Has anyone here actually used priortax.com specifically? I'm in a similar situation with unfiled 2016 taxes and wondering if it's worth trying.

Just want to add a reality check here - while you're right to file that 2015 return, don't panic too much about the IRS "coming looking for you." If you were due a refund that year, there are literally no penalties for filing late (you just lose the refund after 3 years, which has already happened). If you owed money, yes there will be penalties and interest, but the IRS is usually pretty reasonable about setting up payment plans. The failure-to-file penalty stops accumulating once you actually file, so getting that return in is definitely the right move. For what it's worth, I've used both professional tax preparers and DIY methods for old returns. If your 2015 situation was relatively simple (just W-2s, maybe some basic deductions), the manual route with IRS forms might be cheaper than you think. But if you had complicated stuff going on during that divorce year, spending the money on professional help could save you headaches and potentially money in the long run.

Community wisdom on WMR updates: • Most updates happen overnight (3-4 AM Eastern) • Saturday mornings often show the most changes • Checking multiple times per day won't help • Transcripts update before WMR about 80% of the time • Status bars disappearing can actually be a good sign • Tax Topic 152 usually means normal processing Hope this helps! Anyone have other tips?

As someone who's been through this frustrating waiting game multiple times, I feel your pain about needing that refund for bills. One thing that helped me manage the anxiety was setting up direct deposit if you haven't already - it can shave off a few days compared to paper checks. Also, while everyone's mentioning the overnight updates (which is true), I've noticed that if there's going to be a status change, it usually happens between Wednesday night and Saturday morning. The worst part is that "accepted" status can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on your return complexity. Hang in there - two weeks is still within normal processing times, especially during peak season.

Has anyone used one of those online home value estimators instead of paying for a formal appraisal? I'm wondering if the IRS would accept Zillow or Redfin estimates as proof of FMV for establishing stepped-up basis?

I'm so sorry for your loss, Nathan. Dealing with estate matters while grieving is incredibly difficult. Getting a professional appraisal is definitely the smart approach here - the IRS generally expects formal documentation for establishing fair market value, especially for real estate. One thing to keep in mind is that the appraisal should ideally be done as close to the date of death as possible to accurately reflect the FMV at that time. Since it's been a few weeks since your father passed, you'll want to make sure the appraiser understands they need to value the property as of the March date of death, not current conditions. The step-up basis will likely save you significant money on capital gains taxes. Just make sure to keep all documentation - the appraisal report, probate court documents, death certificate, and any records showing the property transfer. You'll need these when you eventually sell to prove your stepped-up cost basis to the IRS. Consider consulting with a tax professional who specializes in estate matters, especially given that there's no will involved. They can help ensure you're handling everything correctly during the probate process.

The IRS is so behind this year its not even funny anymore. They need to get it together fr

Looking at your transcript, the 570/971 combo is pretty standard when the IRS needs to verify credits - especially with that large refund amount. The good news is your account shows no penalties or interest accruing, which means they're not questioning the legitimacy of your return, just doing their due diligence. Based on the timing (971 notice issued May 2nd), you should receive that letter within 7-10 business days explaining exactly what they need. Once you provide any requested documentation or they complete their internal review, the 570 hold gets released and your refund processes. With credits like EIC and CTC, these reviews are routine but can take 6-12 weeks total. Keep checking your transcript weekly for updates - you'll see the 570 disappear first, then hopefully a 846 code with your direct deposit date. Hang in there! 🤞

Mine went from zeros to actual numbers then back to zeros again... The IRS is straight trolling us at this point 😤

Looking at your transcript, the code 570 "Additional account action pending" typically means the IRS needs to do additional review or verification before releasing your refund. It's not necessarily a problem - could be routine verification of your EIC claim since you're getting $4,095. The negative account balance (-42) does mean you have a credit/refund coming. The processing just happened on 12/9, so you're still early in the process. Code 570 usually gets resolved within 2-4 weeks, then you'd see a code 571 when it's released. Keep checking your transcript for updates!