Has anyone used one of those online home value estimators instead of paying for a formal appraisal? I'm wondering if the IRS would accept Zillow or Redfin estimates as proof of FMV for establishing stepped-up basis?

I'm so sorry for your loss, Nathan. Dealing with estate matters while grieving is incredibly difficult. Getting a professional appraisal is definitely the smart approach here - the IRS generally expects formal documentation for establishing fair market value, especially for real estate. One thing to keep in mind is that the appraisal should ideally be done as close to the date of death as possible to accurately reflect the FMV at that time. Since it's been a few weeks since your father passed, you'll want to make sure the appraiser understands they need to value the property as of the March date of death, not current conditions. The step-up basis will likely save you significant money on capital gains taxes. Just make sure to keep all documentation - the appraisal report, probate court documents, death certificate, and any records showing the property transfer. You'll need these when you eventually sell to prove your stepped-up cost basis to the IRS. Consider consulting with a tax professional who specializes in estate matters, especially given that there's no will involved. They can help ensure you're handling everything correctly during the probate process.

ngl these transcripts might as well be written in ancient egyptian hieroglyphics lmaooo

Code 570 with EIC is super common - they basically have to verify your income and dependents before releasing that $3,733 earned income credit. Since your return processed March 20th, you're probably looking at getting your refund around mid-April, maybe a week or two after the 15th. The good news is your transcript shows no red flags - just the standard review process. Hang tight! 💪

The IRS is so behind this year its not even funny anymore. They need to get it together fr

Looking at your transcript, the 570/971 combo is pretty standard when the IRS needs to verify credits - especially with that large refund amount. The good news is your account shows no penalties or interest accruing, which means they're not questioning the legitimacy of your return, just doing their due diligence. Based on the timing (971 notice issued May 2nd), you should receive that letter within 7-10 business days explaining exactly what they need. Once you provide any requested documentation or they complete their internal review, the 570 hold gets released and your refund processes. With credits like EIC and CTC, these reviews are routine but can take 6-12 weeks total. Keep checking your transcript weekly for updates - you'll see the 570 disappear first, then hopefully a 846 code with your direct deposit date. Hang in there! 🤞

Mine went from zeros to actual numbers then back to zeros again... The IRS is straight trolling us at this point 😤

Looking at your transcript, the code 570 "Additional account action pending" typically means the IRS needs to do additional review or verification before releasing your refund. It's not necessarily a problem - could be routine verification of your EIC claim since you're getting $4,095. The negative account balance (-42) does mean you have a credit/refund coming. The processing just happened on 12/9, so you're still early in the process. Code 570 usually gets resolved within 2-4 weeks, then you'd see a code 571 when it's released. Keep checking your transcript for updates!

One important thing no one has mentioned: if you go to a TAC office, you MUST call ahead for an appointment specifically for ITIN services. You can't just walk in for this service. Also, if your spouse entered the US on any kind of visa that allowed work (even if she's not working), she might actually qualify for an SSN instead of an ITIN. Worth checking that angle first since an SSN is way more useful long-term.

I went through this exact situation with my husband from Germany two years ago, and I completely understand your stress about the passport! Here's what we learned: The key is definitely using a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) appointment. You can get an ITIN without any US income - we did it specifically for future joint filing benefits even though my husband wasn't working yet. A few practical tips from our experience: - Book your TAC appointment as early as possible (we had to wait 3 weeks in our area) - Bring your completed tax return, the W-7 form, passport, marriage certificate, and maybe a utility bill showing both names - The appointment took about 45 minutes total, and they made certified copies of everything right there - We got the ITIN about 6-7 weeks later One thing that really helped us was calling the IRS beforehand to confirm exactly what we needed to bring. The agent was super helpful and walked us through the process step by step. Don't stress too much - thousands of people go through this process successfully every year. The TAC route is definitely the safest way to handle original documents, and the agents there are experienced with ITIN applications for spouses.