The income timing strategy mentioned by others is definitely worth exploring if you have any flexibility. I was in a similar situation last year and managed to qualify by pushing some consulting income from December to January. One thing to be careful about though - if you're a W-2 employee, you can't really control when your employer pays you, and attempting to defer already-earned wages might create other tax complications. But if you have self-employment income, freelance work, or bonuses with flexible timing, that could be your ticket. Also worth noting that if you're close to the limit, be extra careful about things like capital gains from selling investments, as those can unexpectedly push you over. I'd suggest running the numbers with a conservative buffer since you don't want to get surprised by income you forgot about when you're doing your 2025 taxes. The $7,500 credit is definitely worth some strategic planning if you can make it work legitimately!

Another strategy to consider is contributing to a traditional IRA if you're eligible. Even if you have a 401k at work, you might still be able to deduct traditional IRA contributions depending on your income level and whether you're covered by an employer plan. For 2025, the contribution limit is $7,000 ($8,000 if you're 50 or older). Also, don't forget about other above-the-line deductions that reduce MAGI: if you're self-employed, you can deduct health insurance premiums and half of your self-employment tax. Student loan interest (up to $2,500) is another deduction if applicable. One thing I learned the hard way is to factor in all income sources - not just salary. Things like bank interest, dividends from taxable accounts, and even unemployment compensation count toward MAGI. I almost missed qualifying because I forgot about some dividend income that pushed me just over the threshold. Since you're about $10k over, the combination of maxing retirement contributions, HSA if available, and careful income timing might actually get you there. Just make sure to track everything carefully throughout 2025 so you know where you stand before taking delivery.

I'm going through something very similar! Filed in late February, accepted immediately, but my transcript has been stuck showing N/A for everything for over 10 weeks now. No 806 code, blank wage transcripts, the whole mess. What's really frustrating is that I've confirmed with both my employers that they submitted all the forms correctly and on time. I've been checking my transcript obsessively (probably not healthy lol) and calling the IRS repeatedly but keep getting disconnected after hours on hold. The "Where's My Refund" tool is completely useless - just keeps saying "still processing" with no timeline or explanation. I'm expecting about $1,800 back and really needed it for some unexpected medical bills. It's so stressful not knowing if there's an actual problem or if it's just sitting in some digital pile somewhere. Has anyone found a way to get real answers about what's causing these delays? At this point I'd pay someone just to tell me what's actually happening with my return!

I'm in the exact same boat! Filed March 8th, accepted immediately, and now it's been 10 weeks with absolutely nothing. No 806 code, completely blank wage transcripts, and the "Where's My Refund" tool just mocks me with "still processing." I'm expecting around $3,100 back and desperately need it for some home repairs after a pipe burst last month. What's really driving me crazy is that I've called my employer multiple times and they confirmed they submitted everything correctly and on time. I've tried calling the IRS probably 15 times but either get disconnected after hours of hold music or the system just hangs up on me when I finally get through the automated maze. I've been reading through all these comments and it sounds like there might be some tools or services that could help figure out what's actually going on. Has anyone here actually tried the taxr.ai thing that keeps getting mentioned? At this point I'm willing to try anything to get some real answers instead of just sitting here wondering if my return disappeared into some digital black hole. The worst part is not knowing if there's an actual problem that needs fixing or if it's just going to magically appear one day. The uncertainty is killing me!

3 Has anyone used H&R Block's expat tax services? They advertise international tax expertise but I'm wondering if they're actually good for complex situations or more for basic expat returns.

I've been dealing with international tax issues for years and wanted to add a few key points that might help with your specific situation: Since you mentioned you're on an L1 visa, make sure your CPA understands the substantial presence test implications and how it affects your filing requirements. Some CPAs miss the nuances of when your tax residency actually began versus when you physically arrived in the US. For your Spanish brokerage account, beyond the FBAR and Form 8938 requirements others mentioned, pay special attention to whether any of your investments are classified as PFICs (Passive Foreign Investment Companies) under US tax law. European mutual funds and ETFs are often treated as PFICs, which have incredibly complex reporting requirements on Form 8621. The penalties for missing this can be severe. Also, don't forget about potential state tax implications depending on which state you're residing in. Some states have their own foreign account reporting requirements or don't conform to federal tax treaties. One last tip - whatever CPA you choose, make sure they provide you with a comprehensive checklist of all required forms before filing season. International tax situations change frequently, and you want someone who stays current with the latest requirements.

Has anyone used the free tax record service on IRS.gov to see what gambling forms have been reported for them? I'm wondering if I should check mine before filing to make sure everything matches up.

Great advice from everyone here! Just wanted to add that if you're using TurboTax like you mentioned, they actually have pretty good guidance for gambling income. When you get to the "Other Income" section, there's a specific pathway for gambling winnings that walks you through everything step by step. One thing to keep in mind - even though you won $8,750, you'll be taxed on that amount at your marginal tax rate (so if you're in the 22% bracket, expect to owe around $1,925 in federal taxes on those winnings). State taxes vary depending on where you live, so factor that in too. Also, make sure you keep really good records of your gambling activity going forward. The IRS can be pretty strict about documentation if they ever audit gambling income, so having detailed records of wins/losses, dates, and amounts will save you headaches later.

Contact your state tax agency ASAP! Don't just assume its normal to never get state refunds. Could be identity theft or worse

Check if your state has any offsets or debts that could be intercepting your refunds. Many states will automatically take refunds to pay off things like back taxes, child support, student loans, or even municipal fines. You can usually find an offset lookup tool on your state's tax website or call their customer service line to see if there are any holds on your account.