Thanks for sharing your timeline! Did you check the Where's My Refund tool at all during your wait? Just wondering if it was accurate or if your money showed up before the tool updated.

I checked Where's My Refund every few days. It was pretty accurate - showed "Return Received" until Feb 15, then switched to "Refund Approved" with my expected deposit date listed as Feb 17. The money actually hit my bank account around 3am on Feb 17, exactly as predicted. The tool only updates once a day (usually overnight), so it's not worth checking multiple times daily. If you have the IRS2Go app, it'll give you the same information but it's a little more convenient than going to the website each time.

I claimed EITC and got my refund in the second wave. They legally can't issue EITC refunds before mid-February. Filed Jan 20, accepted Jan 21, approved Feb 18, DD Feb 22.

So if I understand correctly, I could leave my $2100 excess in there, pay the 6% tax one more time for 2024, but then for 2025 I would only contribute $2050 instead of the full $4150? And then everything would be back to normal going forward? That actually sounds easier than trying to get my HSA administrator to do a special withdrawal.

Exactly right! You'll pay the 6% tax ($126) one more time when you file your 2024 return, but then for 2025, you'd only contribute $2050 instead of the full $4150. This way, your total 2025 contribution (including the $2100 excess that remained in your account) equals the maximum allowed contribution. After that, everything is back to normal for 2026 and you can resume contributing the full annual limit. Many people find this approach simpler than dealing with the withdrawal process, especially if your HSA administrator has a complicated process or charges fees for excess contribution withdrawals.

The 6% excess contribution tax applies to the tax year in which the excess contribution occurred. So if you over-contributed in 2023, you'd pay the tax when filing your 2023 tax return (which you'd typically file in early 2024). If you don't correct the excess contribution by withdrawing it or using it up (by contributing less in a later year), then you'll continue paying the 6% tax in each subsequent year until the situation is fixed. That's why the original poster is facing another 6% tax for 2024 - because the excess from 2023 is still sitting in their HSA.

Did you claim EITC or Additional Child Tax Credit? Those always take longer - the IRS by law can't release those refunds before mid-February regardless of when you filed.

I use it every year and find it pretty accurate. "Still processing" usually means your return is in the queue but hasn't been reviewed yet. Don't worry too much unless it's been more than 21 days since you e-filed.

The app just pulls the same data as the Where's My Refund tool on the website. If you're seeing "still processing" after 2 weeks, it might be worth calling the IRS. Sometimes there are verification issues they need to resolve but they don't always notify you proactively.

Is there a way to report these places? There's a tax office near me that has a giant sign saying "WE GET YOU MAXIMUM REFUNDS GUARANTEED" and they advertise that they "only charge a percentage of what they save you." Seems super sketch.

That's a great point! I hadn't even thought about state-specific incentives. I'm in Pennsylvania - do you know if they have similar programs or where I should look to find this information?

Pennsylvania actually has several programs! Check out the PA Department of Environmental Protection website - they offer rebates for energy efficient appliances and heating systems through their PA Home Energy Program. Also look at your utility company's website as many PA utilities offer additional rebates. The PA Housing Finance Agency also has some programs for new homeowners making improvements. The state-level stuff isn't on your tax return directly but comes as separate rebates or credits that can be substantial. Some municipalities in PA also have property tax reductions for certain improvements, so check your local government website too!

I used TurboTax last year after buying my first house. It asks about mortgage interest and property taxes really clearly, but for energy credits you have to specifically look for those sections - they don't always come up automatically in their interview process. I almost missed the credit for my energy efficient windows until I specifically searched for it. Make sure you have manufacturer certifications for any energy efficient improvements. TurboTax has a section for these credits but you need to know to look for them under "Credits & Deductions" and then "Home Energy Credits.