TurboTax filer here with some actual data points: • Feb 15 - Filed through TurboTax with direct deposit • Feb 16 - IRS accepted return • Feb 28 - WMR updated to approved • Mar 2 - Refund deposited For Oklahoma state: • Use OkTAP portal (https://oktap.tax.ok.gov) • Select "Look Up a Return" under Quick Links • State refunds typically process in 5-10 business days • Oklahoma has a separate processing center from federal • State refunds aren't tied to federal processing timelines Most TurboTax filers I know are seeing 14-21 day processing times this year unless they claimed certain credits.

I'm in a similar situation with TurboTax - filed February 20th and still just showing "accepted" status. Based on what everyone's sharing here, it sounds like this is pretty normal for TurboTax users this year. I'm going to check the IRS WMR tool directly instead of relying on the TurboTax app for updates. For Oklahoma state refunds, thanks for the phone number tip! I tried the OkTAP website but found it confusing to navigate. The automated phone system at 405-521-3160 sounds much easier. Did you need any specific information besides SSN, filing status, and refund amount when you called? It's reassuring to hear that state and federal process independently - I was worried something was wrong since I haven't heard anything on either front yet.

One thing to be super careful about - if you collect sales tax from customers but don't remit it to the state, that's considered MUCH worse than simply not collecting at all. It can potentially be treated as theft or conversion in some jurisdictions, which is where the criminal penalties might come into play.

As someone who's been through this maze with my own international e-commerce business, I can't stress enough how important it is to get compliant BEFORE you start selling. The complexity is real, but it's manageable with the right approach. A few key points from my experience: 1. Start by researching economic nexus thresholds for your target states - they vary significantly (some are $100k/200 transactions, others like CA are $500k) 2. Consider using a marketplace facilitator like Amazon FBA initially, as they handle sales tax collection in many states 3. If going direct-to-consumer, budget for tax compliance software from day one - it's way cheaper than penalties later 4. Keep detailed records of where you're selling and how much - you'll need this data for nexus determinations The voluntary disclosure programs mentioned by others are absolutely worth considering if you're already selling and haven't been collecting. Most states would rather work with you than chase you down later. Don't let the complexity scare you away from the US market - it's totally doable with proper planning and the right tools. Just don't wing it!

Has anyone actually calculated how much the marriage benefit is worth? Like a dollar amount? I'm in a similar situation (earning about 95k, partner is SAHM with our 2 kids) and curious what kind of savings we're talking about.

I'm in a very similar situation! Been with my partner for 8 years, I work in tech, and she's been home with our twin boys for the past 3 years. We've been putting off marriage for various reasons, but the tax benefits are definitely something we're considering more seriously now. One thing I'd add to the great advice already here - don't forget about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) thresholds. Even though you're a software developer, depending on your exact income level, you might still qualify for some EITC as a married couple filing jointly where the thresholds are higher than for HOH. It's worth checking since every little bit helps! Also, if your partner has any interest in going back to work part-time eventually, being married gives you more flexibility with things like dependent care FSAs and the child and dependent care credit calculations. The retirement savings angle mentioned earlier is huge too - that spousal IRA contribution can really add up over time and gives you both more security down the road.

Filed 1/15, still stuck on processing with 2 checks. Called FTB and they said everything looks fine just high volume rn

Filed 1/28 and still stuck on processing with 2 checkmarks here too! Really hoping it moves to issued soon. Based on what everyone's sharing, it seems like late January filers are just now starting to see movement. @Amara Adebayo thanks for sharing your timeline - gives me hope that mine should update within the next week or so! 🤞

Does anyone know if it matters that the land is undeveloped? I inherited a vacant lot from my dad in 2019 and haven't done anything with it. Does the stepped-up basis rule still apply the same way?

Brandon, congratulations on holding onto that land for 20 years - that's quite an investment! You're absolutely right about the stepped-up basis for inherited property. As others have mentioned, your cost basis would be the $60,000 fair market value when you inherited it in 2005, not your grandfather's original $8,000 purchase price. One thing I'd add is that you might want to double-check if there were any estate taxes paid on the property when your grandfather passed. Sometimes the estate tax return (Form 706) can provide additional documentation of the property's value at the time of death, which could be helpful for your records. Also, since you've held it for 20 years, you'll definitely qualify for long-term capital gains rates. Depending on your income level, you could pay 0%, 15%, or 20% on the $127,000 gain (assuming that $60,000 basis is accurate). If you're in a lower income bracket, you might even qualify for the 0% rate on some or all of the gain. Just make sure to keep good records of whatever documentation you use to establish that 2005 value - county assessments, comparable sales, or any appraisals from that time period. The IRS may want to see supporting evidence if they ever question the basis.