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Based on the current processing timeline, I'd recommend your friend submit the requested documents by April 30th at the latest. If they do that, they could potentially see a new DDD by June 15th. Another option is to check if they can upload the documents through the IRS online account portal rather than mailing them - as of March 1st, 2024, the IRS expanded their digital document submission options for certain verification requests.
Just to clarify, per Internal Revenue Manual 21.5.6, taxpayers responding to these verification requests should retain proof of submission. The IRS allows 30 days from the date of the letter for response before taking adverse action, though extensions may be requested by calling the number on the notice.
As someone who's dealt with IRS verification requests before, I'd strongly suggest your friend respond ASAP with the requested documents. The key thing is that once the IRS flags a return for additional verification, any existing DDD gets canceled until they complete their review. For international students specifically, make sure to include a copy of your I-20 or DS-2019 along with the W2-G and 1099 forms - the IRS sometimes needs to verify your tax status. Also, send everything via certified mail so you have proof of delivery. The waiting is brutal, but being proactive with the documentation really helps speed things up!
This is super helpful advice! I'm actually in a similar boat as an international student and was wondering - when you mention including the I-20 or DS-2019, should we also include any documentation showing our tax treaty benefits? I know some countries have treaties that affect gambling winnings taxation. Also, has anyone had luck with the IRS online portal for uploading these docs, or is certified mail still the safest route?
I just went through this process for my 2023 taxes with our November baby, and it was much simpler than our rental property deductions! You'll need to get a Social Security Number for your baby though - the hospital will give you the paperwork, but it takes a few weeks to process. The IRS won't accept your return claiming the credit without a valid SSN for the child.
Isn't there also an adoption credit that's different from the Child Tax Credit? What if someone adopts a newborn instead of having a biological child? Would they qualify for both in the same tax year?
Think of adoption credits like buying a house vs. the Child Tax Credit like your annual property tax benefits. The adoption credit (up to $15,950 for 2024) covers qualified adoption expenses, while the $2,000 Child Tax Credit is an annual benefit for having a dependent child. You can claim both, but they serve different purposes - one for the upfront costs of adoption, the other for ongoing support of raising a child.
Congratulations on your upcoming bundle of joy! š As a parent who just went through this process, I can confirm that the $2,000 Child Tax Credit for 2024 is exactly right. What's great is that even though your baby arrives in June, you'll qualify for the full credit when you file your 2024 taxes next year - no proration needed! With your combined income of $185k, you're well within the safe zone. The phase-out doesn't start until $400k for married filing jointly, so you have plenty of breathing room there. One tip from my experience: start the Social Security number application process at the hospital right after birth. It typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive the card, and you'll need that SSN to claim the credit on your 2024 return. If for some reason it doesn't arrive by April 15, 2025, you can always file an extension to give yourself more time. Also, don't forget that up to $1,600 of that $2,000 credit is refundable, meaning you could get money back even if you don't owe taxes. The remaining $400 can offset any tax liability you have. It's honestly one of the more straightforward tax benefits to claim!
Check your transcript for cycle codes - those are way more important than the as of date tbh
where do i find the cycle codes?
look at the numbers on the left side of ur transcript entries. first 2 digits are the cycle week
Same thing happened to me last year - my as of date jumped around like crazy for weeks and I was losing sleep over it. Turns out it was just routine processing and I got my refund exactly when WMR originally said I would. The IRS systems are confusing but try not to stress too much about the date changes alone!
I had the exact same thing happen to me last year! The "INFO" status with that adjustment message appeared even though I never requested anything. Turns out the IRS was just doing some routine account maintenance on their end. It cleared up after about 3 weeks and my refund processed normally. Since your previous years show $0 balances, you're probably fine - just the system being the system. But definitely keep an eye on it and maybe check back in a week or so to see if it updates.
That's exactly what I needed to hear! š It's so frustrating when the system shows these vague messages without any real explanation. Good to know this is just routine maintenance and not something I need to panic about. I'll definitely check back in a week like you suggested. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I work as a tax preparer and see this "INFO" status frequently during this time of year. The IRS runs automated system updates in January/February to prepare for the upcoming filing season, which can temporarily lock access to account information. The fact that your 2022 and 2023 years show clean $0.00 balances is actually a good sign - it means those years are fully processed and settled. The 2024 "adjustment" message is likely just the system's way of saying "we're working on something in the background" rather than indicating any actual problem. Most of my clients who see this status have it resolve within 2-4 weeks without any action needed on their part.
This is super helpful to hear from someone who actually works in the industry! I was getting really worried that maybe there was some kind of mix-up with my account or that someone had somehow accessed it. Knowing that this is just standard system maintenance that happens every year makes me feel so much better. The fact that my previous years are clean is definitely reassuring too. Thanks for taking the time to explain what's really happening behind the scenes - it's way more informative than the vague IRS messaging! š
Ava Thompson
Has anyone successfully done the "file 1120 now, then amend later when approved" approach? I'm in the same boat but worried about the complexity of amending a C corp return to zero and filing a new S corp return later. Feels like it could create more problems.
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Miguel Ramos
ā¢I tried that approach last year and regretted it. The amendment process was incredibly time-consuming and confusing. We had to reverse all C corp tax payments and reporting, then redistribute everything as S corp flow-through income. We also ran into issues with states that didn't automatically recognize the federal S election. Filing extensions for both types and waiting for approval was definitely the cleaner approach.
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Ava Johnson
I've been through this exact situation multiple times, and here's my recommended approach based on experience: **First, file Form 7004 immediately** to get a 6-month extension for both the 1120 and 1120S returns. This is crucial - you're at the deadline now and need to protect against penalties. **Second, document everything about your Form 2553 submission.** Keep copies of certified mail receipts, fax confirmations, or any proof of timely filing. The IRS is still experiencing major processing delays, so 2 months without response is unfortunately normal. **Third, avoid the "file 1120 then amend" strategy.** I've seen this create unnecessary complexity and potential state tax issues. It's much cleaner to wait for the S election approval and file correctly the first time. While waiting, you might want to prepare both returns so you're ready either way. If the S election is approved, file the 1120S. If denied (rare but possible), you'll have the 1120 ready to go within your extension period. The key is that Form 7004 buying you time - use it. Most S elections that are properly completed do get approved, it just takes time with current IRS processing delays.
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Norman Fraser
ā¢This is exactly the advice I needed to hear! I'm in a similar situation with my LLC that elected corporate taxation last year, and now we want to make the S election. I was getting overwhelmed by all the different strategies people suggested, but your step-by-step approach makes perfect sense. The Form 7004 extension idea is brilliant - I didn't realize you could file extensions for both return types simultaneously. That really does take the pressure off while waiting for IRS processing. Quick question though - when you say "prepare both returns," do you mean fully complete them or just get the groundwork done? I'm worried about doing too much work on the 1120S if the election gets denied for some reason.
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