Has anyone successfully received a refund using Form 843 for a penalty? I submitted mine about 6 weeks ago (with my SSN, not my employer's EIN lol) and haven't heard anything. Is there a way to check the status online or do I have to call?

I went through this exact same confusion last year! You definitely should NOT use your employer's EIN on Form 843 - that field is for YOUR identification number. Since you're filing as an individual, you need to use your Social Security Number (SSN). I made the same mistake initially and had to resubmit the form, which delayed my refund by about 2 months. The IRS sent me a letter asking for clarification, but it would have been much faster to just get it right the first time. For the explanation section, be as detailed as possible. Include specific dates, reference any IRS publications or regulations that support your case, and clearly explain why you believe the fee was charged in error. Attach copies of all supporting documentation - bank statements, correspondence, whatever proves your point. The more evidence you provide upfront, the less likely they'll need to request additional information later. Good luck with your refund request! The process can be slow but if you have a valid case and complete documentation, you should get your money back.

Just to make sure I understand your timeline correctly: • You filed taxes: April 3, 2024 • They sent letter requesting death certificate: September 23, 2024 • You sent certificate via registered mail: Around September 25, 2024 • They received it: September 28, 2024 • Current status: No response after 6 weeks Is that right? Just want to confirm I'm understanding the situation correctly before offering more specific advice.

I went through this exact situation when my spouse passed away two years ago. The 6-week wait feels eternal, but it's actually within their normal processing window. Here's what helped me: I kept a detailed log of all correspondence and dates (which you're already doing great with the registered mail). At the 8-week mark, I called the practitioner priority line early in the morning and was able to get a status update. The agent confirmed they had received my documentation and it was "in queue for processing." Sometimes just knowing it's not lost in the system can provide some peace of mind. The waiting is the hardest part, especially when you're dealing with grief and trying to manage finances. Hang in there - your documentation sounds properly submitted and you're doing everything right. Most cases like this resolve between weeks 7-10.

Hey has anyone mentioned capital gains rates yet? Since OP only held the land for 10 months, that's gonna be short-term capital gains, right? Taxed as normal income?

This is a really complex situation, but you're asking all the right questions! One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you should definitely document the land swap with your cousin, even if it was informal. The IRS will want to see that this was a legitimate like-kind exchange and not just a gift. For the documentation, I'd recommend getting a written statement from your cousin confirming the details of the trade - when it happened, what parcels were exchanged, and the basis they had in their inherited portion. This will help support your tax position if the IRS ever questions the transaction. Also, since you mentioned your tax software is asking these questions, you might need to report this as two separate transactions on your return - one for the inherited half and one for the traded half - each with their own basis calculations and holding periods. The software should be able to handle this if you input the data correctly, but having all your documentation organized first will make the process much smoother. Keep all your records - inheritance documents, any appraisals, comparable sales data, and documentation of the land swap. The IRS has up to 3 years to audit, so you'll want everything well-organized just in case.

Based on community experiences with identity verification, here's what to know: • In-person verification typically resolves 2-3 weeks faster than mail • Not all TAC offices handle all verification types - call to confirm • Bring MORE documentation than you think you need • Schedule appointment early in the day (morning appointments have shorter actual wait times) • Request a stamped verification confirmation before leaving • Check WMR or transcript 5-7 days after verification Good luck! This is definitely one of the more frustrating IRS processes.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! The waiting game for that 4883C letter is absolutely brutal, especially when you need your refund for time-sensitive expenses like relocation. Here's what worked for me: I called the TAC appointment line and specifically mentioned I had a 570 code on my transcript for identity verification. They were able to schedule me within a week. The whole process took about 45 minutes (including wait time), and my transcript updated with a 571 code just 5 days later. Pro tip: Before you go, pull a fresh copy of your account transcript from the IRS website so you can show them the exact codes and dates. The agent appreciated having that information readily available and it made the verification process much smoother. Since you're dealing with relocation timing, I'd definitely recommend the in-person route over waiting for mail. The letter verification process can easily stretch into 2-3 months with current processing delays. Good luck with your move!

Doesn't this kind of stuff make you mad? Like the govt wants to tax street performers who are barely making ends meet while billionaires pay nothing? Sorry but I think you should just keep your busking money. It's ridiculous to pay taxes on pocket change.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned - if you make more than $400 in self-employment income for the year (which it sounds like you have), you'll need to make quarterly estimated tax payments going forward. Otherwise you might face penalties when you file next year.