Anybody else notice the Where's My Refund tool is basically useless these days?

Just want to add that if you're approaching day 21 and getting nervous, check if you claimed any credits like EITC, CTC, or AOTC. Those automatically add extra processing time (usually takes the full 21 days minimum). Also make sure your bank info is correct - a lot of delays happen because of wrong account numbers or closed accounts.

You know what's funny about all this transcript code business? The IRS expects us to decipher their secret language while they can't even answer their own phones! 😂 I've been tracking my refunds for years now (military spouse, so we've filed in 4 different states). The WMR tool is basically useless compared to transcript codes. Last year it showed "still processing" for weeks after I had already received my refund! The big picture is that the IRS is dealing with millions of returns right now. Unless you see specific hold codes (570 without an 846 following it), your return is probably just in the normal queue. Military returns actually tend to process faster in my experience.

Welcome to the world of IRS transcript codes! As a fellow military family member, I totally get the confusion - it's like learning a whole new MOS! 😅 Here's my simplified breakdown for tracking your refund: **Quick Check Method:** - Use IRS2Go app or WMR tool on IRS.gov - Updates usually happen overnight (check early morning) **Detailed Method (what I recommend):** - Set up your IRS online account at irs.gov/account - Download your 2023 Account Transcript - Look for these key codes: * 150 = Your return was received and processed * 846 = Refund issued (this is your golden ticket!) * 570 = Temporary hold (usually resolves in 1-2 weeks) **Pro tip:** The date next to code 846 is your actual deposit date - you can bank on it being accurate. Since you filed 3 weeks ago through MilTax, you're right in the normal processing window. Most military returns I've seen this year are processing within 21-28 days, especially with the recent April deadline rush. For PCS planning, I'd suggest checking your transcript weekly rather than daily - the IRS updates in batches, so daily checking just adds stress without new info. Hope this helps and good luck with your move! 🎖️

The fact that your wife was initially on a tourist visa and then switched to a spousal visa is actually a common scenario. Based on the Canada-US tax treaty, what really matters is where your "permanent home" was available to you after you moved to the US. I went through something similar and was advised that having a lease agreement in the US showing intent to permanently reside there, along with evidence of moving personal belongings, was crucial in establishing US residency for treaty purposes. Also, document when you gave up provincial health insurance - that's a big one that CRA looks at for residency determination.

Cross-border tax situations like yours are incredibly nuanced, and it sounds like you have several factors working in your favor for establishing US residency status. The key thing to understand is that CRA's residency determination isn't just about your marital status or visa type - it's about where your life is actually centered. From what you've described, you have strong indicators of establishing US residency: you moved with clear intent (got the TN visa for work), obtained US driver's license and health insurance immediately, rented out your Canadian property, signed a 12-month US lease, and surrendered provincial health coverage. The fact that your wife was initially on a tourist visa versus a spousal visa is less relevant than the overall picture of your residential ties. What matters more is that you both moved together with the intention of establishing life in the US, regardless of the specific visa categories at the time. I'd recommend getting a second opinion from a cross-border tax specialist who isn't affiliated with your company. The accountants your employer hired may be taking an overly conservative approach that could cost you thousands unnecessarily. Make sure to document everything - dates of departure, lease agreements, utility setup, bank account openings, etc. This documentation will be crucial if CRA ever questions your residency determination. The Canada-US tax treaty is designed to prevent exactly this kind of double taxation scenario, so don't let anyone tell you that you're automatically stuck paying Canadian taxes on your US income just because of visa timing.

Pro tip: call your state SNAP office directly. Sometimes they can tell you if your debt has been referred for offset even if it's not showing up yet. The hold times are brutal but better than getting surprised later

I had a similar situation a couple years back! The good news is if you're not defaulted on your payment plan and it's not showing in TOP, you're probably in the clear for federal. State offsets work differently though - they usually happen faster and don't always sync with TOP. Since you're catching up on payments, document everything and keep those payment confirmations handy. Worst case scenario, if something does get offset, you can usually get it released pretty quickly if you're actively paying on the plan 🤞

One important consideration that hasn't been fully addressed is the impact of state residency changes over time. If you're setting up 529 plans for multiple generations, family members may move between states, which can complicate the tax benefits and penalties. I learned this the hard way when my daughter moved from our home state (which offered tax deductions for 529 contributions) to a state that taxes 529 earnings differently. We had to navigate not only the original state's recapture provisions but also understand how her new state would treat distributions. Additionally, for those considering this as a long-term wealth transfer strategy, keep in mind that tax laws can change significantly over decades. The current favorable treatment of 529 plans isn't guaranteed forever. Congress has modified 529 rules several times since their creation, and there's always the possibility of future changes that could affect multi-generational planning strategies. That said, even with these risks, 529 plans remain one of the most flexible tax-advantaged vehicles available for education savings and wealth transfer, especially when combined with the expanded qualified expense categories from recent legislation.

Great discussion everyone! I've been using 529 plans for wealth transfer for about 8 years now and wanted to share some practical insights from experience. The strategy definitely works, but I've learned a few things the hard way: 1. **Documentation is crucial** - Keep meticulous records of all beneficiary changes, contribution sources, and the reasoning behind transfers. The IRS may scrutinize patterns that look like you're primarily using 529s for wealth transfer rather than education. 2. **State tax arbitrage opportunities** - Some states (like Nevada, Utah, and New Hampshire) offer excellent 529 plans with no residency requirements and favorable tax treatment. You don't have to use your home state's plan, especially if it has high fees or limited investment options. 3. **Gift tax coordination** - Remember that each spouse can contribute separately, effectively doubling your annual exclusion amounts. My wife and I can jointly contribute $36,000 per beneficiary annually without gift tax implications, or $180,000 using the 5-year front-loading election. 4. **Consider Roth conversions alongside this strategy** - While you're building up 529 balances for the next generation, converting traditional IRA funds to Roth IRAs can complement the tax-free growth strategy, especially in lower-income years. The math really does work in your favor with a long enough time horizon, but don't put all your eggs in one basket. Legislative changes are always possible, and having multiple wealth transfer vehicles provides more flexibility.