Another thing to consider - if you're getting a refund from the amendment, the IRS pays interest on that money (and the interest is taxable next year, fun). But if amending means you OWE money, you'll probably have to pay interest and possibly penalties too. The current interest rate the IRS charges is like 7-8% I think? So that's another factor in deciding if it's "worth it" - the longer you wait, the more interest accumulates either way.

The $4600 in mortgage interest could definitely be worth amending, but it really depends on whether you itemized or took the standard deduction. If you took the standard deduction and this wouldn't push your total itemized deductions above that threshold, then amending won't help. However, if you were already itemizing or this would tip you over into itemizing territory, you're looking at potential tax savings in the hundreds to over $1000 range depending on your tax bracket. One thing to keep in mind - you have 3 years from the original filing date to amend, so there's no immediate rush. But the sooner you do it, the sooner you'll get any refund (plus the IRS pays interest on amended return refunds). The processing time is definitely slow right now - expect 4-6 months minimum. I'd suggest pulling out your original return and checking Schedule A to see if you itemized. If you did, or if adding this $4600 to your other potential deductions (state taxes, charitable donations, etc.) would exceed your standard deduction amount, then it's probably worth the hassle and fee to amend.

its crazy how some agents help and others dont even try. like do ur job fam 🤡

Stuck in the same boat since March. Gonna try calling tomorrow morning thanks for the hope lol

Anyone else notice that the IRS seems way more backlogged this year compared to previous years? My brother filed in March and already got his refund, but my February filing is still stuck. Makes no sense.

I'm going through the exact same nightmare! Filed February 8th, accepted immediately, and my transcript has been completely empty ever since. It's now been over 2 months and I'm getting seriously worried. Called the IRS last week and they gave me the same "system glitch affecting early filers" story and said it should be resolved soon, but I've heard that excuse before. What's really frustrating is seeing people who filed weeks after me already getting their refunds while we early filers are stuck in limbo. Has anyone actually seen their transcript update after being told about this supposed "fix" they implemented in March? I'm starting to wonder if I should file an amended return or contact a tax advocate at this point.

If anyone is still looking for the Sprintax discount code box - I just used it yesterday and found another way to get there. If you click on "Payment Options" in the top navigation, it takes you to a page where the discount code section is much more visible than on the regular checkout page. Also, pro tip: if your university discount code doesn't work for some reason, try googling "Sprintax discount code 2025" - I found a general 10% off code that worked when my university one had expired.

As someone who works in tax preparation, I want to add some important context to this discussion. While I'm glad Dylan found the discount code box, I'd encourage everyone to be very careful about the advice being shared here. Some of the services mentioned in these comments appear to be promotional rather than genuine recommendations. When dealing with tax preparation, especially as an international student, it's crucial to use established, reputable services that are specifically designed for nonresident tax situations. Sprintax, despite its interface quirks, is actually one of the more reliable options because it's specifically built for international students and has proper certifications. The VITA program suggestion from Yara is excellent - that's a completely legitimate IRS-approved free service that many universities offer. If you're struggling with Sprintax or any tax software, I'd recommend contacting your university's international student office first. They usually have relationships with approved tax preparation services and can provide guidance on which options are best for your specific visa situation.

Has anyone tried the VITA program? They do free tax prep but I'm not sure if they handle international stuff like UK investments.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation with foreign assets (investments in Germany) and have been overpaying for years. One thing I'd add is that when you're interviewing potential preparers, ask them specifically about their experience with the exact forms you need rather than just "international experience." I learned this the hard way when a CPA said they had international experience but had never actually filed a Form 8938 before. Also, don't be afraid to ask for references from other clients with foreign assets. Most good preparers who work with international situations will have other clients they can refer you to (with permission, of course). I found my current EA this way - she charges about $800 for my return versus the $2,200 I was paying the international specialist, and she's been doing foreign asset reporting for 8 years. The key really is understanding exactly what level of expertise you need for each part of your return. Once you know that, you can find someone who's qualified without paying for expertise you don't actually need.