According to the IRS website (specifically https://www.irs.gov/publications/p501), only one person can claim HOH filing status based on the same qualifying person. This is a common issue with co-parents. Your options are: 1) File an amended return using Form 1040-X changing to Single status 2) If you believe you're actually entitled to HOH status based on another qualifying person, gather documentation to support this The IRS has been focusing more on HOH verification in recent years due to high rates of incorrect claims. The sooner you address this, the better your outcome will be.

I would suggest possibly exploring whether you might qualify for HOH through a different qualifying person than your co-parent is using. In some cases, taxpayers might have multiple qualifying dependents. It's also worth noting that the "same address" issue might not be problematic if you and your co-parent maintained separate households within that address and can document this. This is somewhat rare but possible in certain multi-unit dwellings or formally divided living spaces. I'd recommend consulting with a different tax professional for a second opinion before filing an amendment.

Fixed this last month. Called TOP. Found student loan offset. Disputed successfully. Got full refund. Took 17 days total. Keep all documentation. Take names and badge numbers. Follow up regularly. Don't give up. System works if you're persistent.

Back in 2022, I had the exact same issue. The BFS took $3,400 for defaulted student loans I didn't even know about (went to a school that shut down). If you call the Treasury Offset Program quickly, you might be able to request a review before the offset is processed. In my case, I was able to apply for a student loan discharge based on the school closure and eventually got the offset returned - but it took about 3 months. Document everything and act fast!

Anyone else notice how international returns seem to get flagged more often? I filed mine with treaty benefits in February last year and didn't get my refund until JUNE. Can you imagine waiting that long? And why don't they just tell us when they're doing extra verification? Wouldn't that be more efficient than having thousands of people calling and checking daily? I'm convinced the IRS has special filters for non-resident returns that automatically add delays. Did you file with treaty benefits? That's what triggered my endless review.

Your TC 152 code in conjunction with blank transcripts indicates your return is in the Integrity Verification Operation (IVO) pipeline. This specialized processing track evaluates returns with certain characteristics for potential identity verification requirements. For non-resident filers specifically, the IVO processing adds approximately 21-35 additional days to standard processing timeframes. The blank transcript phenomenon occurs because your return hasn't cleared initial verification to populate the IMF (Individual Master File) database that powers the transcript system. This is standard procedure for approximately 37% of international filers based on current fiscal year statistics.

I had a similar experience! Filed on February 14th, accepted the same day, and got my refund on February 25th. I was honestly shocked because last year I filed on January 28th, 2023 and didn't get my refund until March 17th! I think the IRS must have improved their systems this year. Such a relief to have that money back so quickly - already used it to pay off my holiday credit card bill!

My sister filed on February 10th with almost the exact same situation (simple return, one W-2, standard deduction) and got her refund on February 22nd too! But my cousin who claimed EITC filed the same day and is still waiting. Isn't it interesting how the complexity of your return seems to be the biggest factor? Or could it be that certain processing centers are just more efficient than others? I've always wondered if returns get routed differently based on where you live.

The Treasury Offset Program operates with far less transparency than private debt collection. If this were a private debt, they'd need to validate the debt before collection under the FDCPA. But government debts? They can take your tax refund with minimal notice compared to what would happen with a bank levy or wage garnishment. In those cases, you'd get multiple opportunities to contest before any money was taken. This is why I always recommend keeping refunds minimal by adjusting withholding - better to owe a small amount than to give the government an interest-free loan they might decide to keep.

To clarify a few important points about the Treasury Offset Program: 1. The IRS doesn't make the offset decision - they're just the paying agency that must comply with the TOP system. 2. The agency claiming the debt (likely your state unemployment office) is required to have sent you notice of the debt and your appeal rights before certifying the debt to TOP. 3. You have the right to request proof of the debt from the agency that certified it. 4. If you believe the offset was in error, you must contact the agency that certified the debt, not the IRS. 5. In some hardship situations, you may qualify for a partial refund of the offset amount.