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Typical IRS... they expect us to file on time but cant even keep their website working properly š
I had this same issue last week! What finally worked for me was using an incognito/private browsing window. Something about the cookies or cached data was interfering. Also make sure JavaScript is enabled - the transcript button won't work without it. Hope this helps!
Something nobody mentioned - depending on what kind of settlement this was, it might not even be taxable income! I had a personal injury settlement and didn't have to pay taxes on it at all. What was your class action for?
This is a really important point. If the settlement was for physical injuries, it's usually not taxable. But if it was for emotional distress, punitive damages, or something like lost wages or a data breach, then it generally is taxable. The type of 1099 can give a clue too - 1099-MISC in box 3 usually means taxable.
I went through something similar with a consumer protection class action settlement last year. One thing that helped me was looking at the settlement notice that was posted on the court's website - it usually has the full fee arrangement spelled out. In my case, the attorneys took 33% plus expenses, which wasn't clearly shown on my 1099-MISC either. I ended up having to calculate it myself based on the settlement notice. Make sure when you report the attorney fees as a deduction that you have documentation to back it up in case the IRS asks questions later. Also, keep in mind that if this was a punitive damages settlement (like for a data breach or consumer fraud), it's definitely taxable income. But if any portion was for actual damages or reimbursement of losses you incurred, that part might not be taxable. The settlement paperwork should specify what each portion represents.
Make sure you're using the right filing address! This bit me last year when I was in your situation. The IRS has different mailing addresses depending on if you're enclosing a payment or not, and they also vary by state. I sent mine to the wrong place and it delayed my refund by TWO MONTHS! š” Check this page for the right address: https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment
Omg this! I made the same mistake last year and it was a nightmare tracking down my return. The worst part was that no one could tell me where it was for like 6 weeks. I kept calling and they just said "it's still being processed" with no other info.
I'm in almost the exact same situation! My husband is from Germany and only visits the US a few times a year. We've been paper filing for the past two years and it's definitely annoying, but it becomes routine after the first time. One thing I learned that might help you - when you mail your return, include a brief cover letter explaining your situation (married filing separately with non-resident alien spouse who doesn't have SSN/ITIN). This helps the IRS processors understand why you're paper filing and can speed up the review process. Also, definitely send it certified mail with tracking like others mentioned. Last year my return took about 7 weeks to process, which isn't too bad considering they have to manually review it. If you're planning to move to the UK eventually anyway, it might not be worth the hassle of getting your husband an ITIN. But if you'll be filing US taxes for several more years, it could be worth considering since it would let you go back to e-filing. Good luck with your first paper filing! It's not as scary as it seems once you get everything organized.
Thanks for sharing your experience! The cover letter tip is really helpful - I wouldn't have thought of that on my own. Seven weeks for processing doesn't sound too terrible, especially knowing it's being manually reviewed. Quick question - when you include the cover letter, do you just put it on top of your forms or do you attach it in a specific way? And do you address it to anyone in particular or just keep it general? I want to make sure I do this right since it's my first time paper filing! Also totally agree about not bothering with the ITIN if we're moving to the UK eventually. Seems like unnecessary paperwork for something temporary.
Here's what typically happens with IRS verification: 1. Initial screening - All returns go through automated filters that look for discrepancies 2. Selection - Returns flagged by these filters move to verification 3. Notification - At this point, a letter may be sent (CP05, 4464C, etc.) 4. Processing - The IRS reviews information against their records 5. Resolution - Approval, adjustment, or request for additional documentation For amended returns specifically, the process is more thorough because they're comparing against your original filing. The best approach is to check your transcript weekly and watch for status code changes. This gives you the most up-to-date information without waiting for postal mail.
Code 570 followed by 571 is what you want to see on your transcript. 570 means they're holding your refund for review, and 571 means the review is complete. I've seen this pattern on 6 different verified returns I've helped with. When you see 571 appear, your refund is typically 5-8 days away if there were no issues found.
Think of verification like airport security. Everyone goes through the basic metal detector (automated screening), but some people get randomly selected for the extra wand scan (verification). It doesn't mean you've done anything wrong - it's just an extra layer of security. The IRS is basically doing the same thing with your money before they release it. The system is designed to be cautious, not punitive.
The 37-day timeline you mentioned for your amended return is actually pretty standard - you're right in the normal processing window. Amended returns typically take 16+ weeks, so you're still early in the process. One thing I'd add to the excellent advice here: if you're dealing with verification, keep detailed records of all your documentation. Even if they don't request anything initially, having everything organized (receipts, W-2s, 1099s, etc.) can save you weeks if they do follow up later. Also, that missed deduction you discovered - was it a significant amount? Sometimes larger discrepancies between original and amended returns can trigger additional scrutiny. The IRS computers are pretty good at flagging unusual patterns, but it's all part of their normal process to protect against fraud. Your right to know about verification is valid, but unfortunately the IRS timeline for notification isn't always consistent with when verification actually begins. Checking your transcript weekly is really your best bet for staying informed about what's happening behind the scenes.
This is really helpful context about the 37-day timeline being normal! I'm curious about your point regarding larger discrepancies triggering scrutiny. What would be considered a "significant amount" that might flag additional review? I'm dealing with a similar situation where I found a $2,800 education credit I missed on my original return. Should I expect this to automatically trigger verification, or is it more about the percentage difference between original and amended amounts?
Aaron Lee
yall need to stop refreshing WMR every 5 mins and just wait š its coming
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Chloe Mitchell
ā¢easier said than done when bills are due š¤
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Ellie Lopez
Code 290 is definitely a good sign! It means they've processed your amended return and made adjustments. The 10/28 as-of date usually indicates when they expect to complete processing. From what I've seen, most people get their 846 refund code within 2-4 weeks after the 290 appears. And yeah, amended returns typically come as paper checks for security reasons, though I've heard some people are getting direct deposits now. Keep checking your transcripts - you should see movement soon!
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Anastasia Fedorov
ā¢This is super helpful! I'm in a similar situation and have been wondering about the timeline. Question though - when you say "checking transcripts" where exactly do you check those? I'm pretty new to all this IRS stuff and still figuring out where to find all the different codes and updates.
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