Don't forget that sportsbooks are only required to report to the IRS when your winnings exceed certain thresholds (usually $600+ depending on odds), but YOU are still required to report ALL gambling winnings regardless of whether you received a W-2G form! Most of my bets fall under the reporting threshold, but I still have to declare them. Just because you didn't get a form doesn't mean you're off the hook.

This is such a common source of confusion for new sports bettors! I went through the exact same panic last year when I realized I might owe way more in taxes than my actual profits. The key thing to understand is that when you place a winning bet, your "taxable winnings" should be calculated as the payout minus your original stake for that specific bet. So in your $1000 bet that paid $1200 example, you'd report $200 in gambling income, not $1200. However, keep in mind that you can't net your wins against losses from other bets unless you itemize deductions. Each winning bet is reported separately as income, and losses can only offset this if you choose to itemize rather than take the standard deduction. The biggest mistake people make is thinking the sportsbook's payout amount is what they owe taxes on. Always subtract your stake from winning bets when calculating taxable income. Keep detailed records of every bet - date, amount wagered, payout, and net result - because you'll need this documentation.

This is exactly the kind of confusion that happens every tax season! You're absolutely right that the IRS delayed the lower 1099-K threshold - it's still $20,000 AND 200+ transactions for 2023. Since you sold personal items at a loss (which is super common when decluttering), you don't need to report those sales as income. The IRS doesn't consider the sale of personal-use items at a loss to be taxable events. Your $3,300 in sales from cleaning out your closet and garage falls into this category perfectly. The key thing is keeping some basic records just in case - even rough estimates of what you originally paid for items. But honestly, with everything sold at a loss and no 1099-K being issued, you're in the clear. The IRS isn't going to flag someone for NOT reporting personal item sales that resulted in losses. Don't stress about it - you're handling this exactly right by asking questions and being cautious!

Great discussion here! I had a very similar situation last year and want to share what I learned. I sold about $4,200 worth of personal items on eBay - old camera equipment, some vinyl records, and furniture - all at losses from what I originally paid. After doing research and talking to my tax preparer, I confirmed that personal items sold at a loss don't need to be reported as income. The IRS treats these as personal consumption items that naturally depreciate over time. Since you won't receive a 1099-K at your sales level, and everything was sold at a loss, you're good to go. One tip though - I started keeping a simple spreadsheet after that experience with columns for the item, estimated original cost, sale price, and platform. Even though losses on personal items aren't reportable, having the records gives me peace of mind and helps me track my overall decluttering progress. Plus if I ever do sell something at a profit (like that one vintage record that surprised me), I'll have the documentation ready. You're being appropriately cautious by asking these questions, but you can relax - the IRS isn't going to come after someone for clearing out their garage and selling everything at a loss!

Check your transcript if you can access it online. It'll give you more info than WMR

I feel your pain - I'm in almost the exact same situation! Filed in late January and been stuck on "Return Received" with Topic 152 for over 2 months now. The daily checking becomes an obsession when you're waiting on money you need. One thing I learned is that Topic 152 basically means "we're processing but it's taking longer than usual" - not very helpful but at least it's not an error. The identity verification you already did was probably the right step. Have you tried calling the refund hotline at 800-829-1954? I know @Tyrone Johnson mentioned calling - I've had mixed luck but sometimes if you call right when they open (7am) you might get through. The automated system can sometimes give you a more specific timeline than the WMR tool. Hang in there - from what I've seen in other threads, most people with similar delays from January eventually get their refunds, it just takes way longer than it should. The IRS processing times have been brutal this year.

My states been pending since last year lmaooo welcome to the club 💀

The "accepted" vs "processed" thing confused me too when I first started filing! "Accepted" just means the IRS received your return and it passed their initial computer checks (no obvious errors, SSN matches, etc.). "Processed" means they've actually reviewed it, applied any credits/deductions, and determined your final refund amount. The 21-day processing time starts from when it's accepted, not processed. So you're still well within the normal timeframe - don't stress! Your federal return is moving through the system normally.

UPDATE YOUR DIRECT DEPOSIT INFO IN YOUR IRS ACCOUNT RIGHT NOW if you've changed banks since last year! I didn't update mine and they sent my refund to a closed account. Now I have to wait 6-8 weeks for a paper check. Learn from my mistake people!

the waiting is the hardest part! filed 2/12, accepted same day, transcript updated last friday with ddd of 3/17. just need to make it through 2 more days...