I went through this exact same verification process about 6 months ago and it's definitely legitimate. The 14-digit control number comes on an official IRS letter that looks like a regular notice - it's not anything fancy, just has "CP01H" at the top and the control number is clearly labeled. The waiting period is frustrating but it's their way of making sure you actually live at the address on file. I'd recommend checking your mail daily because the envelope looks pretty plain and could easily get mixed in with junk mail. Also make sure to check if you have mail forwarding set up that might redirect it. Once you get the letter and enter the code, the whole verification process takes like 30 seconds and you're good to go. Just hang in there - the system works, it's just slow!

Just wanted to add that I've been seeing this verification step pop up more frequently this tax season. It seems like the IRS is rolling this out to more taxpayers as part of their identity theft prevention efforts. One thing to keep in mind is that if you've moved recently or have any address discrepancies between your current return and what they have on file, this verification is almost guaranteed to trigger. The good news is that once you complete it successfully, you typically won't have to do it again for future returns unless there are major changes to your account. Also, if you're using tax software like TurboTax or H&R Block, they should have warned you about potential verification delays during the filing process, though I know not everyone reads those notifications carefully. The 14-digit control number is definitely the real deal - don't try to bypass it or look for workarounds online, as that could flag your account for additional scrutiny.

Has anyone actually received their refund EXACTLY at the 120-day mark? I'm genuinely curious if these timeframes are just maximum legal limits or if they actually use the full time period. It seems like such an arbitrary number.

From what I've seen working with taxpayers, the 120-day timeline is more of a "worst case scenario" that the IRS uses to manage expectations. In reality, most reviews are completed much sooner - typically within 60-90 days. The key factors that influence timing include: • The complexity of your return and any credits claimed • Whether the IRS needs additional third-party verification (like employer W-2s) • Current processing volumes at the service center handling your case • Whether your case gets flagged for manual review vs. automated processing Given that your letter was dated February 14th, you're already about 3 weeks in. I'd recommend checking your online account transcript weekly for any code changes, as this often updates before you receive any official correspondence. If you have documented medical hardship, you can also call the IRS to request expedited processing - they do have provisions for genuine financial hardship situations. The waiting is frustrating, but most people in your situation see resolution well before the 120-day mark!

Can anyone clarify if capital losses expire? I thought I read somewhere that they eventually expire if not used within a certain number of years.

I went through a very similar situation a few years ago when I transitioned from US resident to non-resident status. The forced $3,000 annual usage of capital losses against zero income was incredibly frustrating, especially when I knew I'd have significant US income again in the future. What I learned from my tax attorney is that you have two main options: either accept the annual $3,000 "waste" by continuing to file, or skip filing entirely during years with no US source income to preserve the full carryforward amount. The key insight is that as a non-resident with no US source income, you're generally not required to file a return at all. I chose to stop filing during my zero-income years and documented everything carefully. When I resumed filing three years later with US source income, I was able to claim the full original carryforward amount. Just make sure you keep detailed records of your last filed return showing the capital loss carryforward balance - this becomes your reference point when you resume filing. The IRS doesn't penalize you for gaps in filing when you have no filing requirement, and your capital losses remain valid indefinitely under current law.

its so annoying that we have to pay federal taxes on this tbh. like were just trying to recover/take care of our babies 🤮

Congrats on the baby! 🎉 Just went through this myself last year. One thing to watch out for - if you received any benefits in late December 2023, those might show up on your 2024 1099-G even though you already reported them. Also, keep all your documentation because sometimes the EDD amounts don't match what you actually received due to overpayments or adjustments. Better to have everything organized now than scramble later!

just wanna add something nobody's mentioned yet - if ur using schedule C as a self employed hairdresser, don't forget that writing off too many unusual deductions can increase ur chances of an audit. massage deductions might raise flags if they're large compared to ur income.

As someone who's dealt with similar work-related health issues, I'd strongly recommend getting that documentation from your chiropractor as others have mentioned. The key is establishing a clear medical connection between your work duties and the need for treatment. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - you might want to keep a simple log of how the massages specifically help your work performance. Note things like "reduced shoulder pain allowed me to work full 8-hour shift without breaks" or "improved grip strength after treatment." This kind of documentation can strengthen your case that these aren't just general wellness expenses. Also, $2,600 for bi-weekly massages seems reasonable for medical necessity, but make sure you're not mixing in any purely relaxation sessions. Only the therapeutic treatments that directly address your work-related strain would qualify. Have you considered whether your employer might cover some of these costs as a workplace injury prevention measure? Some salons will reimburse ergonomic supports or preventive care to reduce workers' comp claims.