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Code 571 means they lifted any previous hold on your return, and 846 is definitely your refund release date! February 14th should be when it hits your account (or within 1-2 business days). The transcript is way more reliable than WMR - I've seen people get their money while WMR still shows "processing" for weeks. You're in the home stretch! š
Don't forget you need to answer the crypto question on Form 1040! Even if you just HELD crypto and didn't sell any, you need to check "Yes" to the question asking if you had any transactions involving digital assets. The IRS added this a few years ago and they're using it to track who has crypto.
Isn't the question just asking if you SOLD or EXCHANGED crypto? I thought if you only bought and held, you could say "No"?
Actually, the question changed a bit over recent years. The 2025 form (for 2024 taxes) specifically asks if you "received, sold, exchanged, disposed of, or held" any digital assets. So even just holding means you should check "Yes." The IRS has been getting more specific with this question each year as they focus more on crypto compliance. Better to be overly transparent than trigger unnecessary flags on your return.
Thanks everyone for all this detailed info! @Ellie Kim - you're definitely not alone in feeling overwhelmed by crypto taxes. I went through the same thing last year and it's way more manageable once you break it down. A few additional tips that helped me: - Keep detailed records throughout the year, don't wait until tax time. I use a simple spreadsheet to track each transaction as it happens. - If you're using multiple exchanges, download ALL your transaction histories as CSV files before you start. Some exchanges only keep records for a limited time. - Don't forget about any crypto you might have earned through things like Coinbase Learn rewards, airdrops, or referral bonuses - those count as income at fair market value when received. The specialized crypto tax software really is worth it if you have more than just a few simple buy/sell transactions. I tried doing it manually my first year and made so many errors I had to file an amended return. The peace of mind alone makes the software cost worthwhile. Good luck with your filing!
This is such helpful advice! I'm new to crypto taxes too and had no idea about things like Coinbase Learn rewards counting as income. Quick question - when you mention keeping records in a spreadsheet, what specific columns do you track? I want to make sure I'm capturing everything I'll need for next year's filing. Also, do you happen to know if there's a minimum threshold for reporting small transactions, or does literally every $5 coffee purchase with crypto need to be documented?
Pro tip: If you're having trouble reaching the IRS, try contacting your local Taxpayer Advocate Service. They can sometimes help push things through faster.
This! š The Taxpayer Advocate Service saved my butt last year when I had issues with my refund. Theyre like the secret weapon of dealing with the IRS
Just want to add another option that worked for me - you can also try updating your direct deposit info through the "Where's My Refund" tool on the IRS website. It's not always available depending on where your return is in processing, but if the option shows up, it's way easier than calling. I was able to change mine online without having to deal with phone wait times at all. Worth checking before you spend hours on hold!
Just a heads up - don't forget that putting your brokerage account in an LLC means you'll need to get an EIN from the IRS, even though it's a disregarded entity for tax purposes. Your broker will require it. Also, for maximum asset protection, make sure you don't commingle personal and LLC funds. Have a separate bank account for the LLC and keep good records. The whole "corporate veil" protection can be pierced if you don't respect the separation between your personal finances and the LLC's.
Does that mean you need to file a separate tax return for the LLC even though it's a pass-through entity? All this extra complexity makes me wonder if the asset protection is worth it for a regular investor.
No, you don't need to file a separate tax return for a single-member LLC that's treated as a disregarded entity. The LLC itself doesn't file anything with the IRS - all the income and expenses flow through to your personal 1040 just as if you owned the investments directly. The EIN is just for identification purposes with banks and brokers. Think of it like a social security number for the LLC - you need it to open accounts, but it doesn't create any additional tax filing obligations. As for whether the complexity is worth it, that really depends on your risk tolerance and net worth. If you're worried about potential lawsuits or creditors, the LLC can provide valuable protection. But if you're just a regular investor without significant liability concerns, you might be better off with adequate insurance coverage instead.
This is exactly the kind of question I had when I was considering the same move! Based on my experience and research, I can confirm what others have said - your qualified dividends will absolutely maintain their preferential tax treatment even when held through a single-member LLC. The key thing to understand is that the IRS treats a SMLLC as completely transparent for tax purposes. It's like the LLC doesn't exist from a tax perspective - all the income, including qualified dividends, flows through to your personal return with the same character it would have if you owned the investments directly. One practical tip: when you do make the transfer, work with your broker to ensure it's done as a non-taxable transfer rather than a sale and repurchase. Most brokers can handle this as an "in-kind" transfer to avoid triggering any capital gains. Also, while the tax treatment stays the same, don't underestimate the administrative overhead. You'll need that EIN, separate bank account, and good record-keeping practices. But for $8,500 in annual dividends and the asset protection benefits you're seeking, it's probably worth the extra paperwork. Just make sure you have adequate liability insurance too - the LLC isn't a magic bullet for all risks!
Amara Nnamani
Just be careful when comparing transcript codes between years. I once noticed my 806 amount was significantly lower than the previous year even though I was making more money. Turned out my new employer had messed up my withholding. Unlike a regular bank statement where you can easily spot errors, these transcript codes don't exactly send up red flags when something's wrong. I had to pay a hefty sum at tax time because not enough was being withheld throughout the year. Now I always check my pay stubs against the withholding calculator in January to make sure I'm on track.
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Demi Hall
This is really helpful information, everyone! I've been stressing about understanding my transcript codes too. It sounds like the 806 code is basically confirmation that taxes were actually withheld from my paychecks throughout the year - which is reassuring to see documented. I'm curious though - if someone had multiple jobs during the year, would all the withholdings from different employers show up as one combined 806 amount, or would there be separate entries? Also, does anyone know if there's a specific date when this code typically appears on the transcript, or does it update throughout the year as withholdings happen?
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