Quick tip: keep an eye out for code 571 - that means the hold is released. Then you should see an 846 code with your refund date!

I've been through this exact situation before! The 570 code with EIC is super common - they're just doing their standard review to make sure everything checks out. Your numbers look solid and the fact that your withholdings + credits add up perfectly to your refund amount is a good sign. One thing I learned is to check your transcript every Friday morning - that's usually when they update with new codes. And like others mentioned, once you see that 571 code pop up, you'll know the hold is lifted and your 846 refund date should follow shortly after. Hang in there! 🤞

One thing to consider that hasn't been mentioned is your business expenses. Are you actually netting $54k, or is that your gross income? If it's gross, then you need to subtract all your legitimate business expenses before calculating any taxes. Common deductions for self-employed people: - Home office (if used regularly and exclusively for business) - Business portion of internet and phone - Mileage for business trips (58.5 cents per mile in 2024) - Software, equipment, supplies - Professional development and subscriptions - Health insurance premiums - Retirement plan contributions These can significantly reduce your taxable income. I thought I made about $65k last year but after properly tracking expenses, my taxable business income was closer to $48k.

As someone who went through this exact panic last year, I feel your pain! The good news is you're definitely overthinking the numbers. The other commenters have given you solid advice about the self-employment tax calculation and deductions. One thing I'd add - don't forget about business expenses that are specific to photography. You can deduct: - Camera equipment and lens purchases/repairs - Photography software subscriptions (Lightroom, Photoshop, etc.) - Props, backdrops, lighting equipment - Travel to shoot locations - Client meetings (including meals at 50%) - Photography workshops and education - Website hosting and domain costs - Business cards and marketing materials I was shocked at how much my taxable income dropped once I properly tracked all my photography-related expenses. Also, definitely look into that QBI deduction - it's a game changer for self-employed folks. The 25-30% rule for setting aside taxes is spot on. I learned that lesson the hard way! Consider opening a separate savings account just for taxes so you're not tempted to spend that money.

Have you tried turning it off and on again? 🤣 jk jk. but srsly, the IRS website is about as useful as a chocolate teapot sometimes. hope you get this sorted!

This is such a frustrating situation, and I'm sorry you're dealing with family drama on top of tax issues. Based on what others have shared, filing a paper return with detailed documentation seems like your best bet. Make sure to keep copies of everything - utility bills, grocery receipts, medical expenses, anything that shows you're the one actually supporting your mom and brother. The IRS will eventually sort it out, but it's going to take time and patience. Also consider reaching out to the Taxpayer Advocate Service - they're free and can help navigate complex situations like this. Stay strong and don't let your dad's actions discourage you from doing the right thing for your family.

Be careful about assuming all 570 codes resolve quickly! Mine turned into a nightmare last year: • Started with just a 570 code in February • No letters for 4 weeks • Suddenly got a CP12 notice about math errors • Had to send documentation by mail • Took until AUGUST to get my refund • Lost out on thousands in interest Not trying to scare anyone, but don't assume it will always resolve automatically like OP's did. The IRS processing centers are still backlogged from pandemic staffing issues.

Congratulations on getting through the 570 code so quickly! This gives me hope as I'm currently dealing with one myself (day 12 and counting). I've been checking my transcript obsessively every morning like it's the lottery numbers. The IP PIN theory makes a lot of sense - I've been considering getting one for next year anyway since tax identity theft seems to be getting worse. Quick question: when your DDD appeared, did it show up at the same time the 570 code disappeared, or was there a delay between the two? Just trying to understand what to look for when I'm doing my daily transcript stalking! 😅

Don't forget that how you file can also affect your eligibility for certain credits! I'm a J1 visa holder married to a US citizen, and we found out that filing jointly made us eligible for the Earned Income Credit and American Opportunity Credit (my spouse is a student) which saved us a significant amount. If you file separately as a nonresident, you miss out on those completely.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm actually a tax preparer who works with a lot of international students and visa holders, and I wanted to add a few practical considerations that might help with your decision. One thing that's often overlooked is the timing aspect - if you make the election to file jointly this year, you're generally committed to filing jointly for all subsequent years while you're married and at least one spouse is a US resident, unless you get IRS permission to change. So think about your long-term situation, not just this year. Also, @Philip Cowan, since you mentioned this is your first tax season in the US, make sure you understand the implications for state taxes too. Some states don't recognize the federal election to be treated as a resident, so you might still file as a nonresident at the state level even if you file jointly federally. My general advice for J1 holders in your situation: if your income is relatively modest and your spouse qualifies for education credits, joint filing usually wins. But if you have significant income that would benefit from treaty provisions, or if you have complex foreign financial accounts to report, the analysis gets much more complicated and you might want to consult with a tax professional who specializes in international tax issues.