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Another tip for Path filers - make sure you're looking at the right transcript! There are 4 different types and the Account Transcript is the one that shows refund info. I was confused at first because I kept checking the Return Transcript which doesn't show processing or refund dates. Also, if you see code 570 (additional account action pending) followed by 971 (notice issued), don't panic! That often means they're just verifying something and a release code (571) usually follows within a week or two.
What about code 846? I see that on mine with a date of 3/5/25 but WMR still shows processing. Does that mean I'm getting my refund on 3/5?
Code 846 is exactly what you want to see! That's the "refund issued" code, and the date next to it is when the IRS will release your refund. So yes, your refund should be sent on 3/5, though it might take 1-3 business days after that to show up in your bank account depending on your bank's processing time. The WMR tool often lags behind the transcript updates, so it's totally normal for your transcript to show a refund date while WMR is still on processing. Your transcript is the more accurate source.
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FreeTaxUSA is great for simple returns but if you have an HSA, just double check everything carefully. I used them last year and somehow my HSA contribution didn't get properly reported even though I swear I entered it. Ended up having to file an amendment which was annoying. Not saying don't use them, just verify all the numbers on the final PDF before submitting. Their interface for the HSA section is a little confusing with the contribution vs distribution sections.
Do they charge extra for amending returns? I know TurboTax hits you with another fee if you need to correct something after filing.
They do charge for amendments, I think it was about $15 when I did mine. Still cheaper than most other places, but definitely an extra expense I wasn't planning on. The process wasn't too difficult though - you basically just go through their amendment section, fix what was wrong, and they generate the proper 1040-X form. Just make sure to print and mail it rather than e-file, since the IRS still requires paper amendments in most cases.
I'm going against the grain here but I still use H&R Block's software (not their in-person service). Yes it's more expensive but I've had issues with state returns on the cheaper services. H&R had better guidance for my state's weird local tax rules. If ur taxes are super basic FreeTaxUSA is fine but sometimes the extra $40 is worth the peace of mind.
What state are you in? I'm in Pennsylvania and our local taxes are a nightmare with all the different municipality rates.
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One thing nobody's mentioned yet - age makes a difference too! If you're 50 or older, you can make catch-up contributions of an extra $1,000, bringing your limit to $7,500 for 2023. Also, remember that you can make 2023 IRA contributions all the way until April 15, 2024 (tax filing deadline). My wife and I always max out the previous year's contributions in January-April of the next year when we have extra cash flow.
I'm turning 50 in November 2023. Can I make the catch-up contribution for the whole year, or just for the months after my birthday?
You can make the full catch-up contribution of $1,000 for the entire 2023 tax year! The IRS bases eligibility on whether you're 50 or older at any point during the calendar year. So even though you're turning 50 in November, you qualify for the full $7,500 contribution limit for 2023. This is actually a nice little bonus for people in your situation - you effectively get to make "catch-up" contributions for the months before you turn 50.
Has anyone used TurboTax for figuring out IRA contributions when one spouse has no income? When I tried entering our info last year it got super confusing and I'm not sure if I did it right.
I used TurboTax last year in this exact situation (I worked, husband didn't). It actually walked me through the spousal IRA contribution pretty well. There's a specific section about retirement contributions, and it asked if my spouse had any earned income. When I entered zero, it explained the spousal IRA rules and confirmed we could still contribute up to the full amount for him. The key is making sure you indicate that you're filing jointly - that's what enables the spousal IRA option.
Thanks for explaining that! I think I must have missed something in the questionnaire because it never gave me that option clearly. I'll look specifically for the retirement contributions section this year and make sure we're filing jointly (which we are). Really appreciate the tip about where to find it.
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Does anyone know if the IRS automatically gets copies of 1099-NECs? Like, do they already know I didn't report this income?? Now I'm worried they've been building a case against me this whole time 😰
Yes, the company that paid you would have sent a copy of your 1099-NEC to the IRS. The IRS has automated systems that match reported income with filed tax returns, so they likely know about the discrepancy. That's why it's good you're fixing it proactively!
One tip - when you file your 1040-X, include a brief letter explaining that this was an honest oversight and that you're voluntarily correcting it as soon as you discovered the error. I did this when I had to amend a return, and I think it helped me avoid penalties. Make sure to keep copies of EVERYTHING you send them.
StellarSurfer
I'm a rideshare driver and my tax person almost made a similar mistake last year. The key is understanding that you have to choose either: 1. Standard mileage rate (67 cents per mile for 2024) which covers EVERYTHING related to your car 2. Actual expenses where you add up all receipts, maintenance, depreciation, etc. For most people driving less than like 15,000 business miles, the standard deduction is way easier. The mistake happens when software lets you input both standard mileage AND actual expenses, then it messes up the calculation.
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Sean Kelly
•What about if I drive a lot but also had a major repair? I did about 20,000 business miles last year but also had to replace my engine for $7,000. Which method would be better for me?
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StellarSurfer
•For 20,000 business miles at the standard rate, you'd get about $13,400 in deductions (20,000 × $0.67). To determine if actual expenses are better, you need to add up everything: the $7,000 engine replacement plus all your gas, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation for the year. If your total actual expenses exceed $13,400, then the actual expense method would give you a better deduction. But remember, if you choose actual expenses in the first year you use the vehicle for business, you're generally stuck with that method for the life of the vehicle.
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Zara Malik
$128k in vehicle expenses would mean you're spending about $32 PER MILE driven lol. Just to put that in perspective, even a Lamborghini doesn't cost that much to operate! 😂 That's definitely a software error. Double check all your inputs and maybe try a different field. Sometimes these tax programs have weird glitches where typing in one field affects a completely different calculation.
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Malik Robinson
•OMG when you put it that way ($32 per mile) it makes the error even more obvious! I went back and checked everything and found the problem. When entering my mileage, I also had "actual expenses" checked in a different section. Once I unchecked that and just used standard mileage, the number went from $128,439 down to $2,680. Huge difference! My refund is smaller now but at least I won't be getting audited for claiming I spent more on my van than it's actually worth 😅 Thanks everyone for the help!
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