I'm sorry you're going through this - the stress of tax problems combined with realizing you may have been taken advantage of is awful. I went through something similar with a different tax resolution company a few years ago. One thing that really helped me was getting my IRS account transcripts directly from the IRS website (irs.gov) or by calling them. This showed me exactly what I actually owed versus what the resolution company was claiming. In my case, they had inflated my debt by including penalties that had already been removed. For getting out of your Optima contract, document everything - all communications, payments made, and any work they claim to have done. Many states have specific laws about tax resolution services that might help you. Also check if your state has a "cooling off" period for these types of contracts. The fact that you've already contacted an EA/CPA is smart. They can often accomplish in a few weeks what these resolution companies drag out for months or years. Most importantly, don't let this experience discourage you from addressing your actual tax situation - there are legitimate solutions available once you're working with the right professional.

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the combination of tax stress and realizing you may have been taken advantage of is incredibly overwhelming. You're definitely not alone, and the fact that you're taking action now shows good judgment, even if you feel like you made a mistake initially. Here's what I'd recommend based on similar situations I've seen: 1. **Get your IRS transcripts immediately** - Go to irs.gov and create an online account to view your actual tax debt. This will show you exactly what you owe versus what Optima claims you owe. Many people discover significant discrepancies here. 2. **Document everything** - Every payment, phone call, email, and promise they've made. Create a timeline of what they said they'd do versus what actually happened. 3. **Review your contract carefully** - Look for cancellation clauses and refund policies. Many states have specific laws about tax resolution services that may work in your favor. 4. **Cancel in writing** - Send a formal cancellation letter/email with read receipt. Be specific about wanting to terminate all services immediately. 5. **File complaints** - Report them to your state's attorney general, the FTC, and the Better Business Bureau. Even if you don't get money back, it helps build a case for others. The good news is you've already contacted an EA/CPA, which is exactly the right move. They can typically resolve in weeks what companies like Optima drag out for months. You're going to get through this!

You might want to consider setting up a refund trace if your refund doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe. It's generally more effective than calling repeatedly. The IRS can initiate a trace approximately 5 days after a direct deposit was scheduled or 4 weeks after a paper check was supposed to be mailed. In my experience, this sometimes resolves issues faster than waiting for the normal process to play out, especially when there are account number discrepancies.

I went through this exact scenario last month! My Credit Karma account got locked after vacation too (apparently using international WiFi triggered their security). Filed with TurboTax showing the old account, but my advance went to my new account just fine. The actual refund followed the same path as the advance, so I think you'll be okay. The key thing is that Credit Karma's backend systems can route payments to your active account even when the paperwork shows the old number. I'd still call them to double-check, but in my case everything worked out without any manual intervention needed. The whole process took about 12 days from when the IRS said "refund sent" to when it hit my new account.

Think of MCU like that friend who's always late to everything - they'll get there eventually, just on their own schedule! I've banked with them for tax refunds the last three years, and it's always 3-4 business days after the IRS deposit date shown on my transcript. It's like the difference between shipping with FedEx (big banks) versus media mail (MCU). The package gets there either way, just at different speeds. If your transcript shows a deposit date within the last week, I wouldn't worry yet - MCU is just doing their thing.

MCU member here! I'm in the exact same situation - filed early February, transcript shows the IRS sent my refund on March 30th, and it's now April 6th with still nothing in my account. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and frustrating! Sounds like 3-5 business days after the IRS deposit date is pretty standard for MCU. I called them yesterday and the rep basically confirmed what others have said - they have some kind of verification process for government deposits that takes longer than regular direct deposits. At least now I know it's not just me and I should expect to wait a bit longer compared to my friends with the big banks. Thanks for starting this thread - it's been super helpful to see everyone's timelines!

I just went through this exact situation. Had you changed anything significant on your tax return this year compared to previous years? Did you claim any new credits? Have you moved to a different state? In my case, I received the PATH message for the first time after 5 years of claiming EITC when I moved from Illinois to Texas. My refund was deposited exactly 8 days after February 15th, which was actually faster than previous years when I never saw the message. Strange, isn't it?

The PATH Act message appearing for the first time in 8 years is likely due to IRS system updates rather than any change in your return processing. I've noticed the IRS has been gradually improving their communication to be more transparent about delays. What's happening is your return contains refundable credits (EITC or ACTC), and by federal law, the IRS cannot release these refunds before February 15th - regardless of when your return is actually processed. The message is essentially the IRS being more upfront about this mandatory hold period. In previous years, you were still subject to the same PATH Act delay, but the generic "being processed" message didn't explain why. Now they're specifically telling you about the February 15th restriction, which is actually helpful information. Your refund timing should be similar to previous years - expect it to be released in the first batch after February 15th, typically arriving via direct deposit between February 18-22. The appearance of this message doesn't indicate any problems with your return.

I just want to add a word of caution - I confirmed with my tax attorney that while July 15, 2023 is indeed the deadline for most 2019 returns and amendments, there are a few specific situations where different rules might apply. For example, if you filed for an extension beyond the July 15, 2020 date, your deadline calculation would be different. Also, for certain disaster area declarations that came after COVID, there might be additional extensions that apply. Always double-check your specific situation!

I'm so confused about all these deadlines! I had health problems in 2020 and completely missed filing my 2019 taxes. Now I'm trying to catch up but cant figure out if I'm too late. If the deadline was July 15 2023 does that mean I'm totally out of luck now?? Or can I still file?