lmaooo the IRS is such a joke. processing date means absolutely nothing except they touched ur file with their clown hands 🤡

The processing date basically just shows when the IRS system last "touched" your file - could be for review, corrections, or actually processing your refund. What you really want to look for is a 846 refund issued code on your transcript. That's when you know money is actually coming! The processing date changing is usually good though - means you're not completely forgotten in the system.

For what it's worth, I had success with an injured spouse claim in California by specifically addressing the community property issue in a letter attached to my resubmitted Form 8379. I included: 1. A detailed explanation of how the income was earned separately 2. Bank statements showing separate accounts 3. A signed statement from my ex acknowledging the tax debt was solely his 4. Proof that I had no knowledge of or benefit from whatever created his tax debt The key was being super specific about the money trail and attaching actual documentation. The IRS actually approved my claim on the second try and I got about 70% of my refund back (the part directly tied to my W-2 withholding).

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now in California and this thread has been incredibly helpful! My refund was offset for my spouse's student loan debt and the injured spouse claim was rejected with the same vague "considered and denied" language. Based on what everyone has shared here, it sounds like the key is really addressing the community property issue head-on with specific documentation. I'm going to try the reconsideration approach that Ellie mentioned before going the formal appeals route. One question - for those who were successful, how long did it typically take to hear back from the IRS after resubmitting? I'm trying to set realistic expectations for my client about timing, especially since we're already 4 months into this mess. Also, has anyone had experience with cases where the offset was for something other than back taxes (like student loans or child support)? I'm wondering if the same strategies apply or if there are different considerations.

I've been dealing with transcript access issues too! One thing that helped me was making sure I was using the exact same personal information (name, SSN, address) that the IRS has on file from my most recent return. Even small differences like abbreviations vs. full street names can cause the system to reject your login. Also, if you're still having trouble after trying all these suggestions, you can request transcripts by mail using Form 4506-T. It takes 5-10 business days but it's a reliable backup option when the online system isn't cooperating. The mailed transcripts show all the same information including amendment status codes.

I had this exact same issue last month! The new IRS transcript system is definitely confusing. What worked for me was using a completely fresh browser session - I cleared all cookies, cache, and browsing data, then went directly to irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript. Don't use any bookmarks from previous years as those URLs might be outdated. When you get to the verification step, I'd recommend trying the Direct Authentication method first before ID.me - it seemed more reliable for me. Also, make sure you're looking for the right transcript type: for amended returns, you need the "Account Transcript" which will show processing codes. The "Return Transcript" won't show amendment status. If you're still stuck after trying these steps, the phone option that @Liam Fitzgerald mentioned might be worth it since amended returns can have specific issues that need agent assistance.

Here's a real-world example that helped me understand this concept: I'm a writer living in France, and a US publisher pays me royalties for a book I wrote. I don't have a US office, don't come to the US for business, and have no US employees. Those royalties are definitely US-sourced (because the publisher is in the US), but they're NOT effectively connected with a US trade or business (because I don't have an office or employees in the US and don't regularly come to the US to conduct business). So I pay a flat 0% tax on these royalties thanks to the US-France tax treaty (it would normally be 30% without a treaty). It's reported on Form 1042-S, and I don't even need to file a US tax return. Hope this helps!

Don't forget that US Social Security benefits paid to non-residents also fall into this middle category! If you worked in the US in the past but now live abroad, your Social Security payments are US-sourced income not effectively connected with a trade or business. These are generally subject to 30% withholding unless your country has a tax treaty with better terms. For example, Canada's treaty makes US Social Security completely exempt from US tax for Canadian residents.

Watch out! I've seen this situation go badly for several people: • They assume the money is coming in a second deposit • They wait weeks with nothing happening • When they finally contact IRS, they learn the deadline to redirect the credit has passed • The money stays applied to next year's taxes Don't wait if you need that money now. The 826 code specifically means they've moved $1,300 to your 2024 tax account as a prepayment. It will NOT automatically come to your bank.

I went through this exact same situation three months ago and can confirm what others are saying - code 826 means they transferred your $1,300 to cover 2024 tax obligations. The key thing to understand is this money is now sitting as a credit on your 2024 tax account, not coming as a separate deposit. Since you mentioned needing this for medical bills, you absolutely can request that credit be refunded to you instead of applied to next year's taxes. You'll need to call the IRS and specifically request a refund of the transferred credit. They can process this, but it typically takes 6-10 weeks once approved. Don't wait on this - there are time limits for redirecting these transfers. I'd recommend calling first thing Monday morning (they tend to have shorter wait times early in the week) and have your Social Security number and the exact amount ready when you call.