Tax filing is like following a recipe - miss one ingredient and the whole dish is ruined. I'd add one more tip that's saved me multiple times: File electronically and choose direct deposit. Paper returns are like sending your tax info into a black hole - they take 3-4 times longer to process and are 21 times more likely to contain errors according to the National Taxpayer Advocate. Last year my neighbor filed paper in February and didn't get his refund until September. Meanwhile, my e-filed return with direct deposit came through in 11 days.

Per IRS Procedure 2023-1, taxpayers should also consider whether they qualify for free filing options before paying for commercial software. According to IRC §6011(e)(3), the IRS Free File Program must be available to 70% of taxpayers based on AGI thresholds. I was impressed by your technical knowledge, especially regarding the substitute W-2 provisions. As a first-time filer, this list has been extremely helpful in ensuring I remain compliant with all applicable regulations.

This is a common point of confusion in tax filing. The Internal Revenue Code specifies that for Child Tax Credit eligibility, the qualifying child must not have attained the age of 17 by the close of the calendar year. This is codified in IRC Section 24(c)(1). Since your daughter turned 17 prior to December 31, 2023, she fails to meet the age requirement for the Child Tax Credit for tax year 2023. However, she likely qualifies as your dependent under the dependency rules, making you eligible for the Credit for Other Dependents (ODC), which provides a nonrefundable credit of $500. Additionally, if your daughter is pursuing higher education, investigate the American Opportunity Tax Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit, which have different age parameters.

I had this same issue last year with my son. Did you also check if you qualify for the Earned Income Credit? I remember the age requirements being different for that one, and I ended up getting more back than I expected because of it.

Trying to reach the IRS right now is like trying to get front row tickets to a sold-out concert - technically possible but practically impossible. I wasted 3 days trying before I found Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). It's like having a fastpass at Disney World for the IRS phone lines. Got connected to an actual agent in under 30 minutes who explained that TAS is currently only accepting cases with demonstrated financial hardship or where the IRS has made a processing error. Regular cases are being deferred until after the filing season rush.

I called TAS on April 2nd and got the same response. The representative told me they're focusing only on cases with immediate financial hardship until May 1st. Maybe try calling again after that date? In my case, I just documented everything carefully and kept a log of all my calls and who I spoke with. It might help your case later.

I went through the Manual Review Process for an amended return last month and it was a nightmare. The IRS Taxpayer Protection Program flagged my amendment because it involved dependent credits. I spent three days trying to reach an agent using the regular channels. When I finally connected, they told me my amendment was selected for Additional Verification Protocol which requires a live representative to confirm dependent eligibility criteria. Just be prepared - they may ask for documentation you don't have on hand, which could cause further delays in processing.

From what I've seen in this community, it's probably, in most cases, just a verification call. They might, potentially, need to confirm your daughter's information since the amendment specifically involves the Child Tax Credit. It seems like they're being more thorough with credit-related amendments this year. I'd suggest having not just your return but possibly your daughter's social security card and birth certificate information available when you call. The good news is that once you get through, these calls are usually fairly quick, though I wouldn't necessarily count on a simple process.

Just finished my verification yesterday after getting the letter last week! According to IRM 25.25.6, the Identity Theft Victim Assistance (IDTVA) program requires full verification within 30 days of letter issuance or your return may face additional delays. I was so relieved when the agent confirmed my identity and told me my return was being released from the verification hold. She said I should see my refund within 2-3 weeks, but my WMR already updated this morning showing approved! So glad I didn't wait around thinking the letter was just informational.

Tax professional here. I need to caution everyone about a common mistake with verification letters. There are actually several different types, and each requires different actions: • Letter 5071C/5747C: Requires verification by phone or online • Letter 4883C: Requires you to visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center in person • Letter 5447C: Requires documentation submission by mail Misidentifying your letter type can cause significant delays. Additionally, if you fail to respond within 30 days, your return will typically be rejected completely, requiring you to start over with amended filing procedures. I've seen cases where taxpayers ignored these letters thinking they were just notifications, resulting in 6+ month delays and penalties.