The confusion you're experiencing is similar to what happens with mortgage pre-approvals vs. final approvals. With tax refund advances, there's a huge difference between preparers who offer advances based on the e-file acceptance (which happens within 24-48 hours) versus those who wait for the IRS to fully process your return (which takes 1-3 weeks). In your case, your previous preparer likely offered the more aggressive "e-file acceptance" advance, while the national chains you're looking at now are offering the more conservative "full IRS acceptance" advance. It's not that you're waiting weeks for the advance itself - you're waiting weeks for the IRS approval that triggers the advance eligibility.

I've tracked this closely over the last few tax seasons and here's what I've found with different companies: • Local independent preparers: Often offer advances within 24-72 hours of e-filing • H&R Block: Their "Early Refund Advance" requires IRS acceptance and typically takes 7-10 days • TurboTax: Their "Refund Advance" usually takes 8-15 days as they wait for IRS approval • Jackson Hewitt: Their "No Fee Refund Advance" is available within 24 hours of e-filing but has stricter eligibility The faster the advance, the more risk for the lender, so they either: • Charge higher preparation fees to offset risk • Have stricter eligibility requirements • Offer lower advance amounts • Add hidden fees elsewhere Just be careful - some of these "advances" can end up costing you more than just waiting for the IRS direct deposit!

Oh my goodness, be VERY careful with the TurboTax loan situation! I had this exact scenario last year and it was a NIGHTMARE! My refund was delayed for 4 months, and when it finally came, SBTPG held it for an additional week without any communication! They eventually processed it correctly, but the stress of wondering where my money was after such a long delay was terrible! Make sure you keep all your loan documents and check your SBTPG account regularly!

According to the IRS website (https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions), they will still use your selected refund method even with delays. I've seen some people reporting that extremely delayed refunds (6+ months) sometimes convert to checks, but this seems to be the exception not the rule. The TurboTax loan agreement specifically states SBTPG maintains first right to the refund regardless of timing.

Here's a complete list of IRS phone numbers for different situations: • Main customer service: 800-829-1040 (7am-7pm local time) • Tax forms: 800-829-3676 • Tax exempt organizations: 877-829-5500 • Estate and gift taxes: 866-699-4083 • Taxpayer Advocate Service: 877-777-4778 • Electronic filing: 866-255-0654 • Business tax questions: 800-829-4933 Don't waste time with the automated system. When it asks for an SSN, don't enter anything. Then press 1 for English, then 2 for personal tax questions, then 1 for forms, then 3 for all other questions, then 2 for all other topics. This path usually gets you to a human faster. Document who you speak with and get their ID number. Call early in the morning or right before closing time for shortest waits.

Calling the IRS is like trying to get front row tickets to a popular concert - technically possible but requires patience and strategy. The numbers others have shared are correct, but here's what they haven't mentioned: the IRS is actually more responsive to written correspondence for many issues. It's like choosing between waiting in a chaotic line or sending a letter that gets processed in order. If your issue isn't urgent, consider sending a written inquiry with your tax ID number, the tax year in question, and copies (not originals) of relevant documents. You'll often get a response within 30 days, which can be faster than repeatedly trying to get through by phone during busy season.

Have you tried checking your e-file status through your tax software instead of WMR? Sometimes they'll show a more detailed status. Did you get an email confirmation from your tax software that the return was transmitted successfully? Sometimes those emails contain a tracking ID you can reference if you need to call.

According to Internal Revenue Procedure 2023-36, the official start of the 2024 tax filing season is indeed January 27th. The error you're encountering is consistent with IRS Publication 5084 which outlines the pre-processing status of early-filed returns. Are you claiming any credits that might subject you to additional verification under the PATH Act? If so, be aware that IRC Section 6402(m) mandates additional verification procedures that may further delay processing even after the official start date.

Does anyone know if these tax programs handle multiple streams of self-employment income? I do caregiving AND online tutoring, and I'm wondering if I need separate Schedule Cs or if they can be combined? 😅 Tax season making my head spin faster than my clients' medication schedules!

I tried all three last year for my home healthcare business. H&R Block was okay but missed some industry-specific deductions that TurboTax caught. Remember when I thought I couldn't deduct my scrubs because they weren't technically a uniform? TurboTax flagged that as a potential deduction. The interface walks you through everything step by step, which was perfect for my first year. Jackson Hewitt was my least favorite - felt clunky and wasn't as thorough with the questions. Whatever you choose, start early! My first self-employment return took me THREE WEEKENDS to complete.