Don't forget another option - if your MAGI is too high for deductible traditional IRA contributions, consider the backdoor Roth IRA strategy. You contribute to a traditional IRA (non-deductible) then immediately convert it to a Roth IRA. As long as you don't have other traditional IRA assets, this can be a clean way to still get money into a Roth IRA even when you're above the direct contribution income limits. Make sure you file Form 8606 to report the non-deductible contribution.

Great question! Let me break this down clearly for you. Since you've maxed out your 401(k), your ability to deduct your own traditional IRA contribution depends on your exact MAGI. For 2024, if you're married filing jointly and covered by a workplace plan, the deduction phases out between $123,000-$143,000. However, your non-working spouse has much more favorable limits! Since only you participate in a workplace plan, your spouse can fully deduct their $7K IRA contribution as long as your joint MAGI stays under $230,000. Even if your MAGI is above $143K (eliminating your deduction), your spouse can still get the full deduction. One important caveat that others haven't mentioned: you need at least $14K in earned income to make both contributions. Your spouse's $2K in capital gains doesn't count as earned income for contribution purposes - only your wages/salary count toward the $14K requirement. And yes, any IRA deductions you qualify for are "above-the-line" deductions that reduce your AGI before applying the standard deduction. So if you can deduct the full $14K, that would be in addition to your ~$29K standard deduction. Given your situation, I'd recommend calculating your exact MAGI first to see where you stand in the phase-out ranges before making the contributions.

keep checking your transcripts! sometimes WMR doesnt update but transcripts will show movement

I feel your pain! I was stuck with the exact same "still being processed" message for about 6 weeks last year. The waiting is absolutely brutal, especially when you're counting on that money. What helped me was setting up account transcripts online - sometimes they show updates before WMR does. Also, if you haven't already, make sure there are no issues with your bank account info or any changes needed. The IRS customer service line is a nightmare to get through, but if you hit the 8+ week mark, it might be worth the wait. Hang in there, it will eventually move! 🤞

The IRS is such a joke fr. Why does it take 2 months to verify someone's identity in 2025 smh

I feel your pain! I'm going through the exact same thing - filed as single, verified identity about 3 weeks ago, and still getting that same "being processed" message every single day. It's so frustrating because you want to check for updates but know deep down it's probably going to be the same message. The transcript suggestion from others here is solid advice though. I finally checked mine last week and it actually showed some processing codes that gave me a better idea of where things stand, even though WMR was still showing the generic message. Hang in there - sounds like most people are seeing movement around the 4-6 week mark after verification!

Has anyone used TurboTax to get their acceptance records from 2020? I'm in a similar situation but can't find my original confirmation email. Do they keep records that far back or am I out of luck?

I went through this exact situation with a CP518 notice for my 2019 return. The key thing to understand is that the IRS systems sometimes don't properly match electronically filed returns, especially during peak processing periods. Here's what worked for me: I gathered all my documentation (TurboTax acceptance confirmation, bank records showing the refund deposit, and a copy of my filed return) and sent a comprehensive response package via certified mail. In my cover letter, I clearly stated "This is a response to CP518 notice - return was electronically filed and processed" and included the notice number. The most important thing I learned is to request your tax transcript from irs.gov before responding. Even though they sent you a CP518, your transcript might actually show that your return was processed. This happened to me - the transcript showed transaction codes proving they had my return, which made my response much stronger. Also, don't worry too much about penalties. If you can prove you filed on time (which your TurboTax confirmation should do), you won't face failure-to-file penalties. The IRS typically reverses these notices once they locate the original return in their system. One last tip: keep detailed records of everything you send them, including certified mail receipts. This will be helpful if you need to follow up or escalate to Taxpayer Advocate Service later.

stuck on this message since february... starting to lose hope ngl

I've been in your exact situation! Had that same "still being processed" message for about 3 weeks before my refund finally came through. The frustrating part is there's really no way to know if it'll be 2 weeks or 2 months - it seems completely random. What helped me was calling the IRS directly (though expect long wait times) to see if there were any specific issues with my return. In my case, it was just normal processing delays. Hang in there - most people do eventually get their refunds, it's just a matter of when!