The 846 code with a 2/10 date is definitely a good sign! That's your official refund issued date. Since you mentioned having to amend paperwork earlier, I totally understand the extra anxiety - I went through something similar last year when I had to correct my filing status. A few things that might help ease your mind: • The 846 code is one of the most reliable indicators in the whole process • Most banks process IRS direct deposits overnight, so you'll likely see it early morning on 2/10 • Since your transcript already updated for cycle 3, you're past the major processing hurdles • Amended returns can cause delays, but once you see that 846 code, those delays are behind you I'd recommend setting up account alerts with your bank so you get notified the moment it hits. The waiting game is brutal, but you're basically at the finish line now. Keep an eye on your transcript for any new codes, but honestly, once you have that 846 with a date, it's pretty much a done deal!

The 846 code with 2/10 date is great news! That's your official refund issued date from the IRS. Since you filed on 1/31 and had to amend paperwork (which can definitely add stress), seeing that 846 code means you've cleared all the processing hurdles. Here's what to expect: • Your refund will be released by the IRS on 2/10 • Most banks process IRS deposits overnight, so you'll likely see it early morning on 2/10 • Some banks may hold it 1-2 business days, but many make IRS refunds available immediately • Keep checking your transcript until the money hits - just to be safe I totally get the anxiety after having to amend things! I went through something similar and was constantly second-guessing everything. But once you see that 846 code with a specific date, you're basically home free. The IRS is pretty reliable with those dates once they commit to them. Set up mobile alerts with your bank if you can - there's nothing like getting that notification that your refund has arrived! You're almost there!

Have you: • Checked your transcript for codes? • Verified if you have credits subject to PATH Act? • Confirmed your filing was actually accepted on Jan 31st (not just submitted)? • Called the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954? The 21-day timeline is just a guideline, not a guarantee.

The confusion between business days vs calendar days is completely understandable! As others have mentioned, the IRS does count business days for their 21-day processing guideline, which excludes weekends and federal holidays. However, I want to point out something that might help clarify the mixed information you're receiving: the IRS website itself states that "9 out of 10 refunds are issued within 21 days" without always specifying business vs calendar days in their general communications. This creates the confusion you're experiencing. For your January 31st filing date, counting 21 business days with Presidents Day excluded would indeed land you around February 29th. I'd recommend checking your account transcript online at irs.gov - it will show any processing codes that might explain delays beyond the standard timeline. The transcript is often more informative than the Where's My Refund tool.

I'd strongly recommend reporting the $500 even though it's a small amount. Here's why: the IRS has been increasing their data matching capabilities, and many online platforms are required to report payments to them even if they don't send you a 1099. If you use PayPal, Venmo, CashApp, or similar services, they're now reporting transactions over $600 total per year to the IRS. Even if your feet pic income stays under that threshold, it's better to be transparent. The good news is that for $500 in self-employment income, you likely won't owe any self-employment tax (since that kicks in at $400 net income, and you can deduct legitimate business expenses). You'd just report it as other income on your tax return. My advice: keep detailed records of all transactions, set aside about 20-25% of what you earn for taxes just in case, and consider any expenses you can legitimately deduct (portion of phone/internet bills, any equipment, etc.). Better to over-report than under-report when it comes to the IRS.

I've been following this thread and wanted to add something that might help. As someone who works in tax preparation, I see situations like this all the time. The $500 threshold is actually pretty common for people testing out online side gigs. Here's what I tell my clients: even though $500 seems small, reporting it correctly from the start establishes good habits and protects you down the line. The IRS has gotten much better at cross-referencing data from payment processors, social media platforms, and other digital sources. For your specific situation, since you're planning to stop after making $500, you're probably looking at reporting this as "Other Income" on Schedule 1 of your Form 1040, assuming your net earnings stay under $400 after any legitimate business deductions. Keep receipts for anything related to this activity - even small expenses like a portion of your internet bill or phone costs can help reduce your taxable income. The key is documentation. Screenshot every transaction, keep records of any expenses, and track dates. Even if you never get audited, having clean records makes filing so much easier. And honestly, for $500 in additional income, you're probably looking at maybe $50-75 in extra federal taxes depending on your bracket, so it's not going to break the bank. Good luck with the car repair fund!

Has anyone used TurboTax for this kind of simple 1099-MISC situation? Does it make the Schedule C stuff easier or is it still confusing?

I went through this exact same situation two years ago with some temporary EMT work that generated a 1099-MISC. The confusion is totally understandable! Yes, you do need to file Schedule C even for temporary work like this. The IRS doesn't distinguish between "real businesses" and one-off gigs when it comes to 1099 income reporting. Here's what made it easier for me: For business name, just use your full name. For the business code, since you're doing paramedic work, you can use 621910 (Ambulance Services) or 621399 (All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners). Your business address is just your home address. Don't forget about potential deductions! Even for temporary work, you might be able to deduct: - Mileage driving to/from the work location - Any supplies you purchased for the job - Professional licensing fees (prorated if you use the license for other work too) The self-employment tax does sting a bit at 15.3%, but remember you get to deduct half of it on your main 1040 form. For $1,200 of income, you're looking at roughly $184 in SE tax, minus whatever deductions you can claim. It's definitely more complicated than regular W-2 income, but once you do it once, it becomes much clearer for future situations!

Isn't it interesting how we worry when things go right faster than expected? You got your money without the usual bureaucratic notification process. Isn't that actually the best-case scenario? Many people are still waiting for refunds filed months ago, yet you're concerned about missing an email that would just tell you what you already know - your money arrived. The tax system works in mysterious ways, doesn't it?

I completely understand your concern about proper documentation - it's smart to be thorough with tax matters! This exact scenario happened to me last filing season. The deposit arrived on a Tuesday, but I didn't get the TurboTax notification email until the following Friday. What I learned is that TurboTax's notification system runs on a different schedule than the actual IRS payment processing. The IRS processes refunds in batches and sends them via ACH transfer, while TurboTax's email notifications are generated by their customer service system, which can lag behind. For your records, the most important documentation is: • Your bank statement showing the deposit with "IRS TREAS" or similar identifier • Your filed tax return copy • Your IRS transcript (available online at irs.gov) Since you mentioned being a first-time US filer, I'd recommend setting up an account on the IRS website to access your tax transcript - it shows the complete timeline of your return processing and serves as official documentation. The notification email from TurboTax is just a courtesy and isn't required for any official purposes. You're doing everything right by tracking your return carefully!