Can I just point out how ridiculous it is that we have multiple tax ID numbers? I have an SSN, my business has an EIN, and my cousin who's not a citizen has an ITIN. Why can't the govt just use ONE system instead of making everything so complicated??

Another quick tip - if you're using tax software like TurboTax or H&R Block, they'll usually ask for your "SSN or TIN" in the same field, which confirms they're the same thing for most people. The software automatically knows to use your SSN as your TIN when generating forms. This was helpful for me when I wasn't sure if I needed to find some separate TIN document that didn't exist!

Don't worry too much. The IRS is just playing games with our money as usual. I'd bet money you get it on that new date.

This happened to me too! Filed early February and my refund date got pushed back twice. It's super frustrating but unfortunately pretty normal during peak tax season. The IRS systems get overwhelmed and they're constantly adjusting processing timelines. Since you have a code 846 with the new date of 04/02, that's actually a good sign - it means your refund is approved and will be issued, just delayed. I know the waiting is awful but try not to stress too much. Most people do get their refunds on the updated date. Just keep checking your bank account around that time since deposits sometimes show up before the transcript updates!

called the IRS about this exact thing. They said its normal during review process but like... everything is 'normal' to them 🙄

Ugh this is so frustrating! I'm dealing with the same thing - my processing date jumped around like 3 times already. The IRS really needs to get their act together with these transcript updates. At least you can see what's going on with all those transaction codes though. That refund freeze (810) is probably what's causing all the date changes while they sort out the amended return stuff. Hope it gets resolved soon! 😤

Don't forget state taxes too! Depending on which state you're in, you might need to file a state tax return along with your federal 1040-NR. Some states have free filing options while others might require additional software purchases. Also check if your bank offers any student discounts on tax preparation services. I got 15% off TaxAct through my bank's student rewards program!

Hey Carmella! I totally feel your pain as a fellow international grad. I went through this exact same struggle last year after finishing my degree. One thing that really helped me was reaching out to my university's alumni association - some schools have partnerships with tax prep services that extend beyond graduation. Also, check if your school's international student office has any leftover discount codes they're willing to share, even informally. For what it's worth, I ended up using one of the alternatives mentioned here (taxr.ai) and it was honestly better than Sprintax in terms of explaining everything clearly. The document analysis feature caught some treaty benefits I would have missed otherwise. Also, don't stress too much about the complexity - the 1040-NR instructions are actually pretty detailed if you have a straightforward situation. But if you have any scholarship income or multiple jobs, definitely worth using software to avoid mistakes. Good luck with your filing! The broke grad life is real but you'll get through it! 💪

I went through this exact same nightmare situation last year! The non-filer tool definitely creates what the IRS considers a "simplified return" even though it feels like you're just updating your info for stimulus payments. Here's what worked for me: I ended up calling the IRS early in the morning (around 7 AM) right when they opened - had much better luck getting through than calling later in the day. The agent was actually really helpful and explained that they see this issue constantly. She told me to mail in a paper return with a cover letter explaining the situation. One thing I learned that might help - when you file the paper return, include Form 1040X (Amended Return) along with your regular 1040. Write "SUPERSEDING RETURN" at the top of the 1040X. This tells them you're replacing the simplified return from the non-filer tool with your actual complete return. The agent said this helps their processing center handle it correctly the first time instead of getting bounced around different departments. Also definitely file an extension if you're running out of time - you can do that online even with this duplicate issue. Gives you until October to get the paper return sorted out without penalties.

This is such a frustrating situation that so many people are dealing with! I went through something similar with the non-filer tool creating issues, but I found a different approach that worked for me. Instead of calling the IRS directly (which can be a nightmare with wait times), I contacted my local Taxpayer Advocate Service office. They're specifically designed to help with situations like this where there are processing issues or systemic problems. The advocate I worked with was able to flag my case and get it resolved much faster than going through regular IRS channels. You can find your local office at taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov. They don't charge anything and they're really good at cutting through the bureaucratic mess. In my case, they were able to clear the duplicate flag in their system so I could actually e-file my real return instead of having to do paper filing. Just another option to consider if the paper return route doesn't work out for you!