Here's a trick: call them every single day and be persistent. Ask for a supervisor if the first person can't help. I did this last year and suddenly my money appeared the next day. They can expedite if they want to, they just don't unless you make noise.

This is unfortunately super common with SBTPG. I've been through this exact scenario twice now. The "funded" status basically means they've received your refund from the IRS but haven't processed it to your bank yet. A few things that might help: 1. Call them every day and document each call - ask for reference numbers 2. Request to speak with a supervisor if you're not getting clear answers 3. Ask specifically if there are any holds or verification issues on your account 4. Double-check that all your banking info is correct in their system The 14-day timeframe everyone mentions is real - they legally have that long to process it. But in my experience, being persistent with daily calls can sometimes speed things up. The most frustrating part is their system rarely updates properly, so your money might hit your account before their website even shows a trace number. Hang in there - you're getting close to the point where you can really start pushing them for answers!

Has anyone used Rocket Dollar for their checkbook IRA? They advertise a flat fee structure that looks pretty competitive, but I've heard mixed reviews about their customer support.

I've been managing my checkbook IRA for about 3 years now and wanted to add a few practical tips that I learned the hard way: 1. **Document everything religiously** - Keep detailed records of every transaction, investment decision, and communication. The IRS can audit self-directed IRAs, and you'll need clear documentation showing business purpose for all activities. 2. **Set up separate accounting software** - Don't just rely on bank statements. I use QuickBooks to track the LLC's finances separately from my personal accounts. This makes annual reporting much cleaner and helps avoid any appearance of commingling funds. 3. **Annual valuation requirements** - Your custodian will need fair market value of all assets by December 31st each year. For illiquid investments like real estate or private businesses, you may need professional appraisals. Budget for this ongoing cost. 4. **State compliance matters** - Don't forget your LLC has state-level compliance requirements too. Annual reports, registered agent fees, etc. These vary by state but can add up over time. The freedom is amazing once everything is properly set up, but the administrative burden is real. Make sure you're prepared for the ongoing responsibilities, not just the initial setup costs.

Just to add to what others have said - make sure you're aware of the contribution limits for 403(b) plans. For 2025, the total limit for combined traditional and Roth 403(b) contributions is $23,000 if you're under 50. That $13k you mentioned is well under the limit so you're good! Also, don't forget to check if your employer offers a 457(b) plan too. Many non-profits do, and you can contribute to BOTH a 403(b) and a 457(b) up to the full limit for each, effectively doubling your tax-advantaged space!

Remember that your W-2 should have code E in box 12 showing your pre-tax 403b contributions. And if you've made any Roth 403b contributions, they should appear with code EE. This is how you can double-check that your employer reported everything correctly!

This is such a timely discussion - I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation! Got my ERTC for 2020 just last month after what felt like an eternity of waiting. One thing I learned from my CPA is that even though we're past the normal 3-year audit window, the IRS still expects proper reporting of all income and credits. The key insight here is that the ERTC creates a "subsequent event" that requires amendment regardless of timing. For S-Corps specifically, the flow-through implications are crucial. You'll need to amend the 1120-S first to reflect the reduced wage expenses (since ERTC reduces your wage deduction), which will generate a corrected K-1. Then use that corrected K-1 to amend your personal 1040. What really helped me was understanding that this isn't about whether you're "safe" from audits due to timing - it's about compliance. The IRS has been pretty clear that ERTC recipients need to properly report these transactions when received, even if it's years later. Also worth noting: some states have different rules about how they treat ERTC, so definitely check your state requirements too. In my state, the reduced federal wage deduction flowed through and required a state amendment as well.

This thread has been incredibly helpful - I'm in a similar boat with my ERTC finally coming through for 2020! One thing I want to add that hasn't been mentioned yet: if you're using a tax professional for the amendments, make sure they're familiar with the specific ERTC reporting requirements. I initially went to my regular tax preparer who admitted they weren't up to speed on the latest ERTC amendment procedures since it's been such a moving target with all the delays and changes. I ended up switching to someone who specializes in business tax credits and it made a huge difference in understanding exactly what needed to be reported and how. Also, keep really detailed records of when you received the ERTC payment and any correspondence from the IRS about it. From what I understand, this documentation could be important if there are ever questions about the timing of your amendment. The whole situation is unusual enough that good documentation seems extra important. Sean, definitely don't ignore this just because you're outside the normal window - everything I've read suggests that proper reporting is still required regardless of timing!

Has anyone here actually been audited over vehicle deductions? I'm curious what that experience is like. I've been deducting my car for business use for years (about 30% business use) but my record keeping isn't perfect...

The audit experience mentioned by @Ava Williams is exactly why I always tell people to be conservative with vehicle deductions. I'm a CPA and I've seen too many clients get in trouble because they listened to those YouTube "gurus" who make it sound like you can write off your entire car payment. Here's what I tell my clients: if you're not keeping meticulous records from day one, don't claim the deduction. The IRS knows that vehicle deductions are commonly abused, so they scrutinize them heavily. A simple smartphone app that tracks your business miles with GPS is worth its weight in gold during an audit. Also, @Jamal Washington, since your LLC isn't profitable yet, make sure you understand the hobby loss rules. If the IRS determines your business is more of a hobby than a legitimate profit-seeking enterprise, they can disallow losses (including vehicle deductions) that exceed your business income. Generally, you need to show a profit in 3 out of 5 years to avoid this issue. My advice: buy the car you actually need, keep detailed records of legitimate business use, and don't let tax tail wag the financial dog.