This is so frustrating - I feel for you! I've seen this happen to several people and it's usually because their automated fraud detection systems are overly sensitive, not because you actually did anything wrong. Here's what I'd recommend: 1) Document everything - keep records of every call, who you spoke to, and what they told you 2) Ask specifically for the check mailing date and tracking number (if they have one) 3) If it's been more than 2 weeks since they claim it was mailed, that check is likely lost and you need to demand they stop payment and reissue 4) Consider reaching out to H&R Block corporate on social media - sometimes public complaints get faster responses than their phone support. Don't give up - this is YOUR money and you shouldn't have to jump through endless hoops to get it!

This happened to my brother last tax season and it was a nightmare! The emerald card fraud detection system seems to trigger for the smallest things. What finally got his situation resolved was calling early in the morning (like 7-8 AM) when their call volume was lower - he actually got through to someone who could help instead of just reading scripts. Also, if you haven't already, check your IRS transcript online at irs.gov to see if there are any actual issues with your return versus just H&R Block/Emerald Card problems. Sometimes the issue is just with their prepaid card system and your actual refund is fine. Keep pushing - 3 weeks is way too long for a check that should take 5-7 business days max!

I switched from TaxAct to FreeTaxUSA this year specifically because of the 1099-NEC issue. TaxAct was showing me a higher fee to file with a 1099-NEC than I paid last year with a 1099-MISC, which felt like a money grab. FreeTaxUSA handled my three 1099-NECs perfectly and cost way less. Just sharing in case others are frustrated too!

I ran into this exact same issue earlier this tax season! The 1099-NEC was definitely confusing at first - I had no idea they brought back a form from the 80s. For anyone still struggling to find it in TaxAct, I found it helps to search for "NEC" in the search bar at the top of the software rather than trying to navigate through all the menus. That took me straight to the right section. Also wanted to mention that even though the 1099-NEC looks different from the 1099-MISC, the actual tax implications are identical - you'll still report it as self-employment income on Schedule C and pay the same self-employment taxes. The IRS just wanted to separate contractor payments from other miscellaneous income to make reporting clearer for everyone involved. One tip: double-check that your client reported the same amount on their 1099-NEC that you have in your records. I caught a $400 discrepancy this year that would have caused issues later!

Hey Chloe! I work in payroll and see this issue all the time. Since you mentioned both Starbucks and Home Depot, here's what I'd suggest: For Starbucks, try logging into your Partner Hub account (if you still have access) - they usually post W-2s there first. For Home Depot, check if you can access MyApron or their employee self-service portal. If you can't access those systems, call their payroll departments directly rather than general HR. Ask specifically about "year-end tax documents" and confirm they have your correct mailing address. Sometimes companies send W-2s to the address on file from when you started, not your current one. Also important: both companies are required by law to have mailed or made available your W-2s by January 31st. If it's already February and you haven't received them, they're technically in violation. Don't be afraid to mention this when you call - it usually gets faster action. One more tip: if either company uses a payroll service like ADP, Paychex, or Workday, you might be able to create an account on those platforms using your SSN and previous employer info to access your W-2 electronically.

Just wanted to add another resource that might help - if you're still having trouble getting your W-2s after contacting the employers directly, you can also reach out to your state's Department of Labor or Wage and Hour Division. They often have more leverage with employers than individual requests. Also, keep detailed records of all your attempts to contact these companies (dates, times, who you spoke with, what they told you). If you end up needing to file Form 4852 or if there are any issues later, this documentation will be really valuable. One thing I learned from my own experience with missing W-2s: some large retailers like the ones you mentioned use regional payroll centers, so the person answering the phone at your local store might not have any information about tax documents. Always ask to be transferred to corporate payroll or the tax documents department specifically. Don't stress too much about the timing - you have until April 15th to file your return, and the IRS is generally understanding about delays caused by employer issues as long as you're making good faith efforts to get the proper documents. Just keep trying to reach them and document everything!

Quick note - I'm an LLC with almost the exact same situation selling specialty foods. My accountant told me to treat promotional samples as "marketing samples" not as COGS, and to track them separately in our inventory system from day one. We literally mark them as "promotional inventory" when they come in. This makes tax time MUCH easier and creates a clear paper trail. Also, don't forget you can deduct the shipping costs associated with sending those promotional items separately as well! We send sample packs to food bloggers and that shipping adds up.

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who's been through several IRS audits with my small manufacturing business. One thing I learned the hard way is to also track the fair market value of your promotional items at the time you give them away, not just your cost basis. For tax purposes, you can deduct your cost ($12.75 per unit), but if you're ever audited, the IRS might want to see that you properly valued the promotional gifts. If your retail price is significantly higher than your cost, they could potentially argue about the true value of what you gave away. Also, create a simple promotional log with columns for: date given, recipient name/business, quantity, cost per unit, retail value, and business purpose. This one document can save you hours of headaches if the IRS ever questions your marketing deductions. I keep mine in a simple Excel sheet and update it immediately after each promotional giveaway. The shipping costs you mentioned definitely count as marketing expenses since they're directly related to your promotional activities. Just keep those receipts with your promotional documentation.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now, though mine's only been 8 weeks so far. One thing I discovered that might help you is that if you create an account on IRS.gov, you can actually see your transcript online without having to wait for mail delivery. The Account Transcript shows all the activity on your account, including when they received your amended return and any processing codes. Also, regarding your tuition deadline - have you checked if your school offers emergency financial aid or short-term loans? Many colleges have hardship funds specifically for situations like this where expected money is delayed. It might be worth talking to your financial aid office about a bridge loan until your refund comes through. Some schools are surprisingly flexible when they understand it's an IRS processing delay rather than a student just not planning ahead. The waiting is definitely the worst part of this whole process. I check my transcript obsessively even though I know nothing's going to change day to day!

I've been through the amended return process twice now and wanted to share some practical tips that might help with your situation. First, definitely get access to your IRS transcript online - it's your best early warning system. You'll see a TC971 code when they first receive your amendment, then TC977 when they start actually processing it. These codes usually show up 2-4 weeks before anything appears in the WMAR tool. Since you mentioned tuition is due next month, I'd strongly recommend having a backup plan. Even the fastest amended returns I've seen took 10-12 weeks, and that was with simple corrections. If your amendment involves education credits or complex changes, it could easily stretch to 16+ weeks. One thing that saved me was using certified mail with return receipt - not just for proof they received it, but because you get an exact date to start counting from. The IRS uses their received date, not your mailed date, for processing timelines. For your immediate tuition situation, definitely talk to your school's financial aid office about emergency funds or short-term loans. Many schools have programs specifically for students waiting on delayed refunds or financial aid. It's worth asking even if you don't think you qualify - these programs often have more flexibility than their regular loan criteria. Hang in there - the waiting is brutal but it does eventually get processed!