Does anyone know if receiving a 1095-C affects your tax refund? I declined my employer's coverage because my spouse's plan was better, but my tax refund was way less than last year.

This is a really common source of confusion! The 1095-C form serves multiple purposes for the IRS, and one key thing to understand is that it's not just about what coverage you actually had - it's also about what coverage was available to you. Your employer is required to report the "Employee Required Contribution" (line 15) for the lowest-cost self-only coverage that meets minimum requirements, regardless of whether you enrolled or not. This information helps the IRS determine if you were offered "affordable" coverage, which can impact things like eligibility for premium tax credits if you got coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace instead. The $111 amount you're seeing is essentially a data point for tax calculations - it doesn't mean you were charged that amount. Since you declined coverage and aren't seeing payroll deductions, everything sounds correct on your end. Just keep the form with your tax records, as you may need to reference it when completing your tax return to answer questions about health coverage offers from your employer.

Pro tip: Go to your local tax office in person if you can. I did that last week and they helped me right away. Better than waiting on hold forever.

I went through this exact same thing last month! Had the same verification message for 7 weeks before it finally cleared. The key is definitely calling - I got through on my third try by calling right at 8 AM when they open. The rep told me that the verification process has been taking 6-8 weeks this year due to new fraud prevention measures, but once you hit that 6 week mark you can request an expedited review. They were actually really helpful and my refund was released 3 days after I called. Don't give up!

Just want to add another perspective here as someone who's dealt with this situation twice now. The first time I used Priority Mail for my tax return, I was panicking just like you. But after doing a ton of research and even calling the IRS directly (after waiting on hold forever), I learned that Priority Mail tracking absolutely counts as acceptable proof of timely filing. The IRS Publication 17 specifically states that a return is considered filed on time if it's "properly addressed, contains sufficient postage, and is postmarked by the due date." Priority Mail provides that postmark evidence through its tracking system, which creates an official USPS record of when they accepted your package. What really put my mind at ease was learning that the IRS processes millions of returns sent via Priority Mail every year. It's not some unusual situation - many taxpayers use Priority Mail, especially for last-minute filings when they want faster delivery than regular mail but don't want to pay extra for Certified. My advice: Print your tracking info immediately, keep your receipt, and maybe take a photo of the envelope if you still have it. You've got solid documentation that will hold up if there's ever any question. The postal worker gave you bad information about the services being "the same," but you're definitely not screwed!

I'm a tax attorney and I want to address some of the confusion in this thread. Priority Mail does NOT provide the same legal protection as Certified Mail for tax filings, despite what several commenters have claimed. The IRS regulation 301.7502-1(c)(1)(i) specifically states that for the "timely mailing as timely filing" rule to apply with private delivery services or non-certified mail, you need proof of proper postage AND that the item was deposited in the mail on or before the due date. Priority Mail tracking only shows when USPS accepted the package into their system, not necessarily when YOU deposited it. Certified Mail provides a specific receipt (PS Form 3800) that serves as legal evidence of the exact date and time YOU handed the item to postal personnel. This is crucial distinction that could matter if the IRS ever challenges your filing date. While Priority Mail might work in practice most of the time, it's not equivalent legal protection. For future reference, either e-file or use Certified Mail for tax returns to ensure you're fully protected under Treasury regulations. The small extra cost for Certified Mail is worth the peace of mind and legal certainty. That said, for your current situation, keep all your Priority Mail documentation - it's better than nothing and may still be accepted, especially if delivery is confirmed.

I'm wondering whether the company match counts towards the annual 401k contribution limit? Like if the limit is $22,500 for 2025, does the employer match count against that or can I still contribute the full amount myself?

This is a great question that trips up a lot of people! The "401k co match" line on your paycheck is definitely showing you the employer contribution - it's money your company is adding to your retirement account, not taking from your pay. One thing I'd add to the other helpful responses: keep an eye on your contribution percentage to make sure you're getting the maximum match available. Many employers have a "vesting schedule" too, which means you might not be 100% entitled to that match money until you've worked there for a certain period (usually 2-6 years). The vesting info should be in your plan documents. Also, that $95 match suggests you're probably contributing a decent amount yourself - just make sure you understand whether your company matches dollar-for-dollar up to a certain percentage, or if they have a different formula. It's worth reviewing your benefits package annually to make sure you're maximizing this free money!

One thing nobody has mentioned - the penalties for incorrect filing or late filing of Form 3520 are BRUTAL. The minimum penalty is $10,000 and can go up to 35% of the gross value of what you received!!! I learned this the hard way when I messed up on my inheritance from the UK. Double check EVERYTHING and make sure you file on time. The deadline is the same as your regular tax return including extensions. If you're even a day late, they can hit you with those penalties.

I went through this exact situation with a similar inheritance from my grandmother in France. The key thing that helped me was understanding that you need to determine the fair market value of ALL assets as of the date you actually received them, not when your aunt passed away. For the $75,000 you mentioned, make sure you're using the correct valuation date - this is usually when the Spanish probate process officially transferred the assets to you, not the date of death. This can make a significant difference in the amounts you report. Also, keep in mind that you may need to file additional forms beyond just Form 3520. If any of the inherited assets generate income (like rental property or dividends), you might also need Form 3520-A or other international reporting forms. The IRS has a whole web of international forms that interconnect, and missing one can trigger penalties on others. I'd strongly recommend getting professional help if the total value is significant - the cost of a qualified international tax professional is usually much less than the potential penalties for getting it wrong.