I've been through this exact scenario! Living abroad definitely adds complexity to the IDme-IRS verification process. A few things to try: First, make sure you're accessing the IRS portal directly (irs.gov/account) rather than through any bookmarked links - sometimes cached URLs can cause loops. Second, when you get to the IDme login screen, look for text that says something like "authorize IRS access" after you log in - this is the key step many people miss. Third, if you're still getting stuck, try using a different browser entirely or clearing all cookies/cache for both irs.gov and id.me domains. The international IP address usually isn't the issue, but the verification system can be finicky about browser sessions. If none of that works, you might need to contact IDme support directly - they can see if there's a technical issue with your account's IRS authorization status.

I went through this same frustrating experience last year! The trick is understanding that IDme verification and IRS authorization are two separate steps. Even with a verified IDme account, you still need to complete the IRS-specific authorization flow. Here's what worked for me as an international filer: 1) Make sure you're using the direct IRS.gov link, not any bookmarked pages, 2) When you log into IDme, look for the consent screen that specifically mentions sharing your verified information with the IRS - this is crucial and easy to miss, 3) Ensure your IDme profile address matches exactly what's on your most recent tax return (international addresses can be tricky with formatting), and 4) Try using a fresh browser session or incognito mode to avoid any cached authentication issues. The Canadian IP address shouldn't be a problem, but the address formatting and authorization consent are the most common culprits for the verification loop. If you're still stuck after trying these steps, IDme customer support can check if there's a technical issue with your account's IRS connection status.

As someone who recently went through this exact same process, I'd recommend starting with the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator that others mentioned, but also keeping a few things in mind: First, since you're paying tuition out of pocket, make sure you understand which education benefits you can claim. The American Opportunity Tax Credit can be worth up to $2,500 and is partially refundable, which means it could be contributing to your large refund even if you owe no taxes. Second, when you adjust your W-4, start conservatively. Maybe aim to reduce your refund to $2,000-2,500 this year rather than going straight to breaking even. This gives you a buffer while you learn how the new system works. Finally, consider the timing - if you make changes now, you'll have fewer paychecks left in the year to spread the adjustment across, which means each remaining paycheck will see a bigger change in withholding. You might want to calculate whether that works with your budget or if you should make a smaller adjustment now and fine-tune it for next year. The key is getting comfortable with the process before trying to hit that perfect $0 balance!

I went through this exact same frustration two years ago when I got back a $4,800 refund! What really helped me was understanding that the new W-4 form works differently than the old one - you can't just add "allowances" anymore. Here's my step-by-step approach that got me to within $300 of breaking even: 1. **Use the IRS Withholding Estimator first** - It's way more accurate than generic calculators and will give you specific dollar amounts for your W-4. 2. **Account for your education expenses properly** - With tuition payments, you likely qualify for the American Opportunity Tax Credit (up to $2,500) or Lifetime Learning Credit (up to $2,000). These credits are a big part of why you're getting such a large refund. 3. **For the W-4 adjustment** - You'll probably need to add an amount in Step 4(b) for "Deductions" to reduce your withholding. The estimator will calculate this for you, but roughly speaking, if you want $200 less withheld per month, you'd add about $3,000-3,500 in deductions (depending on your tax bracket). 4. **Start conservative** - Maybe aim for a $1,500-2,000 refund this first year rather than trying to hit exactly zero. You can always fine-tune it next year. Since you're making changes mid-year, the adjustment will be spread across fewer paychecks, so each one will see a bigger change. Make sure that works with your monthly budget! The key is that education credits are often the "hidden" reason for large refunds, so factor those in carefully.

Another option to consider if your employer is hesitant about the formal processes - you could suggest they simply agree not to contest your unemployment claim when you file. Even if they don't want to deal with reclassification paperwork right now, this would at least solve your immediate need for unemployment benefits. Most state unemployment offices will investigate worker classification when there's a dispute between a 1099 filing and an unemployment claim. If your work situation clearly shows you were functioning as an employee (set schedule, company equipment, integrated into their business operations, etc.), the state will often rule in your favor regardless of how you were originally classified for tax purposes. This approach gives your boss an easy "yes" that doesn't require him to admit fault or deal with IRS paperwork immediately, while still getting you the unemployment benefits you need. You can always pursue the tax classification issues separately later, but at least you'll have some income while job hunting. Just make sure to document your work arrangement thoroughly before you leave - save emails about schedules, screenshots of company systems you used, records of any training they provided, etc. This documentation will be valuable whether you're dealing with unemployment claims or potential IRS forms later.

This is a really comprehensive discussion with lots of great advice! I wanted to add one more consideration that might be helpful - timing your conversation strategically within your remaining time at the company. Since you mentioned you're getting laid off at the end of the month, I'd suggest having this conversation as soon as possible, but also being prepared for the possibility that your employer might accelerate your departure if they feel threatened by potential liability issues. Some employers unfortunately react to these conversations by immediately terminating the relationship to avoid further exposure. That said, since you're already being laid off anyway, you don't have much to lose by bringing this up now rather than waiting until after you leave when you'll have much less leverage. I'd also suggest keeping detailed records of your current work arrangement before you have the conversation - things like emails showing you report to a supervisor, any company handbook materials you received, records of using company equipment or software, etc. Having this documentation ready will be valuable whether your employer is cooperative or if you end up needing to file formal complaints later. The unemployment benefits angle really is the best starting point since it's immediate and doesn't require your employer to admit fault or navigate complex tax procedures. Good luck with your conversation - you've got a lot of good strategies to work with here!

Great question! I went through the same confusion a few months ago. The trace number is basically the IRS's internal tracking ID for your specific refund payment. When you see "funded to you" with a trace number, it means your refund has been fully approved and is now in the payment pipeline. You should see your money within 3-5 business days for direct deposit or 1-2 weeks for a mailed check. The hardest part is over - your return cleared all their checks and reviews. Now it's just a matter of the payment system doing its thing. Hang in there, you're almost done!

I see you're getting great answers here! Just wanted to add that you can also check your bank account for any pending deposits - sometimes the money shows up there before the IRS website updates to "refund sent" status. I've noticed with my credit union that refunds often appear as pending a day or two before they actually clear. The trace number is definitely your green light though - you're in the final stretch! Fingers crossed it hits your account soon. 🤞

Just got my Green Dot deposit this morning! My DDD was 2/26 but the funds were available at 4:38am today. The Early Access feature they advertise actually worked as promised. I set up account alerts so I got a text notification as soon as it posted. Such a relief after checking my account practically every hour for the past three days!

Green Dot usually releases funds 1-2 days before the official DDD when the IRS batch releases come through! Since your transcript shows 2/24 as the deposit date, you might see it hit your Green Dot account as early as 2/22 or 2/23. I've been using Green Dot for tax refunds for 3 years now and they're pretty consistent with early access - usually get a notification between 3-6am when it posts. Make sure you have push notifications enabled in the Green Dot app so you don't miss it! The waiting game is rough but Green Dot has been reliable in my experience. Good luck! 🤞