I'm in a similar situation - my refund check was mailed April 16th and still nothing after 11 days. Reading through all these comments is both reassuring and terrifying at the same time! It sounds like anything from 2-7 weeks is "normal" which is crazy when you're waiting on thousands of dollars. I'm definitely going to set up USPS Informed Delivery today and maybe call my local post office to see if they have it sitting there with a scanning error like someone mentioned. Thanks for posting this - at least I know I'm not alone in this waiting game!

I'm going through this exact same stress right now! My check was mailed April 15th (the day after yours) and still no sign of it. It's been 12 days and I'm checking the mailbox obsessively. Reading everyone's experiences here is actually really helpful though - sounds like 2-4 weeks is unfortunately pretty normal even though it feels like forever when you're waiting on that much money. I'm definitely going to set up USPS Informed Delivery right now and maybe try calling my local post office tomorrow to see if there's a scanning issue. The idea of mail theft is terrifying but at least if that happened the IRS can track if it was cashed by someone else. Fingers crossed both our checks show up this week! Thanks for posting this - it's oddly comforting to know others are in the same boat.

Have you checked which specific credit was disallowed on your previous return? Did the notice mention if it was the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, or education credits? The form requirements differ slightly depending on which credit you're recertifying for, wouldn't you agree?

I totally understand the overwhelming feeling when you first get that notice! Form 8862 is basically the IRS asking you to re-verify your eligibility for certain tax credits after they've been questioned or disallowed. Since you mentioned working remotely for 14 months, it's possible this relates to the Earned Income Credit or another credit you claimed. The key things to remember: • This isn't an audit - it's more like a verification checkpoint • Look at your notice carefully to see which specific credit triggered this requirement • You'll need to file this form WITH your 2024 return (can't file separately) • Gather any supporting documents that prove you qualify for the credit in question Don't panic! Most people who file Form 8862 get through the process just fine once they provide the requested information. The hardest part is usually just figuring out what documentation you need, but the form itself walks you through it step by step.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I know the tax situation can feel overwhelming when you're already dealing with so much. Just to add to the great advice already given - while you can't claim your unborn baby as a dependent this year, you should definitely start keeping track of all your pregnancy-related medical expenses now. This includes prenatal vitamins, doctor visits, ultrasounds, lab work, and even mileage to medical appointments. Even if you don't itemize this year, these expenses could help you reach that 7.5% AGI threshold for medical deductions, especially since you'll likely have delivery costs later in the year. Also, once your baby arrives, make applying for their Social Security Number a priority - you'll need it for next year's taxes to claim them as a dependent and get that Child Tax Credit. The hospital usually has the forms, or you can apply online at ssa.gov. Don't stress too much about the current filing deadline - you've got time to get everything right!

Hey Andre! I totally understand the stress - I went through something similar when I was pregnant with my first. Just want to echo what everyone else has said: definitely cannot claim the baby until they're actually born with an SSN, but you're absolutely on the right track thinking ahead! One thing I don't think anyone mentioned yet - if you're planning to breastfeed, you can actually deduct the cost of a breast pump and related supplies as medical expenses (even if insurance covers part of it, you can deduct your out-of-pocket portion). Also, if you end up needing to modify your home for the baby (like installing safety equipment), some of those costs might be deductible too. Since you're a dental hygienist, you probably have good insurance, but don't forget that adding your baby to your health plan within 30 days of birth won't require waiting for open enrollment - it's a qualifying life event. You'll want to factor that premium increase into your withholding calculations too. You've got this! The fact that you're asking these questions now shows you're being super responsible about planning ahead.

Same issue here. Been locked out 3 days straight. Called them and was on hold for 2 hours just to get hung up on 🤮

I had the same problem last week! What worked for me was clearing my browser cache and cookies completely, then waiting the full 24 hours before trying again. Also make sure you're using the exact refund amount from line 35a of your 1040 form, not any estimated amount. The system is super picky about matching everything exactly.

wait couldn't you just not report the gift cards? I mean if its only $250-$300 per person and only 3-4 employees, thats like $1000 total. seems unlikely the IRS would audit a tiny nonprofit over such a small amount?? just saying what I've seen lots of small businesses do...

As someone who's dealt with similar nonprofit tax situations, I'd recommend being extra cautious here. The personal guarantee on the credit card doesn't change the fact that the card is in the nonprofit's name and the points were earned through organizational spending. The IRS will look at the economic substance of the transaction - employees receiving compensation from their employer. If you really want to give meaningful gifts, consider the $75 non-cash de minimis route others mentioned, or just bite the bullet and report the gift cards as taxable compensation. It's not ideal, but it keeps you compliant. You could even gross up the gift amount to cover the tax burden for your employees if budget allows. Remember, as a nonprofit, maintaining your tax-exempt status is worth way more than the hassle of properly reporting these gifts. Don't let a well-intentioned gesture put your organization at risk.