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I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My status changed to "Under review - additional information may be requested" about 2 weeks ago and I was initially terrified. This thread has been incredibly helpful and reassuring. What really put my mind at ease was learning that the IRS received significant funding increases and upgraded their processing systems, which explains why so many more people are experiencing these status changes this year. It makes perfect sense that they're conducting more routine verification checks rather than full audits. Anna's detailed timeline with the CP75 letter was especially valuable - knowing it took 10 days to receive correspondence and 6 weeks total for resolution of something as straightforward as charitable deduction verification really helps set realistic expectations. I followed everyone's advice and organized all my tax documents last weekend (W-2s, 1099s, receipts for deductions, etc.) and it definitely helped reduce my anxiety during this waiting period. Even though I haven't received any correspondence yet, having everything ready gives me peace of mind. The hardest part is definitely the uncertainty and waiting, but reading all these positive outcomes has reminded me that patience is key. Most of these "under review" statuses seem to resolve without major issues, and many people don't even need to submit additional documentation. Thanks to this community for sharing real experiences and practical advice - it makes navigating IRS stress so much more manageable when you know you're not alone!
I just joined this community and I'm so grateful I found this thread! I'm dealing with the exact same "Under review" status change that happened to me just 3 days ago. As someone completely new to this situation, I was absolutely panicking until I read through everyone's experiences here. What's been most helpful is understanding that the IRS is conducting way more of these routine checks now due to their increased funding and system modernization. I had no idea this was happening on such a large scale this year - it really explains why so many of us are seeing these status changes. Anna's CP75 experience breakdown is exactly what I needed to hear as a newcomer to this process. The 10-day timeline for receiving actual correspondence and the 6-week resolution for something as simple as charitable deduction verification makes this feel so much less overwhelming than what I was imagining. I'm definitely going to organize my documents this weekend following everyone's advice. It seems like the best thing to do while waiting is to get all my W-2s, 1099s, and receipts in one place so I'm prepared if they do need anything. Thank you all for creating such a supportive space for people going through this stress. As a new community member, it's amazing to see how you all help each other navigate these IRS situations with real experiences and practical guidance!
I'm experiencing the exact same situation and this thread has been a lifesaver! My status changed to "Under review - additional information may be requested" about 4 days ago and I've been checking my account multiple times daily hoping for more clarity. What's really helped calm my nerves is learning from everyone here that this is becoming incredibly common this year due to the IRS's increased funding and system upgrades. It makes complete sense that they're flagging more returns for routine verification rather than conducting full audits on everyone. Anna's detailed CP75 experience was particularly reassuring - the 10-day timeline for receiving correspondence and 6-week total resolution for charitable deduction verification gives me realistic expectations instead of imagining this dragging on indefinitely. Knowing it was something straightforward rather than a comprehensive audit review really puts things in perspective. I'm planning to organize all my tax documents this weekend like everyone has suggested. I have my W-2s, 1099s, and receipts scattered across different folders, so consolidating everything will definitely help me feel more prepared and less anxious during this waiting period. The uncertainty is definitely challenging, but reading all these positive outcomes from people who initially thought they were facing something serious has been incredibly reassuring. This community support makes dealing with IRS stress so much more manageable - thank you all for sharing your experiences and helping newcomers like me navigate these situations!
I just joined this community and I'm so relieved to find this discussion! I'm going through the exact same thing - my status changed to "Under review" yesterday and I was immediately convinced I was being audited. Reading through everyone's experiences has been incredibly calming. What really stands out to me is how many people are dealing with this same situation this year. The explanation about the IRS's increased funding and new processing systems makes so much sense - they're clearly able to flag way more returns for routine checks now. It's reassuring to know this is more about their improved capabilities than us doing something wrong. Anna's timeline with the CP75 letter is exactly what I needed to hear as someone brand new to this process. Knowing it could take 10 days to get correspondence and that her issue was resolved in 6 weeks with just charitable deduction verification makes this feel so much less intimidating than what I was imagining. I'm definitely going to spend this weekend organizing my documents like everyone suggests. Having everything ready will give me peace of mind while waiting and ensure I can respond quickly if needed. Thank you all for sharing your real experiences - it makes such a difference to know we're not alone in this!
Just to add somethin nobody mentioned - the IRS also uses a scoring system called DIF (Discriminant Function) that assigns points to tax returns that have unusual patterns or high amounts of deductions comparred to income. High DIF score = higher chance of audit. So even if you think your writing off a bunch of personal stuff as "business expenses" is a good idea, you might be raising your DIF score without realizing it. IRS computers are looking for patterns, not just random returns.
Is there any way to know what your DIF score is? Or what specific deductions trigger it? I have a legitimate small business but now I'm paranoid lol
The IRS doesn't release DIF scores or the specific formulas they use - that would basically be giving people a roadmap to game the system. But generally speaking, they look for things like unusually high deductions relative to income, consistent losses year after year, or expense categories that seem out of line for your type of business. If you have a legitimate business, just focus on proper documentation and only deducting expenses that are truly ordinary and necessary for your business operations. Keep detailed records, receipts, and be able to explain the business purpose of any deduction. That's really the best defense against any audit concerns.
There's also the matter of substantiation requirements that people often overlook. The IRS requires different levels of documentation depending on the expense type. For meals and entertainment, you need receipts plus records of who you met with and the business purpose. For travel expenses, you need detailed logs of dates, destinations, and business activities. Even if someone created a fake consulting business, they'd struggle to produce legitimate client contracts, invoices, payment records, and correspondence that would stand up to scrutiny. The IRS has seen every scheme imaginable - they know what real business activity looks like versus manufactured deductions. Your wife's DoorDash situation is actually a perfect example of legitimate business expenses because there's a clear paper trail: the app tracks her drives, she has gas receipts, maintenance records, and her "business purpose" is obvious and verifiable.
I'm in a similar boat as a retail manager and went through this exact dilemma last year. Unfortunately, as others mentioned, the employee business expense deduction is gone for most of us. However, I found a workaround that might help you too! I started doing some freelance bookkeeping on the side (just a few hours on weekends) and now I can deduct a portion of my laptop cost as a business expense on Schedule C. Since you're already helping with your partner's Etsy shop, you might be able to formalize that arrangement and pay yourself for the work you do. Even if it's just $50-100 per month, it creates a legitimate business activity that would allow you to deduct the business-use percentage of the laptop. Just make sure to keep detailed records of your time usage - business vs personal vs regular job. The key is having a genuine profit motive and treating it like a real business. It's not a huge tax break, but every little bit helps when you're spending $800+ on equipment!
This is really helpful advice! I hadn't thought about formalizing the work I do for my partner's Etsy shop. Right now I just help out informally, but if I actually started paying myself for managing listings, customer service, and order processing, that could create a legitimate business expense deduction. Do you know if there's a minimum amount of business income needed to make this worthwhile, or any specific documentation I should keep to make sure everything's above board?
I've been following this thread and wanted to add another perspective from someone who's dealt with similar equipment purchases. While the federal employee business expense deduction is indeed gone, there are still a few angles worth exploring: First, definitely pursue the side business route that others mentioned - even small amounts of legitimate business income can justify equipment deductions. The IRS doesn't have a minimum income threshold, but you do need to show profit motive and keep good records. Second, consider negotiating with your employer differently. Instead of asking for reimbursement, you might propose that they purchase the laptop and let you use it for work purposes (including taking it home when needed). This way the company gets the tax deduction and you get access to the equipment. Third, some states like California, New York, and Pennsylvania still allow unreimbursed employee expenses as itemized deductions on state returns. Even though the tax savings would be smaller than federal, it's still something. Finally, if you do end up purchasing it personally, make sure to keep all receipts and documentation. Tax laws could change again after 2025 when the current provisions expire, and you might be able to use those records retroactively. The $800+ investment is tough without federal deduction, but between potential state deductions and the side business angle, you might be able to recover 15-25% of the cost depending on your situation.
I'm dealing with the exact same thing! DDD of 3/14 with Capital One and still nothing. Last year my refund hit 3 days early, but this year seems totally different. I've been obsessively checking my account every few hours like it's going to magically appear lol. From what I'm reading in the comments, it sounds like banks are being more cautious this year and the IRS processing is just generally slower. The waiting is driving me insane but I guess we just have to be patient until our actual DDD passes. At least we're not alone in this frustrating experience!
Same here! I'm also with Capital One and have a DDD of 3/16 - checking my account constantly like you said. It's so frustrating when you're used to getting deposits early and then suddenly this year everything seems delayed. At least now I know it's not just me! Hoping we both see our refunds hit soon š¤
OMG yes the constant account checking is real! I've probably refreshed my app like 50 times today alone. It's so weird how Capital One was reliable for early deposits before but this year feels completely different. The uncertainty is the worst part - like you said at least we know we're not the only ones dealing with this madness. Fingers crossed our refunds show up soon! š¤
I'm experiencing the exact same thing with Capital One! DDD of 3/17 and still nothing in my account. Usually my tax refunds show up 2-3 days early but this year is completely different. I called both Capital One and the IRS yesterday and got the same runaround - "wait until your official date" without any real explanation. From reading all these comments, it seems like this is a widespread issue this year. The banks appear to be more conservative with early deposits for tax refunds, and the IRS processing system seems overwhelmed. It's incredibly frustrating when you're counting on that money and used to getting it early! I'm trying to be patient until my actual DDD passes, but the waiting is killing me. At least we're all in this together - misery loves company! š
Michael Adams
i wouldn't stress. its such a small amount they might not even notice. but if u wanna be extra safe just amend
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Emma Wilson
Honestly don't panic over $300! I had something similar happen - forgot about a short temp job. The IRS computer systems automatically match W-2s to returns, so they'll probably catch it eventually and just send you a notice with the small amount you owe (if any). You can either wait for that or be proactive and file 1040X. Either way, for such a small amount the penalty would be basically nothing. Sleep easy! š
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