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This is almost certainly identity theft. The IRS has specific procedures for this situation. You need to file a paper return with Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) attached. Include a copy of your government ID and as much documentation as possible. The IRS will then investigate both returns to determine which is legitimate. They'll also place an identity protection marker on your account for future years. Don't wait on this - identity thieves typically file early in the season to beat legitimate taxpayers to the punch. Also file a police report and FTC complaint at identitytheft.gov as this creates an official record of the theft.
I went through this exact situation two years ago. At first I panicked thinking my identity had been completely stolen, but it turned out to be much simpler. My previous employer had accidentally submitted a W-2 with a typo in the SSN that happened to match mine. I called the IRS, explained the situation, and they helped me file a paper return with documentation. It took about 12 weeks to process instead of the usual 3 weeks for e-filing, but everything worked out fine in the end. Don't assume the worst right away - there are several possible explanations that aren't identity theft!
I might be overthinking this, but I believe there's a middle ground here. Perhaps this community could be used to learn general concepts and terminology, which might help you have more productive conversations with tax professionals? I always bring a list of questions when I meet with my accountant, many of which I've refined by reading discussions here. Just my thoughts, though I wouldn't rely solely on advice from here for actual filing decisions.
This forum has its place. It's helpful for general questions. Not for complex situations. Not for specific filing advice. I'm a bookkeeper. Even I consult CPAs for complex matters. The tax code is massive. It changes yearly. No single person knows it all. Forums can point you in right directions. They shouldn't replace professional guidance.
Went through this last year. Got audited for 2021. Was terrified about 2022. No audit happened. Make sure your records are organized. Keep all receipts. Document everything. The amendment itself isn't the problem. It's what caused the audit initially.
Tbh the IRS doesn't have the resources to audit everyone who got audited b4. They look for specific red flags like unusually high deductions, mismatched income reporting, or math errors. Def make sure ur 1099s match what you're reporting! Also, if ur in the same income bracket as last yr, the DIF score (what the IRS uses to flag returns) might be similar, so double-check everything that got flagged last time.
What's the exact timeframe between when you filed your amendment last year and when you received your refund? Was it approximately 8-9 months, or did you face additional delays beyond that?
Generally speaking, the IRS audit selection process works on a year-by-year basis. While prior audit history might be one factor in their selection algorithm, it's typically not the determining factor. Most audits are selected through their DIF scoring system, which looks at current year deviations from statistical norms for your income level and profession.
Has anyone been seeing longer delays this tax season? I filed Feb 1st and STILL nothing! Getting really worried since I need this money for some urgent car repairs! ๐ซ
According to IRS Publication 2043 (2024), the standard processing time for electronically filed returns is 21 calendar days. However, there are several factors that can extend this timeline: 1. Returns filed early in the season (January-mid February) often experience slightly longer processing times due to system validations and high volume. 2. Per Internal Revenue Code ยง6402(a), the IRS must verify certain data points which can add 5-7 days to processing. 3. Returns with no refundable credits typically process faster than those with credits. If you filed on February 7th and today is February 28th, you're still within the normal processing window. I would recommend checking your transcript next Tuesday, as that will mark the 21-day threshold.
Mia Green
As someone who's been through multiple tax seasons with a spouse on deployment, I understand your concern. The service mentioned above doesn't actually access your tax info - it just helps connect you to the IRS phone system. Some key points: โข The PATH Act legally prevents the IRS from issuing certain refunds before mid-February โข Military status doesn't expedite processing unless in combat zones โข Transcript delays are normal for EIC/CTC claims โข Missing PATH Act message doesn't indicate problems I'd recommend setting up direct deposit if you haven't already and making sure your address is current in case your spouse deploys before the refund arrives.
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Emma Bianchi
OMG I'm literally in the EXACT same situation! Filed 1/29, accepted same day, and NOTHING has updated. I check WMR and my transcript like 5 times a day and it's making me crazy! My husband is also military and we were counting on this money for some repairs before he leaves. So frustrating that they take our money instantly but take FOREVER to give refunds. Last year I had my refund by February 25th even with claiming credits. The waiting is absolutely killing me.
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