Based on your transcript and the CP21B letter from December 5th, you should definitely have received your refund by now. The typical timeframe is 2-3 weeks, so something might be holding it up. I'd suggest calling the IRS directly to check on the status - they can see if there are any issues or additional processing steps. Sometimes there are backend delays that don't show up on the automated systems. Keep your CP21B letter handy when you call as they'll likely reference it. Hope you get it sorted out soon!

Hey Thomas! Looking at your situation, since you got the CP21B in December and it's now well past the typical 2-3 week processing time, I'd definitely recommend calling the IRS to check what's going on. Sometimes there can be backend holds or additional verification steps that aren't obvious from the transcript. When you call, have your CP21B letter and transcript ready - they'll need those reference numbers. The regular IRS customer service line should be able to tell you exactly where things stand and if there are any next steps needed on your end. Hope you get it resolved quickly!

I'm dealing with the exact same frustrating situation! Filed in early March, accepted immediately, but still getting that "Your Information Is Not Available" message when I try to check my balance. One thing that helped me was checking my account transcript instead of just the balance page - go to "Get Transcript" and look at your Account Transcript for 2023. Mine actually showed the return was processed even though the balance page was still showing the error message. Also, if you know you owe $3,800, you can absolutely make a payment now through IRS Direct Pay without waiting for the balance to show up. Just select "Form 1040" and "2023" as the tax year. The system will accept payments even when your balance isn't displaying properly. I did this last week and got a confirmation number, so at least I know my payment went through. The waiting is nerve-wracking but from what I've read, this seems to be happening to a lot of people this year. Hopefully both our accounts update soon!

I'm experiencing the exact same issue! Filed my 2023 return in mid-February, got the acceptance confirmation within 24 hours, but I've been getting that same "Your Information Is Not Available at This Time" message for over 6 weeks now. What's really frustrating is that I can see on my Account Transcript that the return was actually posted to my account about 10 days ago, but the balance page still won't load properly. It's like their systems aren't talking to each other. I ended up calling the Taxpayer Advocate Service (1-877-777-4778) after getting nowhere with the regular IRS lines. They told me this is a known system issue affecting thousands of taxpayers this season, particularly those who filed early. The representative said the balance pages should start updating properly over the next 2-3 weeks as they work through their backlog. In the meantime, I went ahead and made my payment through IRS Direct Pay like others have suggested. At least I have peace of mind knowing I won't accrue interest while waiting for their technology to catch up. Definitely check your Account Transcript though - it might show more current information than the balance page.

I learned this the hard way... kept all the profits in my S Corp thinking I wouldn't owe taxes until I took distributions. Got DESTROYED with a huge tax bill and no cash to pay it because all the money was still in the business account. Don't make my mistake!

This is exactly why proper planning is so important with S Corps! Since you're getting taxed on the profits regardless of whether you take distributions, you need to make sure you have enough cash flow to cover your tax liability. One strategy I've seen work well is to take quarterly distributions specifically to cover your estimated tax payments on the S Corp income. That way you're not stuck with a big tax bill and no cash to pay it like Keisha mentioned. Also, remember that if you're building reserves for business expenses, those retained earnings increase your basis in the S Corp, which can be helpful if you ever need to take losses or sell the business. But definitely don't let tax planning take a backseat to cash flow management - you'll need liquidity to pay those taxes!

Thanks for this heads up! I was completely unaware of the Credit Karma/Intuit situation and almost got stuck paying for TurboTax. I've been using Credit Karma for taxes for the past few years and was shocked when they redirected me to a paid service. Just successfully filed through Cash App Taxes and you're absolutely right - it's the exact same interface I remember from Credit Karma. All my previous year information was there, and it walked me through everything step by step. Filed federal and state completely free, even with my rental property income and deductions. It's frustrating that this change isn't more widely publicized. I only found out about Cash App Taxes through your post after spending an hour confused about why Credit Karma was suddenly charging me. The IRS Free File website should really be updated to reflect these changes more clearly.

This is incredibly helpful information! I had no idea about the Cash App Taxes option and almost fell into the TurboTax trap myself. I've been a Credit Karma user for years and was completely blindsided when they started pushing me toward paid services. I'm particularly interested in the fact that previous Credit Karma data transfers over. Does this include things like prior year AGI that's needed for identity verification? I always worry about having to dig up old tax returns when switching services. Also, for anyone considering this - I'd recommend double-checking that Cash App Taxes supports all the forms you need before you start. While it handles most situations, some of the more specialized forms (like foreign tax credits or certain business forms) might still require paid software. Better to know upfront than get halfway through filing! Thanks again for sharing this - you probably saved a lot of people from unnecessary fees.

Just a heads up - I'm from Spain too and distribute music through CD Baby. When I submitted my W-8BEN claiming the 0% rate, they rejected it the first time saying I needed to include my Spanish tax identification number (NIE) as well as get an ITIN from the US. Had to resubmit with both numbers.

I went through this exact same situation last year with my music royalties from Spain! The confusion about 0% vs 5% rates comes from different types of royalties being grouped together in some documents. For copyright royalties specifically (which includes music compositions), Spain does have a 0% withholding rate under Article 12 of the US-Spain tax treaty. The 5% rate you're seeing likely refers to industrial royalties or patents. A couple of important things I learned the hard way: 1. You absolutely need an ITIN to claim treaty benefits - the form will be rejected without it 2. Make sure to write "Copyright Royalties" specifically in line 10, not just "royalties" 3. Keep copies of everything because some distributors will ask you to resubmit the form annually The process took me about 4 months total (mostly waiting for the ITIN), but it was worth it to avoid that 30% withholding. Good luck with your $1,200 payment - that's a nice chunk of change to not lose to unnecessary taxes!