To all those having trouble reaching a human at IRS. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c

Code 977 is definitely good news! It means your amended return has been accepted and is being processed. The fact that it showed up in just 8 days is actually really fast - most people wait weeks to see any movement. From what I've seen, after 977 you're typically looking at 2-4 more weeks before you see code 846 (refund issued) if you're getting money back. Just keep checking your transcript weekly and you should see progress soon. The electronic filing definitely helped speed things up compared to paper amendments!

A practical tip from another spa professional - make sure you're also tracking all your ongoing continuing education for both massage and esthetics! I deduct all my workshops, specialized training classes, reference materials, and even subscriptions to professional publications. And don't forget that some expenses can be partially deductible for personal/business mixed use. For example, I have a tablet that I use about 70% for work (client scheduling, reference materials, continuing education) and 30% for personal use - so I deduct 70% of its cost. Looking at the numbers you mentioned ($9,500 for the program + $1,200 for supplies), that's a significant deduction that could really lower your tax bill!

Great question about education deductions! As someone who's navigated similar situations with professional development expenses, I'd recommend being very careful about how you document and categorize these costs. Since you've been established as a massage therapist for 12 years and are now adding esthetician services at the same spas with integrated billing, this strongly supports treating it as skills improvement rather than entering a new profession. The IRS Publication 970 specifically addresses education that "maintains or improves skills needed in your present work." A few key points to consider: - Keep detailed records showing how both services are part of your integrated spa business - Document that you're working at the same locations and receiving combined payments - Consider whether taking the education credit vs business deduction gives you better tax savings (run both scenarios) - Don't forget to track ongoing expenses like state license renewals, continuing education requirements, and professional liability insurance increases The fact that you're performing both services under the same business structure at established locations really strengthens your case. Just make sure you have good documentation in case of questions later!

why is everyone acting like this is normal??? our tax dollars going to random banks we never agreed to use is NOT NORMAL. the whole system is a scam designed to extract fees from us at every turn. wake up sheeple!

I completely understand your panic - the same thing happened to me two years ago and I was absolutely terrified! It turned out to be exactly what others have mentioned - SBTPG's temporary processing account. Even though you paid TurboTax upfront with your credit card, if you accidentally selected the "Refund Transfer" option (which is super easy to miss), they still route your refund through SBTPG to handle the processing. The good news is that based on your update, you found the Refund Processing Fee on your receipt, so this is definitely legitimate. Your money should appear in your actual bank account within 3-5 business days. I know it's incredibly stressful when you see that unfamiliar account number, but you're going to be fine! Next year, just make sure to carefully review all the options during filing to avoid this heart attack moment again.

I've been through this exact same confusing situation! The 810/811 code dating thing is super misleading at first glance. What's happening is the IRS places the 810 freeze, does their review (which could be anything from income verification to checking for duplicate returns), and then removes it with the 811 code. But their system backdates the 811 to match the 810 date - it's just how their processing works, not an error. The delay you're seeing is because transcripts don't update in real time. Your 811 code means whatever they needed to review is done and your return is back in normal processing. Keep an eye out for an 846 code with a DDD (Direct Deposit Date) - that's when you'll know exactly when your refund is coming. Usually happens within a couple weeks of seeing the 811. You're almost there!

This exact same thing happened to me last month! The 810/811 codes with identical dates is completely normal - don't stress about it. What's happening is the IRS backdates the 811 freeze removal to match when the original 810 was placed. It's just their standard procedure, not a system glitch. The reason you're just seeing the 811 now is because transcripts update in cycles, so there's often a delay between when they actually lift the freeze and when it shows up for you to see. The 811 code is actually great news - it means whatever review they needed to do is complete and your return is back in normal processing flow. Now you'll want to watch for an 846 code which will show your actual refund release date. In my experience, once the 811 appeared, I got my refund within about 2 weeks. You're definitely on the right track now!

I'm really sorry for your loss, Aiden. Dealing with tax matters while grieving is incredibly difficult, and you're handling a lot right now. From what I understand about IRS requirements for deceased taxpayer joint returns, both personal representatives do need to sign the final return. Each of you will sign for your respective deceased taxpayer - so you'll sign as personal representative for your aunt, and your cousin will sign as personal representative for your uncle. Make sure to write "DECEASED" at the top of the return with both names and their dates of death. On the signature lines, you should each write something like "Personal Representative for [deceased person's name]" after your signatures. One practical tip: coordinate with your cousin early on gathering all the necessary tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, bank statements, etc.) since you'll both need access to complete information for the joint return. It might help to create a shared system for organizing everything. The IRS Publication 559 covers survivors and executors in detail if you need the official guidance. Don't hesitate to reach out to a tax professional if the situation gets too complex - sometimes the peace of mind is worth the cost during such a difficult time. Take care of yourself through this process!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Aiden. Losing both your aunt and uncle so close together must be incredibly difficult, and having to navigate the tax complexities on top of everything else is overwhelming. Everyone here has given you excellent guidance about the signature requirements - yes, both you and your cousin will need to sign as personal representatives for your respective deceased taxpayers. One thing I'd add that might help with the coordination challenge you and your cousin are facing: consider setting up a brief phone call or meeting to go through the process together. You can divide up the document gathering tasks (maybe one of you handles medical/investment records while the other focuses on employment documents), but make sure you're both reviewing the complete picture before filing. Also, don't feel like you have to rush through this alone. Many tax professionals have experience with deceased taxpayer returns and can guide you through the specific requirements while ensuring you don't miss any potential deductions or make procedural errors. Given that you're both serving as personal representatives for the first time, the professional guidance might actually save you time and stress in the long run. The most important thing is that you're being thorough and asking the right questions. Your aunt and uncle would be proud of how carefully you're handling their affairs during such a difficult time.