processed = they looked at it. processing = they looking at it. paid = we still waiting 😤

As someone who's been through this process multiple times, I can confirm what Lauren said is spot on! The key thing to remember is that "processed" doesn't automatically mean approved - it just means they're done reviewing your return. I've had returns go to processed status and then get additional review codes added later. The real indicator is looking for specific codes like 846 (refund issued) or 971 (notice issued) on your transcript. Also check your "as of" date - if it's current, that's usually a good sign. Don't stress too much about the daily checking though, once it's processed the refund typically comes within 1-3 weeks if everything is approved!

Quick tip: start documenting EVERYTHING now. Save emails about your schedule, take screenshots of your timesheets, note when you're using company equipment, save any communications about how they want work done. If your boss ever refers to you as an "employee" in writing, save that too! I went through a misclassification case that took 11 months to resolve, and what made the difference was having a paper trail showing how much control the company had over my work. The company tried claiming I had "independence" but I had emails showing they dictated my hours, location, and exactly how they wanted projects completed.

Great question about email access - that's something I worried about too. I made sure to forward key emails to my personal account early on, but I was careful to only save things that directly related to my work classification (not confidential company info). Once I started the SS-8 process, I stopped accessing work email from home and only checked it during work hours to avoid any appearance of impropriety. My employer never restricted my access, but I wanted to be extra cautious. Pro tip: if you have a work phone where they text you about schedules or assignments, screenshot those too. Text messages showing them directing when and how you work are pure gold for proving employee status. Also save any handbook pages or policies they expect you to follow - true contractors don't typically have to follow employee handbooks. The documentation really is everything. I had over 40 pieces of evidence showing behavioral control, and it made my case rock solid.

Has anyone considered that OP might be confused about what "unearned income" means? Scholarships used for qualified expenses aren't taxable income at all. Only scholarships that exceed your education expenses or are used for room and board are taxable. It sounds like your scholarship was less than your tuition, so none of it should count as taxable unearned income. I think you're getting tripped up by the tax software.

I'm sorry you're dealing with this stressful situation, especially with the family complications involved. Based on what you've described, it sounds like you shouldn't need to file Form 8615 at all. You mentioned you're 20, worked full-time, and provided more than half of your own support. This is key - the "kiddie tax" that Form 8615 addresses doesn't apply to students who are financially independent. The fact that you paid your own rent, groceries, and utilities while working full-time clearly demonstrates you're supporting yourself. Additionally, since your $3,000 scholarship went entirely toward your $8,500 tuition (qualified education expenses), none of that scholarship money counts as taxable unearned income. The software is likely flagging this incorrectly. For your tax software issue, try these steps: 1. Double-check that you marked "Yes" when asked if you provided more than half of your own support 2. In the scholarship/education section, make sure you indicated the full $3,000 was used for qualified education expenses 3. Look for an override option - many tax programs have a way to skip forms that don't apply If the software still won't cooperate, you might need to contact their support or consider switching to a different tax program. You definitely shouldn't need your mother's SSN for this situation, and I'm sorry you're having to navigate tax issues while dealing with family estrangement.

u should check if u have a 971 code coming up next. usually follows the 570

Looking at your transcript, the 570 code from March 20th typically indicates the IRS is reviewing your return for accuracy - this is pretty common with Head of Household filers claiming EIC, especially with the amount you're getting ($3,533). The good news is your refund amount of $5,784 is already calculated and shows as a credit balance. Since it's been several weeks already, you should expect movement soon. Keep checking your transcript weekly for a 971 code (notice issued) or 846 code (refund issued). The 971 usually comes first if they need additional verification from you. One thing I noticed - your transcript shows the credits dated April 16, 2023, but you mentioned this is from March 20, 2023. Just want to make sure you're looking at the right tax year's transcript (2022). If this timeline seems off, double-check you have the correct year selected. Most 570 holds resolve within 6-8 weeks without any action needed from you. Hang in there! 🤞

Has anyone here dealt with the green card application and its tax implications? I'm in a similar situation where I'm working in Canada but dating someone in the US and considering applying for a green card in 2025.

I'm in a somewhat similar situation - moved from the US to the UK after my F-1 status and dealing with the complexity of dual tax obligations. A few additional points that might help: Regarding your question about proactive reporting - while you don't need to formally notify the IRS of your move, make sure you update your address with them using Form 8822. This ensures any correspondence reaches you in Germany. For the dual-status vs full-year resident question, consider the timing of your German employment start. If you began earning German income in November, a dual-status return might actually be more beneficial since you can exclude the German-sourced income from the non-resident portion of the year, potentially reducing your US tax liability. One thing to watch out for - if you're planning frequent US visits, keep detailed records of your entry/exit dates. The substantial presence test can be tricky with multiple short visits, and you'll need accurate day counts for Form 8840 if you claim the closer connection exception. Also, don't forget about potential German tax obligations on your 2024 US income. Germany generally taxes worldwide income for residents, so you might need to report your pre-November US earnings there too. The US-Germany tax treaty should prevent double taxation, but the paperwork can be complex. Good luck with everything! International tax compliance is definitely not straightforward, but staying organized with documentation will save you headaches later.