The IRS is massively understaffed right now and processing times are all over the place. My brother filed in January and got his refund in 9 days. I filed TWO WEEKS before him and just got mine yesterday (54 days later!) with zero explanation for the delay. There's literally no rhyme or reason to it sometimes - it's like a lottery. Fingers crossed you're one of the lucky ones who gets processed quickly!

First-time filer advice: download the IRS2Go app!! It's the official IRS app and lets you check your refund status anytime. Way easier than constantly logging into the website, and it updates at the same time as the "Where's My Refund" tool. My direct deposit refund took 11 days total this year (filed early February), but my girlfriend who filed in March waited almost 4 weeks. Filing early definitely seems to help speed things up.

For what it's worth, I've been using FreeTaxUSA for the past 3 years after getting fed up with TurboTax's rising prices and constant upselling. The federal filing is free regardless of complexity, and state returns are like $15. The interface isn't as polished as TurboTax, but it asks all the same questions and finds the same deductions in my experience. I'd recommend filling out your return there too as a comparison - it won't cost anything to prepare the federal return, only to file. But like others said, the software isn't usually the issue - it's likely something with your withholding or a missed deduction. Different software won't magically make you owe less unless there's a specific deduction or credit that TurboTax is missing (which is rare).

Something to consider - did you receive any unemployment benefits? Those are taxable and if you didn't elect to have taxes withheld, that could explain the surprise bill. Also, check if you got any advanced Child Tax Credit payments if you have kids. That can make a big difference in what you owe vs. what you expected.

Quick reminder that if your divorce was finalized before 2019, you can STILL deduct alimony on your taxes! My divorce was in 2017 and I take the deduction every year. Just make sure you have the right documentation and your ex's social security number for your tax forms. A lot of people don't realize the cutoff date doesn't affect older divorces unless you've modified your agreement since then and specifically opted into the new rules.

Does anyone know what happens if your divorce was being finalized right around the cutoff date? My ex and I separated in 2017, but our divorce wasn't technically finalized until February 2019. I've been deducting alimony since then, but now I'm worried I've been doing it wrong for years...

One important thing nobody's mentioned - if you can pay the full amount within 180 days, you should request a short-term payment plan instead of an installment agreement. There's no setup fee for short-term plans, while installment agreements have setup fees ranging from $31 to $149 depending on how you apply and pay. Also, if your financial situation is really tight, look into an "Offer in Compromise" where the IRS might accept less than the full amount you owe. They have a pre-qualifier tool on their website to see if you might be eligible.

Just curious - does anyone know what happens if you just ignore the certified letter? Not saying OP should do this, but I missed one a couple years ago and nothing ever came of it...

You need to check your custody agreement/court order first! In my case, even though my kid lived with my ex more than half the time, our divorce decree specifically stated who gets to claim our child each year (we alternate). The IRS actually follows these court orders when there's a dispute. If your temporary orders don't specify who claims the child, then yes, the residency test would probably give Jess the first right to claim Emma. BUT if you have it written into your court order that you get to claim your daughter, that would override the residency test. Also, something to consider - if Jess has zero income, she wouldn't get much benefit from claiming Emma anyway. Most child tax credits require you to have earned income to fully benefit. Your child support isn't considered income for her - it's tax-neutral.

Make sure you document EVERYTHING. I went through this with my ex's parents trying to claim my kid. Keep receipts for all child support payments, extra expenses, gifts, etc. Also document all visits, calls, and other involvement. If someone incorrectly claims your child and you believe you have the right to claim them, you can still file your return claiming the child (you'll have to paper file if someone else already claimed them electronically). The IRS will then send notices to both parties and investigate. They may ask for proof like: - School/medical records showing the child's address - Court custody agreements - Documentation of financial support - Documentation of your relationship/involvement with the child Sometimes just letting the grandparents know you're going to claim your child and have documentation can prevent the issue entirely!