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Anybody else notice the Where's My Refund tool is basically useless these days?
might as well be asking a magic 8 ball tbh
Just want to add that if you're approaching day 21 and getting nervous, check if you claimed any credits like EITC, CTC, or AOTC. Those automatically add extra processing time (usually takes the full 21 days minimum). Also make sure your bank info is correct - a lot of delays happen because of wrong account numbers or closed accounts.
You know what's funny about all this transcript code business? The IRS expects us to decipher their secret language while they can't even answer their own phones! π I've been tracking my refunds for years now (military spouse, so we've filed in 4 different states). The WMR tool is basically useless compared to transcript codes. Last year it showed "still processing" for weeks after I had already received my refund! The big picture is that the IRS is dealing with millions of returns right now. Unless you see specific hold codes (570 without an 846 following it), your return is probably just in the normal queue. Military returns actually tend to process faster in my experience.
Welcome to the world of IRS transcript codes! As a fellow military family member, I totally get the confusion - it's like learning a whole new MOS! π Here's my simplified breakdown for tracking your refund: **Quick Check Method:** - Use IRS2Go app or WMR tool on IRS.gov - Updates usually happen overnight (check early morning) **Detailed Method (what I recommend):** - Set up your IRS online account at irs.gov/account - Download your 2023 Account Transcript - Look for these key codes: * 150 = Your return was received and processed * 846 = Refund issued (this is your golden ticket!) * 570 = Temporary hold (usually resolves in 1-2 weeks) **Pro tip:** The date next to code 846 is your actual deposit date - you can bank on it being accurate. Since you filed 3 weeks ago through MilTax, you're right in the normal processing window. Most military returns I've seen this year are processing within 21-28 days, especially with the recent April deadline rush. For PCS planning, I'd suggest checking your transcript weekly rather than daily - the IRS updates in batches, so daily checking just adds stress without new info. Hope this helps and good luck with your move! ποΈ
Pro tip: call your state SNAP office directly. Sometimes they can tell you if your debt has been referred for offset even if it's not showing up yet. The hold times are brutal but better than getting surprised later
I had a similar situation a couple years back! The good news is if you're not defaulted on your payment plan and it's not showing in TOP, you're probably in the clear for federal. State offsets work differently though - they usually happen faster and don't always sync with TOP. Since you're catching up on payments, document everything and keep those payment confirmations handy. Worst case scenario, if something does get offset, you can usually get it released pretty quickly if you're actively paying on the plan π€
This is really helpful! I'm new here and going through something similar. Quick question - when you say "document everything," what specific records should I be keeping? Like just payment confirmations or is there other stuff I should save too? Thanks for sharing your experience!
The fact that your wife was initially on a tourist visa and then switched to a spousal visa is actually a common scenario. Based on the Canada-US tax treaty, what really matters is where your "permanent home" was available to you after you moved to the US. I went through something similar and was advised that having a lease agreement in the US showing intent to permanently reside there, along with evidence of moving personal belongings, was crucial in establishing US residency for treaty purposes. Also, document when you gave up provincial health insurance - that's a big one that CRA looks at for residency determination.
Great point about provincial health coverage! I did officially notify Ontario about my move and surrendered my OHIP coverage when I left. I should have documentation of that somewhere. We do have a 12-month lease in the US that we signed in October, and I brought most of my belongings with me (though some larger items are in storage in Canada). Sounds like these factors could help support my case for US residency despite the visa complications.
Cross-border tax situations like yours are incredibly nuanced, and it sounds like you have several factors working in your favor for establishing US residency status. The key thing to understand is that CRA's residency determination isn't just about your marital status or visa type - it's about where your life is actually centered. From what you've described, you have strong indicators of establishing US residency: you moved with clear intent (got the TN visa for work), obtained US driver's license and health insurance immediately, rented out your Canadian property, signed a 12-month US lease, and surrendered provincial health coverage. The fact that your wife was initially on a tourist visa versus a spousal visa is less relevant than the overall picture of your residential ties. What matters more is that you both moved together with the intention of establishing life in the US, regardless of the specific visa categories at the time. I'd recommend getting a second opinion from a cross-border tax specialist who isn't affiliated with your company. The accountants your employer hired may be taking an overly conservative approach that could cost you thousands unnecessarily. Make sure to document everything - dates of departure, lease agreements, utility setup, bank account openings, etc. This documentation will be crucial if CRA ever questions your residency determination. The Canada-US tax treaty is designed to prevent exactly this kind of double taxation scenario, so don't let anyone tell you that you're automatically stuck paying Canadian taxes on your US income just because of visa timing.
Rhett Bowman
Quick question - I'm also in Denver and planning to sell a rental soon. Does anyone know if 1031 exchanges are harder to complete now with the tight real estate market? My concern is finding a replacement property in time.
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Abigail Patel
β’I did a 1031 in Denver area last summer. It's definitely challenging with inventory so low. Key is to start identifying potential properties BEFORE you close on your sale. The 45-day identification period goes by super fast. I recommend working with a 1031 exchange company that specializes in this - they helped me find off-market properties when I was struggling.
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Caleb Stark
Based on what everyone has shared here, it sounds like you're getting good advice from your accountant. The $187k gain will definitely impact your AGI, which could affect various tax credits and deductions you currently qualify for. One thing I'd add that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you're accounting for any improvements you made to the rental property over the years. Those can be added to your cost basis and reduce your taxable gain. Things like new roof, HVAC system, flooring, kitchen renovations, etc. Many people forget to include these when calculating their capital gains. Also, since you mentioned you've owned since 2017, don't forget about depreciation recapture if you've been claiming depreciation on the property. That portion gets taxed at 25% rather than the regular capital gains rates. Given the complexity and the large amount involved, it might be worth paying for a consultation with a tax professional who specializes in real estate transactions before you finalize the sale. They can run the numbers on different scenarios and help you understand exactly what credits you might lose and whether any timing strategies make sense for your situation.
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