Has anyone had luck getting through to the IRS lately? I tried calling yesterday about this exact same issue (figuring out my AOC history) and was on hold for 2 hours before I had to hang up for a meeting.

I went through this exact same situation last year! The uncertainty about whether you've hit your AOC limit is so stressful. Here's what I learned: First, definitely try to get that 2011 transcript from the IRS website. Even if you think you didn't claim it, it's worth verifying since the AOC actually did exist in 2011 (it started in 2009). The online transcript system usually works pretty well, though sometimes you might need to verify your identity with credit report questions. If you absolutely can't get confirmation and decide to err on the side of caution by not claiming AOC this year, don't forget about the Lifetime Learning Credit as others mentioned. It's not as generous, but with your $7,300 in expenses, you'd still get a decent credit. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier - keep better records going forward! I now keep a simple spreadsheet tracking which education credits I've claimed each year. Makes tax time so much less stressful. The peace of mind from knowing for sure is worth the effort to get that transcript, trust me!

I legit sat by my window watching for the mailman for a week straight last year lololol

Based on my experience, the IRS usually mails paper checks about 3-5 days before the date shown on your transcript. So if your DDD is March 15th, you'll likely see it in informed delivery around March 10th-12th and receive it by March 13th-14th. The transcript date is more of a "delivery by" date rather than a "sent on" date. Just keep an eye on your informed delivery starting about a week before your DDD - that's usually when it'll show up there first!

Does anyone know if the 10-year rule applies in this situation or if you can stretch the distributions? I inherited my dad's IRA in 2022 also and my financial advisor is telling me I HAVE to empty it in 10 years, but I'm seeing conflicting info online.

The complexity of your situation actually highlights why many people struggle with inherited IRA rules. Since your father was 75+ when he passed in January 2022, he was definitely required to be taking RMDs, which means you'll need to continue taking annual distributions while also emptying the account within 10 years. The good news is that the IRS has been relatively lenient with inherited IRA penalties during 2022-2023 while they finalized regulations. Your court documentation showing when you actually gained control of the assets will be crucial evidence if any penalties are assessed. Here's what I'd recommend: First, contact the IRA custodian immediately to get a complete distribution history for your father's account - you need to know if he missed any RMDs before his death. Second, calculate your 2024 RMD based on the account balance as of December 31, 2023, and take it before year-end. Third, document everything related to your legal battle for control of the estate. The fact that you couldn't access the funds until 2024 due to legal proceedings should provide reasonable cause for any missed distributions. Just make sure you're current going forward and keep all your court documentation.

Just remember that even abroad you have to report ALL your worldwide income to the US, including any interest from Irish bank accounts, investment income, etc. US citizenship = US tax filing forever unless you renounce. File form 8938 if your foreign financial assets exceed the threshold (lower than you might think!). File FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) for foreign accounts over $10k combined at any point in the year. And if you think "the IRS will never know about my Irish accounts" - think again. FATCA requirements mean foreign banks report US account holders directly to the IRS. My colleague tried to "forget" about his German accounts and got hit with a $10,000 penalty. Not worth the risk!

Sarah, congratulations on the job offer! As someone who's navigated similar waters, I'd strongly recommend getting professional guidance before making your final decision. The tax implications are complex but definitely manageable with proper planning. A few key points to consider beyond what others have mentioned: 1. **State tax implications**: Since you're currently in Florida (no state tax), make sure you properly establish non-residency before leaving. Florida doesn't have specific requirements, but you'll want to update your voter registration, driver's license, and bank accounts to avoid any future complications. 2. **Timing matters**: The date you move affects which tax year certain exclusions apply to. If possible, try to time your move strategically - either very early or very late in the tax year to maximize your exclusions. 3. **Employer support**: Ask your potential employer about their expat support services. Many larger companies provide tax preparation assistance or reimbursement for international tax compliance costs, which can be substantial. 4. **Health insurance**: Don't forget to factor in how your health insurance will work. US-based insurance often doesn't cover you adequately abroad, and you may need to purchase local coverage in Ireland. The $96k salary should work well with the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, but definitely run the numbers on the total tax burden (US + Irish) versus what you'd pay on a comparable salary in the US. Dublin is also quite expensive, so factor in cost of living differences. Good luck with your decision!

This is such a common concern during PATH processing! That "Information Not Available" message is basically the IRS's way of saying "we're still working on your return" - nothing more, nothing less. The system automatically shows that generic adjustment language whenever a return is in active processing, even though you didn't actually request any adjustments. Your transcript showing $0.00 for 2021-2023 is actually really reassuring - it means your account history is solid and this is just temporary processing status. I know the waiting is brutal when you're expecting your refund, but this INFO notice is completely normal for returns caught up in PATH verification. Should clear up within the next couple weeks once they finish their review! 💪

I'm going through the exact same thing right now and this thread has been such a huge help! 😊 I've been checking my transcript multiple times a day and seeing that "Information Not Available" message for 2024 had me convinced something was wrong. But reading everyone's experiences here really put my mind at ease. It's honestly ridiculous how the IRS phrases things - using words like "adjustment" when they really just mean "we're still processing your return." The fact that you can see clean $0.00 balances for your previous years is definitely a good sign that your account is in good standing. I'm trying to be patient but this PATH waiting period is seriously testing my nerves! At least now I know this is totally normal and not something to panic about. Thanks for posting this question - clearly a lot of us needed the reassurance! 🙏