To all those having trouble reaching a human at the IRS. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/wMf29SmRU-I

I received a 4464C letter last month and was initially worried, but it turned out to be routine verification. The IRS just needed to confirm some information from my W-2s and 1099s. I responded within the 30-day timeframe they gave me, and my refund was processed about 3 weeks later. Don't panic if you get one - just make sure to respond promptly with the requested documentation. You can also check your account transcript online at irs.gov to see any updates on your case status.

TurboTax filer here with some actual data points: • Feb 15 - Filed through TurboTax with direct deposit • Feb 16 - IRS accepted return • Feb 28 - WMR updated to approved • Mar 2 - Refund deposited For Oklahoma state: • Use OkTAP portal (https://oktap.tax.ok.gov) • Select "Look Up a Return" under Quick Links • State refunds typically process in 5-10 business days • Oklahoma has a separate processing center from federal • State refunds aren't tied to federal processing timelines Most TurboTax filers I know are seeing 14-21 day processing times this year unless they claimed certain credits.

I'm in a similar situation with TurboTax - filed February 20th and still just showing "accepted" status. Based on what everyone's sharing here, it sounds like this is pretty normal for TurboTax users this year. I'm going to check the IRS WMR tool directly instead of relying on the TurboTax app for updates. For Oklahoma state refunds, thanks for the phone number tip! I tried the OkTAP website but found it confusing to navigate. The automated phone system at 405-521-3160 sounds much easier. Did you need any specific information besides SSN, filing status, and refund amount when you called? It's reassuring to hear that state and federal process independently - I was worried something was wrong since I haven't heard anything on either front yet.

One thing to be super careful about - if you collect sales tax from customers but don't remit it to the state, that's considered MUCH worse than simply not collecting at all. It can potentially be treated as theft or conversion in some jurisdictions, which is where the criminal penalties might come into play.

As someone who's been through this maze with my own international e-commerce business, I can't stress enough how important it is to get compliant BEFORE you start selling. The complexity is real, but it's manageable with the right approach. A few key points from my experience: 1. Start by researching economic nexus thresholds for your target states - they vary significantly (some are $100k/200 transactions, others like CA are $500k) 2. Consider using a marketplace facilitator like Amazon FBA initially, as they handle sales tax collection in many states 3. If going direct-to-consumer, budget for tax compliance software from day one - it's way cheaper than penalties later 4. Keep detailed records of where you're selling and how much - you'll need this data for nexus determinations The voluntary disclosure programs mentioned by others are absolutely worth considering if you're already selling and haven't been collecting. Most states would rather work with you than chase you down later. Don't let the complexity scare you away from the US market - it's totally doable with proper planning and the right tools. Just don't wing it!

Has anyone actually calculated how much the marriage benefit is worth? Like a dollar amount? I'm in a similar situation (earning about 95k, partner is SAHM with our 2 kids) and curious what kind of savings we're talking about.

I'm in a very similar situation! Been with my partner for 8 years, I work in tech, and she's been home with our twin boys for the past 3 years. We've been putting off marriage for various reasons, but the tax benefits are definitely something we're considering more seriously now. One thing I'd add to the great advice already here - don't forget about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) thresholds. Even though you're a software developer, depending on your exact income level, you might still qualify for some EITC as a married couple filing jointly where the thresholds are higher than for HOH. It's worth checking since every little bit helps! Also, if your partner has any interest in going back to work part-time eventually, being married gives you more flexibility with things like dependent care FSAs and the child and dependent care credit calculations. The retirement savings angle mentioned earlier is huge too - that spousal IRA contribution can really add up over time and gives you both more security down the road.

Make sure you understand what your wife actually filed! There's a common tax scam where people claim their W-2 wages should be reclassified as "non-taxable" based on misinterpreting Section 861 of the tax code. The IRS has specifically listed this as a "frivolous tax position" which automatically triggers a $5,000 penalty per return. Did her cousin actually get $20k back or is that just what she claimed? Many people who promote these schemes lie about their success to recruit others.

I'm really sorry you're going through this situation. Based on what you've described, it sounds like your wife may have fallen victim to one of the most common tax scams out there - the "wages are not income" or Section 861 argument that's been circulating for years. Here's what I'd recommend as immediate steps: 1. **Get your tax transcripts** - Request account transcripts for all the years involved from the IRS website. This will show exactly what was filed and what penalties were assessed. 2. **Contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service** - They're independent from the IRS and specifically help people in financial hardship situations like yours. Call 877-777-4778 or find your local office online. 3. **Look into First-Time Penalty Abatement** - If this is your first major compliance issue, you may qualify to have some penalties reduced or eliminated. 4. **Consider an Offer in Compromise** - Given your financial situation, you might be able to settle for much less than the full amount owed. The fact that your 2022 refund hasn't been applied to your balance is concerning and should be addressed immediately. The IRS should be able to explain where that money went when you contact them. Don't give up - there are options available even when you can't afford an attorney. The key is understanding exactly what was filed and then working through the proper channels to address it.