Called the IRS about this exact thing last week. They said as long as theres no errors or review codes, its just moving through the system. But like... moving WHERE? 😤

Ugh, I feel your pain! Same thing happened to me last year - the as-of date kept changing every week or so but literally nothing else moved on my transcript. It's so frustrating because you think something is happening but it's just the system doing its thing. From what I've learned, those date changes are basically meaningless - it's just the IRS updating their internal processing dates. The real movement comes from transaction codes appearing. Have you tried calling the taxpayer advocate service? They might be able to give you more insight into what's actually going on with your return since you filed back in January.

Has anyone tried those middle-ground services like H&R Block where it's cheaper than a CPA but you still talk to a human? Wondering if those are any better than just software for someone like OP.

Based on what you've described, you're probably fine sticking with tax software for now. Your situation is pretty standard - W-2 income, some dividends, interest, basic stock trades, and retirement accounts are all things that TurboTax handles well. The main things that would push you toward a CPA are: significant business income, rental properties, complex investment strategies, or major life changes like getting married/divorced. A salary bump alone doesn't usually create tax complexity that requires professional help. That said, since you mentioned getting a promotion, this might be a good year to at least educate yourself on tax planning strategies for higher earners. Things like maximizing your 401k contributions, HSA contributions, and potentially looking into backdoor Roth IRAs if your income is getting close to the traditional Roth limits. Tax software can handle the filing part, but it won't necessarily give you strategic advice for future years. If you're really curious, you could always do your taxes with software first, then get a second opinion from a CPA to see if they find anything different. But honestly, for most people in your situation, the software does just fine.

I actually made the same mistake in 2021 and found out through a tax notice. Here's what I learned: Your W-2s from both employers should show your total contributions in Box 12 with code D (traditional) or AA (Roth). Add those up to confirm you actually exceeded the $20,500 limit for 2022. If you did exceed it, and it's a Roth 401k, the excess plus earnings should be distributed to you. The earnings will be taxable in 2023 (when you receive the distribution), not 2022. But theres a 10% early withdrawal penalty on those earnings if you're under 59½.

Just wanted to add some perspective from someone who dealt with this exact situation last year. The stress is real, but you're not alone in this! A few practical tips that helped me: 1. **Document everything** - Keep records of all your communication attempts with Vanguard and your employer. This creates a paper trail showing you made good faith efforts to resolve it properly. 2. **Check your math twice** - Like Isabella mentioned, make sure you're looking at the right W-2 boxes. I initially panicked thinking I was over when I was actually fine. 3. **Don't panic about the October 15 deadline** - While it's ideal to get the excess distributed before then, you can still file Form 5329 with your return to report the excess and pay the 6% excise tax if needed. It's not the end of the world. 4. **Consider professional help** - Whether it's the services others mentioned or a local CPA, sometimes the cost is worth the peace of mind and avoiding bigger penalties. The key thing to remember is that this is a correctable mistake. The IRS has procedures for this exact situation because it happens more often than you'd think with job changes. You're taking the right steps by addressing it now rather than ignoring it. Hang in there - you'll get through this!

You can also pay at your local IRS office in person with a check or money order! Just look up "IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center" near you and make an appointment. I did this last year when I had similar online access issues and it was surprisingly easy. Bring your ID and they'll give you a receipt right there.

Does anyone know if paying late affects your future ability to e-file? I missed my estimated payment last year and had to mail my tax return this year because the e-file system kept rejecting me!

I finance everything for my HVAC business and always take the full deduction in year 1. Just make sure you're actually using the bike primarily for business. If you're audited, the IRS will want to see evidence that it wasn't mainly for personal use. I keep a simple log on my phone with client visits, addresses, and whether I used my truck or my bike to get there. Also - if you're making good money, look into setting up a Solo 401k. That's been WAY more valuable for reducing my tax bill than any equipment deduction.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - make sure you understand the recapture rules if you ever sell the bike or stop using it for business before it's fully depreciated. If you take the full Section 179 deduction now but then sell the bike in a couple years, you might have to "recapture" some of that deduction as ordinary income. Also, since you mentioned your business is booming, consider whether you'll hit the Section 179 phase-out limits. For 2023, the deduction starts phasing out if you purchase more than $2.89 million in qualifying property (which probably doesn't apply to you, but good to know). The financing vs. cash question really doesn't matter - what matters is when you put it in service for your business. Keep detailed records of your business routes and maybe take some photos of the bike loaded with your pet care supplies to help document the business use!