PSA: If anyone else is dealing with this, direct deposit is the way to go next time... just sayin 💅

Also worth noting that if your check does get returned to the IRS due to forwarding issues, they'll typically reissue it as a paper check to your updated address once you file Form 8822. The whole process can add another 3-4 weeks though, so definitely update your address with them ASAP even if USPS forwarding is working for now.

This is absolutely infuriating and unfortunately way too common with Indiana this year. I'm a tax professional and we're seeing unprecedented delays - easily 3x longer than previous years. The most frustrating part is that the DOR reps genuinely don't have access to detailed information about why returns are held up, so they give these generic responses that help nobody. A few things that might help based on what I've seen work for clients: 1. If you moved addresses in the past year, that's almost certainly why you're delayed - it triggers automatic identity verification 2. Try calling right at 8:30 AM and ask to speak with a "refund specialist" rather than general customer service 3. Document every call - date, time, rep name if they give it, and what they told you. This helps when you escalate 4. The state rep route really does work - they have direct contacts who can actually see what's happening with your return The cash flow management theory mentioned by the former employee makes perfect sense. They're basically using our refunds as an interest-free loan while charging us penalties for late payments. It's completely backwards and honestly should be illegal. Don't give up - keep pushing and use multiple strategies. This is 100% a systemic failure on their part, not anything you did wrong.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue! Filed my Indiana return on February 9th, accepted immediately, and it's been 57 days of complete silence. What's really frustrating is that I work in finance myself, so I understand processing systems - and there's no legitimate reason for these delays on straightforward returns. After reading through all these experiences, I'm convinced this is systematic dysfunction rather than isolated issues. The fact that federal returns process in under two weeks while Indiana takes 2+ months for the same taxpayer data is inexcusable. The inconsistent explanations from reps (I've gotten three different stories in four calls) suggests they either don't have real system access or are trained to give non-answers. I'm going to try the state representative approach this week - seems like that's the only thing that consistently gets results based on everyone's feedback here. Also planning to use one of those callback services to bypass the hold music torture and actually speak to someone with authority. Thanks to everyone sharing their timelines and strategies. It's oddly comforting to know this isn't just me, though it's infuriating that so many of us are dealing with this incompetence. Will update if I make any progress!

Does anyone have experience with how the R&D credit works for pass-through entities like an LLC? My accountant mentioned something about our company needing to process it at the entity level first and then it flows to our personal returns, but I'm confused about the mechanics.

Just wanted to add a practical tip that might help - make sure to keep detailed project documentation throughout the year, not just at tax time. The IRS loves contemporaneous records for R&D credit audits. We learned this the hard way when we got selected for review. Having emails, technical specifications, and meeting notes that showed we were genuinely facing technical uncertainty and experimenting with solutions made all the difference. The IRS agent specifically mentioned that our real-time documentation was much more credible than trying to recreate everything after the fact. For your wife's software development company, I'd recommend keeping records of any technical challenges encountered, different approaches tried, and why certain solutions didn't work. Even failed experiments count as qualified research expenses if they were part of a systematic process to eliminate technical uncertainty. The combination of good documentation plus being able to take both the wage deduction AND the credit makes this one of the most valuable tax benefits for development companies. Just don't forget that the credit can carry forward for 20 years if you can't use it all in the current year!

OP, I strongly recommend registering as an LLC even though you can file Schedule C. The liability protection is worth it for woodworking where clients could potentially get injured from your work. I learned this lesson after a client tried to sue me when their kid got a splinter from a table I made!

Jessica, congrats on your growing woodworking business! Since you're making substantial income now, I'd also recommend looking into business insurance if you haven't already. General liability coverage is relatively inexpensive but crucial when you're doing installations in clients' homes - especially kitchen work where there's potential for property damage or injury. One more tax tip that helped me when I transitioned my side business: start putting aside 25-30% of each payment you receive into a separate savings account for taxes. Between federal income tax, state tax (if applicable), and that 15.3% self-employment tax Isaiah mentioned, it adds up quickly. I learned this the hard way my first year when I had to scramble to pay a big tax bill! Also keep detailed records of your business activities - not just receipts but also client contracts, project timelines, and communications. The IRS loves documentation that shows you're operating as a legitimate business rather than just a hobby that occasionally makes money.

This is why I always file a paper return. Call me old-fashioned, but at least I know it's been mailed out. 📨

I had this exact same issue two years ago! Turned out my tax prep software had a technical glitch during submission. What I learned is that you should always save/screenshot the confirmation page when you file electronically. Also, most tax prep companies have a "transmission status" page where you can check if your return actually made it to the IRS. I'd recommend logging back into whatever service you used and looking for that feature. If it shows "rejected" or "failed," you'll need to resubmit. The IRS typically updates their system within 24-48 hours of receiving a return, so if it's been longer than that and still shows nothing, something definitely went wrong with the initial submission.