Def don't panic about this sitch. IRS is way more reasonable than ppl think when you're proactive. IMO, start w/ the most recent yr (2023) and work backwards. The IRS is actually pretty chill about unfiled returns when refunds are due - they're not gonna come after you for $ they owe YOU, yk? Just make sure you keep copies of EVERYTHING and send returns via certified mail so you have proof of when you filed. Good luck w/ the post-divorce tax cleanup! 👍

Let me share what happened to my brother-in-law in a similar situation: Step 1: He ignored 5 years of unfiled taxes Step 2: He assumed he'd get refunds for all years Step 3: When he finally filed, he discovered he had self-employment income he'd forgotten about Step 4: Instead of refunds, he owed $17,000 plus penalties Step 5: The IRS put a lien on his house Don't assume you know the outcome! Get your wage and income transcripts FIRST, then file accurately. The IRS has a 10-year collection window, and they WILL find you eventually. I'm not trying to scare you, but being realistic about what can happen.

OMG I'm so glad you posted this! 😮 I literally just got the same notice yesterday and was freaking out thinking it was some kind of audit! From what everyone's sharing here, it sounds like this is actually GOOD news - the IRS thinks we might deserve MORE money! That's a plot twist I wasn't expecting! 🤣 Definitely going to fill out that form ASAP!

The CP09 notice is specifically related to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) qualification determination. For gig workers, the calculation involves net self-employment income after expenses, not gross receipts. If you're uncertain about the calculation, you can perform a manual verification using Publication 596 and Form 8862 worksheets. Alternatively, schedule an appointment at your local Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) for in-person verification before responding to ensure accuracy.

What's the amount on the check? Is there any reference number or tax year mentioned? Did your husband have any loan forbearance during COVID? Was there any recent loan consolidation or servicer changes? These details would help determine the exact source of this refund.

Be very careful with unexpected IRS checks. It's like finding money in an old coat pocket - exciting but potentially complicated. I deposited what I thought was a legitimate refund check last year, only to receive a notice six months later saying it was sent in error. The IRS then wanted the money back with interest. Think of it like borrowing from a friend who suddenly remembers the loan - except this friend charges penalties. I recommend setting the money aside in a separate account until you're absolutely certain it's yours to keep.

This happened to me three weeks ago! I was checking my transcript obsessively because I needed the money for a car repair. The 846 appeared on a Thursday with no date, and I nearly panicked. Called the IRS first thing Friday morning and after 2 hours on hold, they confirmed everything was fine. The date showed up Saturday morning during their overnight update. Got my money the following Wednesday. Yours is probably already scheduled in their system!

Watch out for this situation! My friend had this happen and it turned out there was an offset he didn't know about. His refund was being garnished for old student loans. When the DDD finally appeared, it was for a much smaller amount. • Check if you have any outstanding federal or state debts • Verify if you have any unpaid child support • Look for any letters from Treasury Offset Program • Call the TOP hotline at 800-304-3107 Hopefully this isn't your situation, but better to check!

Have you checked your tax transcript instead of just WMR? Many people don't realize that transcripts update more frequently and with more detailed information than WMR ever provides. Here's what might be happening: 1. Your return could be in the verification queue, which doesn't trigger WMR updates 2. There might be a minor discrepancy that's being fixed automatically 3. The IRS could be experiencing database synchronization issues between their systems I'd recommend checking your account transcript every Tuesday and Friday morning (when the IRS typically updates their systems). If you see cycle codes ending in 05, you're on a weekly update schedule. If they end in 01-04, you're on a daily update schedule. That alone can tell you when to expect movement.

WMR is notoriously unreliable. It doesn't update consistently. Many returns are processed without WMR changes. Mine updated only after deposit. Check your bank account daily. That's more reliable. IRS is processing 2/20-2/25 filers now. You're probably in that batch. The system is overloaded. Delays are normal. Don't panic yet.