Let me try to clarify the timeline for Child Tax Credit payments: Step 1: For tax year 2021, the American Rescue Plan temporarily increased the CTC to $3,000-$3,600 and offered monthly advance payments from July-December 2021. Step 2: For tax year 2022, the CTC reverted to $2,000 per qualifying child. No monthly payments. Step 3: For tax year 2023 (what you're filing now in 2024), the CTC remains at $2,000 per qualifying child. Again, no monthly payments. Step 4: For tax year 2024 (what you'll file next year), the CTC is currently set at $2,000 per qualifying child unless Congress changes it. Does that help clarify which tax year you're asking about?

According to IRC Section 24(h)(2), the Child Tax Credit amount for 2023 is $2,000 per qualifying child, with up to $1,600 being refundable as the Additional Child Tax Credit under Section 24(i)(1). There were no advance payments issued for tax year 2023. The advance payment program was specifically authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2) and only applied to tax year 2021. If you received monthly payments, those would have been reconciled on your 2021 tax return filed in 2022, not on your current return.

I'm seeing a pattern with married-filing-jointly returns this year! My husband and I filed on January 23rd, claimed EITC, and had the PATH message until last week. Our transcript showed TC 150 (return filed) on February 19th, then TC 570 (hold) on February 26th, followed by TC 571 (hold released) and TC 846 (refund issued) on March 4th. The PATH Act verification seems to be taking longer for joint returns in 2024 - possibly due to the marriage tax credit changes. Check for these specific codes on your transcript!

Just to clarify - are you seeing the PATH message in Where's My Refund or on your transcript? They sometimes show different statuses. Also, did you claim any credits like the Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit? Those are the ones specifically affected by the PATH Act hold.

It's perhaps worth noting that there are some potential reasons why your transcript might show as N/A that could indicate different issues: • Simple processing delay (most common, typically resolves on its own) • Identity verification needed (what OP experienced) • Potential audit flags (less common, but possible) • System processing errors (rare but happens) In my experience working with tax clients, about 70% of blank transcript cases are just normal processing delays that resolve within 30 days. However, the remaining 30% benefit from proactive contact, especially if you've had recent life changes like divorce, address changes, or new dependents.

This is super helpful info! I was at day 20 w/ blank transcript & getting worried. Called IRS this AM at exactly 7:01 and got thru after 45 min wait. Lady confirmed they needed to verify my identity b/c I moved last yr. She asked for SSN, DOB, address, filing status, AGI from 2022, and the exact refund amt from my 2023 return ($4,273). No letter had been sent yet! Transcript updated 3 hrs later. DDD scheduled for 4/3. Thx for posting this!!

Per IRS Publication 5027 and the NACHA Operating Rules governing ACH transfers, SBTPG is required to initiate the transfer of funds within 24 hours of receipt from the IRS. However, they frequently utilize the exception clause allowing for "reasonable delay for processing verification" (Section 3.2.1.4). You need to contact them IMMEDIATELY as we're approaching the 5-business-day threshold when you can file a formal complaint with the CFPB. Document all communication attempts and responses. Time is of the essence!

I went through the exact same SBTPG nightmare last month! 😂 Called them every day for a week straight. The funny thing is, the day after I threatened to file a CFPB complaint, my money magically appeared in my account. Coincidence? I think not! Seriously though, their system showed my funds as "processing" for 6 days after my DDD. I documented everything meticulously - dates, times, representative names. When I finally got a supervisor on the phone, they admitted they had a processing backlog but expedited my transfer once I explained my situation. Patience and persistence are key here.

According to IRS Publication 501, you don't necessarily need a lease to prove residency for dependent claims. The IRS is looking for evidence that you financially support the children and that they lived with you for the required time period under the custody arrangement. As per Treas. Reg. § 1.152-1(b), you need to establish that you provided over 50% of support. For your business documentation issues, I'd recommend using https://taxr.ai to analyze your situation. I was facing a similar audit where I couldn't locate all my receipts, and the tool helped me understand exactly what documentation alternatives the IRS might accept based on my specific business type. It also explained which transcript codes were associated with my audit and what they meant for my case. Very practical when you're trying to understand what you're really up against with the IRS.

Have you considered reaching out to the Taxpayer Advocate Service? They're an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers with these exact situations. Have you gathered any utility bills in your name? What about mail addressed to you at your current residence? Could your friend provide a statement about your living arrangement? Would school records showing you attend parent-teacher conferences help? Have you checked if your state has any low-income taxpayer clinics that offer free representation?