Pro tip: set up alerts in your banking app for deposits instead of constantly checking. That way you're not driving yourself crazy refreshing, and you'll know the moment it hits.

I've been in the same boat with SoFi! Filed in early April and just got my DDD for next week. From what I've experienced, SoFi is pretty good about releasing deposits early - I got my stimulus payments and state refund about a day before the official date. The key thing is that they seem to process ACH deposits as soon as they receive them rather than holding them until the official date like some traditional banks do. I'd say there's a decent chance you'll see it tomorrow, but definitely don't stress yourself out checking every hour. Set up those push notifications and try to stay busy! The waiting is absolutely the worst part of this whole process.

I'm a freelance photographer who does a lot of outdoor events and I've been wondering about this same issue with specialized equipment deductions. After reading through all these responses, I'm realizing I should probably be more systematic about documenting my gear usage. I have professional-grade polarized sunglasses that I only use during outdoor shoots because they help me see my camera LCD screen better in bright conditions - regular sunglasses create too much color distortion when I'm trying to check exposure and white balance. They cost about $200 and I literally keep them in my camera bag, never wear them casually. The insurance documentation angle that Connor mentioned is really interesting - my professional liability insurance actually has specific language about proper equipment use and safety protocols. I'm going to reach out to them about getting something in writing regarding protective eyewear for outdoor photography work. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and documentation strategies. It's clear that having detailed records and being able to demonstrate the specialized nature of the equipment is key to making these deductions stick.

As a tax preparer who's handled numerous Schedule C returns, I want to emphasize something that hasn't been fully addressed yet - the IRS Publication 535 specifically mentions that protective equipment can be deductible when it's required for your occupation and not suitable for general wear. For your situation as a fishing guide, the key factors working in your favor are: 1) You spend the majority of your work day exposed to water glare, 2) Your eye doctor specifically recommended them for occupational use, 3) You have separate personal sunglasses, and 4) The polarized feature serves a specific anti-glare function critical for water safety. I'd recommend keeping that doctor's recommendation letter, receipts for both work and personal sunglasses, and a simple log showing business use. Also consider getting a statement from your professional fishing guide association or licensing body about recommended safety equipment - this adds industry standard validation. The $175 cost is reasonable for specialized marine eyewear and shows you're not being excessive. Just make sure you can clearly articulate why these specific glasses are necessary for your business operations rather than just convenient or preferred.

Has anyone tried the Free File Fillable Forms on the IRS website for older returns? I wonder if that would work instead of paying for old TurboTax versions.

For anyone still struggling with this, I want to emphasize what others have said about the 3-year E-File window. The IRS is very strict about this - once October 15th passes for any given tax year, that year's E-File system permanently closes. However, there's one important thing to keep in mind: if you're filing these old returns because you owe money, interest and penalties continue to accrue until you file and pay. So even though you have to mail paper returns, don't delay getting them submitted. Also, if you're expecting refunds on these old returns, be aware that you generally only have 3 years from the original due date to claim a refund. For 2018, that deadline was April 15, 2022 (with some COVID extensions), so any 2018 refunds may already be forfeited. You should still file for record-keeping purposes, but don't expect a refund check. Make sure to send your paper returns via certified mail so you have proof the IRS received them!

Have you possibly filed a change of address form with the IRS already? It might be worth considering whether the check will be sent to your previous address if that's what was on your tax return. Also, did you by chance set up direct deposit information in your tax software that might override what the IRS has on file?

As someone who's dealt with this multiple times due to military moves, here's what typically happens: The bank will reject the deposit within 1-3 business days, then the IRS gets notified and processes a paper check. Timeline is usually 2-3 weeks total, but can stretch to 4-5 weeks during peak tax season. Key things to do NOW: 1. Verify your current address is updated with the IRS (Form 8822 if needed) 2. Check your transcript on IRS.gov in a few days for code 841 (rejection) 3. Don't stress about calling - the automated system will handle this Since you mentioned a deployment coming up, make sure your mail forwarding is set up properly with USPS. The check will go to whatever address was on your return unless you've filed an address change. Good luck with the PCS and deployment!

Wait I'm still confused. So if my wife and I file separately, does that mean our combined standard deduction is LESS than if we filed jointly? Like do we lose money by filing separately?

I can definitely understand the confusion! As several others have mentioned, you get the full $13,850 standard deduction each when filing separately - you don't split it. The math works out to the same total as joint filing ($27,700). But here's something I haven't seen mentioned yet: if you're considering MFS because you think it's simpler or safer, be aware that it actually makes your tax situation more complex in many cases. You'll need to coordinate with your spouse on certain decisions (like whether to itemize), and you might need to file in the same state if you live in different states. Also, one practical consideration - if you use tax software, most programs will automatically calculate both MFJ and MFS scenarios for you and show the difference. This can be really helpful to see the actual dollar impact of the credits and deductions you'd lose with MFS. Sometimes seeing those numbers side by side makes the decision much clearer than trying to figure it out from IRS publications alone.