of insight I needed to hear from someone who actually works in the system! You're absolutely right that this feels like I'm being penalized for their mistake. I do have the receipt showing the payment date and amount, though I'm not sure if it has the property identifiers on it - I'll need to dig it out and check. The point about state oversight is really interesting. I hadn't thought about going above the county level, but if they have authority over local tax collection procedures, that could be a powerful lever. Do you know if there's typically a formal complaint process at the state level, or is it more informal outreach? Also, when you mention "reasonable identification procedures," is there a standard I can point to? It would be helpful to have specific language about what they should have done differently when I requested my bill.
This is exactly why I always photograph or scan any tax bills before paying them, even when I think they're correct. With common names like Thomas Wilson, these mix-ups are bound to happen more frequently than anyone wants to admit. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - since you own multiple properties and there's another Thomas Wilson who also owns multiple properties, have you considered requesting that the tax office implement additional verification procedures going forward? Maybe requiring the last four digits of your SSN or a PIN system when requesting bills for common names? This won't help your current situation, but it might prevent this nightmare from happening to you or someone else in the future. Sometimes framing your complaint as a "process improvement suggestion" along with requesting your money back can make bureaucrats more receptive - they like to feel like they're implementing solutions rather than just fixing problems. Also, definitely keep escalating up the chain. In my experience, the people with actual authority to authorize transfers or refunds are rarely the ones working the front counter.
No deduction for regular flooring, but if you're REPLACING flooring damaged by something like a natural disaster or sudden pipe burst that insurance didn't fully cover, you might be able to claim a casualty loss. Doesn't apply to normal wear and tear though!
Great question! Unfortunately, as others have mentioned, regular flooring replacement in your primary residence isn't tax deductible. Since your tiles were just old and cosmetic (not damaged by a covered event), this falls under personal home improvements. However, definitely keep all those receipts! That $7,100 total ($4,300 + $2,800) will increase your home's tax basis, which can save you money on capital gains tax when you eventually sell. It's not an immediate deduction, but it's still valuable long-term. One thing to double-check - if you have any home office space where the new tiles were installed, you might be able to deduct a small portion as a business expense if you qualify for the home office deduction. But for the majority of your flooring project, you'll want to file those receipts away for future sale documentation. The good news is your home probably looks amazing with the new flooring, even if Uncle Sam won't help with the immediate costs!
This is such a helpful summary! I'm actually in a similar situation - just did a bathroom renovation and was wondering about the tax implications. The point about keeping receipts for future capital gains is something I hadn't really thought about seriously, but it makes total sense. One quick question though - when you mention home office deduction, does that apply even if it's just a corner of a room that I use for work occasionally? Or does it need to be a dedicated space that's used exclusively for business?
Lim Wong
I'm at week 9 with my amended return and this thread is such a relief to find! Filed in early August to claim some overlooked dependent care expenses that should get me about $1,400 back. The "Where's My Amended Return" tool has been showing "received" since I filed, with zero movement. What's been driving me crazy is that I keep second-guessing whether I did something wrong or if there's an issue with my paperwork. But reading everyone's experiences here makes it clear this is just the brutal reality of IRS processing times right now. It's honestly insane that in 2025 we're dealing with 20+ week processing times for basic corrections. I'm definitely going to start the documentation approach everyone's mentioned - taking weekly screenshots and keeping a log. It shouldn't be necessary, but clearly we need to protect ourselves given how broken this system is. Based on all the timelines shared here, it looks like I'm in for another 9-13 weeks of waiting. At least knowing what to expect helps manage the anxiety! Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - it's reassuring to know we're all stuck in this together. Here's hoping the IRS gets their act together soon, though I'm not holding my breath.
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StarStrider
β’@Lim Wong You re'definitely not alone in this! Week 9 puts you right at the beginning of what everyone here is experiencing. That dependent care expense correction is absolutely worth pursuing - $1,400 is significant money, especially with how expensive everything is right now. I m'actually new to this community but have been lurking and reading everyone s'experiences. I filed my amended return about 6 weeks ago for some missed student loan interest deductions that should get me around $800 back. Seeing all these timelines has been both reassuring and terrifying - reassuring because clearly this isn t'just happening to me, but terrifying because I m'looking at potentially 4+ more months of waiting! The documentation strategy everyone keeps mentioning is really smart. I just started doing it myself after reading through this thread. It s'crazy that we have to create our own paper trails because the IRS can t'provide basic status updates, but here we are. At least you re'getting in early on the tracking - I wish I had started from day one instead of week 6 when I finally got frustrated enough to start keeping records. Based on what everyone s'sharing, you ve'got a long road ahead but you ll'get there eventually. We re'all in this ridiculous waiting game together!
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Finley Garrett
I'm at week 22 with my amended return and just wanted to give everyone some hope - I FINALLY got movement! Filed in late May for some missed contractor expense deductions (should result in about $3,800 refund), and after months of that soul-crushing "received" status, the "Where's My Amended Return" tool updated to "processing" yesterday. I actually got so used to checking it obsessively that I almost didn't notice the change at first! No notification or anything, just happened to check during my usual morning routine and there it was - actual progress after nearly 6 months of radio silence. Based on what I've read from others who've made it through this process, "processing" typically means you're in the final stretch - maybe 2-4 more weeks until completion. I'll keep everyone updated on my timeline since I know how valuable these real experiences are when you're stuck in the waiting game. To everyone still in the "received" phase - hang in there! The documentation strategy everyone's been sharing really paid off for me. I have a complete record of my 22-week journey that I'm definitely keeping for future reference. This whole experience has been a masterclass in how broken the IRS system really is, but at least we're all supporting each other through it!
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