its probably still processing. the system is super backed up rn

Wait, I think there might be some confusion in your post. You mentioned filing your federal return in February 2025, but California shows a refund issued in January 2025 - that timeline doesn't make sense since you can't get a refund processed before you even file! Are you maybe looking at last year's CA refund status by mistake? The state and federal systems are completely separate, so your CA refund status wouldn't affect your federal refund at all. For your federal return, if Where's My Refund is blank, definitely check your actual IRS transcript - that's where you'll see the real processing status. The WMR tool glitches out all the time but your transcript will show exactly what's happening with codes and dates.

Try 800-829-0582 extension 652. Call exactly at 7:00am EST. Press 1 for English then 2 for tax questions. When asked for SSN, enter it slowly. Don't press anything when asked about forms. Wait through two messages. You'll get a person about 50% of the time. I've gotten through three times using this method.

I'm going through something very similar! Filed on February 15th with solar credits and my transcript has been blank for weeks too. The "still being processed" message on WMR is so frustrating when you're expecting a refund. Reading everyone's experiences here really helps - it sounds like the solar credit forms are just causing normal delays this year. I've been checking my transcript obsessively but maybe I should just be more patient. Has anyone found that calling multiple times actually helped speed up the process, or did your returns just eventually process on their own timeline regardless?

Just want to add that I consulted with a real estate-specific CPA, and they said most people focusing on business entities are missing the biggest tax advantage: doing a 1031 exchange to defer capital gains when selling. I've done this twice now to upgrade from smaller to larger properties without paying taxes on the appreciation. Saved well over $70k in taxes so far.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation with two rental properties and have been wondering about the same thing. Based on what everyone's shared, it sounds like the business entity route might not be the magic bullet I was hoping for, especially since I'm probably not at the income level where S-corp election would make sense. I'm really intrigued by the cost segregation and missed deduction strategies that @Butch Sledgehammer and @Freya Ross mentioned. I've been doing my own taxes with TurboTax, but it sounds like I might be leaving money on the table by not having a more detailed analysis done. The 1031 exchange info from @Elin Robinson is also really valuable - I hadn't considered that as part of my overall tax strategy, but it makes sense to think long-term about how to defer gains when upgrading properties. Thanks to everyone for sharing their real experiences rather than just theoretical advice!

Did you get any other codes? Like 570 or 971? Mine updated yesterday. Shows 3/19 DDD. First time filing with foreign income. Wondering if normal timeline.

Your timeline looks completely standard for international filers! I've been through this process several times with my 1040-NR returns. The 3/12 DDD following a Wednesday transcript update is textbook IRS processing. What's encouraging is that you didn't get hit with any verification delays - those can add weeks to the timeline. I usually see my funds arrive either the night before or morning of the DDD, depending on my bank's processing schedule. The fact that your transcript shows the 846 refund issued code means you're in the final stretch. International returns often take longer upfront due to additional verification steps, but once you reach this point, it's smooth sailing to your bank account.

One thing nobody's mentioned is that charitable deductions are subject to income limits - you can't just donate your entire income and pay zero tax. For cash donations, you can deduct up to 60% of your AGI. For appreciated assets (stocks, etc.), it's limited to 30% of AGI. Also, the phase-out of itemized deductions can reduce the benefit for very high earners. And if you're subject to AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax), the deduction value can be different than your normal tax rate. The tax code around charitable giving is SUPER complicated and most people (including many tax preparers) don't fully understand all the strategies and limitations.

The key insight you're missing is that wealthy people often aren't just trying to minimize their current tax bill - they're playing a much longer game with wealth preservation and transfer. Here's what really happens: When someone creates a charitable remainder trust (CRT), they can donate appreciated assets, get an immediate charitable deduction, avoid capital gains tax, AND still receive income from those assets for life. Then whatever's left goes to charity. So they're not really "giving away" the full amount - they're restructuring how they access that wealth while getting tax benefits. For family foundations, the ultra-wealthy can donate assets, get the deduction, maintain control through board positions, employ family members, and the foundation only needs to give away 5% annually while the other 95% grows tax-free. Over generations, this can actually preserve more wealth than paying taxes would have. The real strategy isn't about being "less poor" than paying taxes - it's about maintaining control and influence over capital while getting tax advantages. They're essentially converting taxable wealth into tax-advantaged wealth that still benefits them and their families, just in different ways.