Based on what I've observed in the community, amended returns submitted after January 15, 2024 are currently taking between 16-22 weeks to process. The IRS began addressing their backlog on February 3, 2024, and has been making steady progress. My amended return from March 17th was just accepted on June 5th - exactly 11 weeks and 4 days. The Where's My Amended Return tool typically updates on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so check on those days for the most current information.

Waiting for an amended return is like being stuck in airport security while watching people in the TSA PreCheck line zoom past you. I filed an amended return last year for a similar military housing allowance issue, and after 14 weeks of nothing, I discovered a magical workaround. I contacted my Congressional Representative's office through their constituent services. They have dedicated IRS liaisons who can check status and sometimes nudge things along. Within 10 days of their inquiry, my amendment suddenly processed. It's like having someone cut through all the red tape with industrial scissors.

For someone who just started self-employment in May, here's what you need to know about each option: H&R Block: Are you comfortable with a straightforward interface that walks you through each section? Their self-employed version costs around $85-110 depending on promotions. Jackson Hewitt: Do you prefer more guidance with fewer bells and whistles? Their pricing is competitive but their online experience isn't as polished. TurboTax: Are you willing to pay more for the most hand-holding? Their Self-Employed version is the most expensive ($120-190) but also the most comprehensive. Whichever you choose, you'll need to complete Schedule C and Schedule SE. The software will calculate your self-employment tax automatically. I appreciate that you're researching this early instead of waiting until April!

Be extremely careful with self-employment taxes! Per IRS Publication 505, you're required to make quarterly estimated tax payments if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes. Since you started in May, you may have missed the June 15th and September 15th payment deadlines already. I learned this the hard way my first year - ended up with $430 in penalties for underpayment according to IRC Section 6654(a). The tax software won't warn you about this until it's too late! I was shocked when I discovered this after thinking I was doing everything right.

Have you checked your IRS transcript to see if your return has been officially accepted yet? There's a specific code (846) that appears when your refund is approved, and other codes like 570/971 that indicate different processing stages. If you don't see any codes yet, there's a possibility your return is still in the submission queue and hasn't been fully processed.

I believe I can provide some insight here, as I've seen this situation play out several times. The "Refund Advance" products at most tax preparation chains are technically loans based on your anticipated refund, not actual advances of your refund itself. In my experience, what likely happened is that Liberty Tax's underwriter (usually a bank or financial institution that partners with them) only approved you for $200 based on their risk assessment algorithm, despite what the tax preparer told you. The preparer probably shouldn't have quoted you a specific amount without running your information through their system first. Unfortunately, once your return has been submitted and especially if you've received any portion of an advance, you're generally bound to that preparer for this tax season. For next year, you might want to consider filing earlier in the season with a more transparent preparer or using one of the free filing options if your return is relatively straightforward.

While it's generally possible to prepare your return as early as December, there are several important factors to consider before submitting: 1. The IRS typically announces the official filing season start date in early January, usually opening around January 20-25th. 2. Many tax forms, particularly investment-related documents like 1099s, might not be available until February, and some may be corrected later. 3. If you're claiming certain credits (like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit), your refund will likely be held until mid-February regardless of when you file, due to the PATH Act requirements. 4. Software providers sometimes update their systems in January as last-minute tax law changes are implemented. It's potentially advantageous to prepare early, but perhaps wait until at least February 1st to actually submit unless you have a very simple return with only W-2 income.

I filed on January 27th this year using direct e-file through the IRS Free File program. My Adjusted Gross Income was under the threshold, so I qualified for completely free filing. Had my refund via Direct Deposit on February 8th - exactly 12 days later. The key was having all my documentation ready in advance and double-checking my filing status and dependent information. The IRS typically begins accepting returns in the last week of January, but they don't announce the exact date until early January.

I think these advance loans might be worth it in some situations, particularly if you're facing urgent expenses. I was probably in a similar position last year - prequalified and then eventually approved, though the process took a bit longer than advertised. The fees weren't ideal, but sometimes having the money a few weeks earlier can prevent much larger costs like late fees or disconnection charges. Just make sure you're somewhat confident about your refund amount before counting on it.

I got prequalified last year. Applied after filing. Got approved. Had money next day. Worth it for me. Needed car repairs immediately. Couldn't wait three weeks. Fees were reasonable. Just be honest on your tax return. Don't claim credits you don't qualify for. That's what triggers denials.