Just a heads up - FreeTaxUSA is back online now! I was having the same issue earlier but I just managed to log in and finish my return. If you filed an extension you can still go back and finish your return there since all your info should be saved. They must have rushed to fix whatever issues they were having.

Glad to hear FreeTaxUSA is back up and running! This is a perfect example of why it's always good to start your tax prep well before the deadline - technical issues can happen to any service, especially during peak filing times. For anyone reading this thread in the future, here are some lessons learned: 1. Always file your taxes at least a week before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues 2. Keep digital copies of all your tax documents in case you need to switch services 3. Remember that filing an extension is completely penalty-free if you're getting a refund 4. Have backup options ready - whether that's alternative tax software or services like the ones mentioned here The IRS systems also get overloaded right before deadlines, so even if your tax software is working, the IRS e-file system itself can sometimes have delays. Starting early gives you buffer time for all these potential issues. Hope everyone was able to get their returns filed successfully!

I'd suggest a different approach. Here's what you should do: 1. First, check your Return Transcript (not just Account Transcript) to see if it's available. Sometimes this appears first. 2. Next, verify your tax year is correct when checking. Make sure you're looking at 2023 transcripts, not 2022. 3. Then try the Where's My Refund tool again, but clear your cache first or use a different browser. 4. If still nothing, check your bank account directly. Sometimes the refund deposits without transcript updates. 5. Finally, if you claimed EIC or ACTC, remember these are subject to PATH Act delays, which can extend processing regardless of cycle code.

I'm in the exact same boat as you - cycle 05, filed 1/28, and got absolutely nothing today. Been refreshing my transcript every hour like it's going to magically change! 😭 From what I've gathered lurking in these forums, weekend updates are super rare but they DO happen occasionally. Usually it's just stragglers from the Friday batch that didn't process in time. I've decided to check once tomorrow morning and once Sunday evening, then I'm giving up until next Friday. The stress of constantly checking is making my anxiety worse than just waiting. Really hope we both get movement soon - medical expenses are no joke and the IRS seems to forget people have real emergencies waiting on these refunds.

I got audited in 2023 for my 2021 taxes. I filed in February 2022 and got the audit notice in November 2022, so about 9 months later. It was a mail audit and all they wanted was documentation for my charitable donations, which I had (thank god lol). The whole thing was way less scary than I thought it would be. Just make sure u keep good records for at least 3 years and you'll be fine!

Just wanted to add some perspective on the extension question since no one addressed that part yet. Filing an extension doesn't increase your audit risk at all - it's actually pretty common and the IRS expects millions of people to file extensions every year. The extension just gives you more time to file your return, but your tax liability is still due by the original deadline if you owe anything. One thing that might help with your anxiety is knowing that audit rates are actually pretty low overall. For most individual taxpayers, it's less than 1%. Even with a Schedule C, unless you're claiming unusually high expenses or have income over $200k, the odds are still very much in your favor. Keep all your receipts and documentation for that side gig though - having good records is your best protection if anything ever does come up!

Has anyone successfully convinced their HR department to reverse an MSA implementation in favor of an HSA? My company is considering switching next quarter, but I've been maxing out my HSA for years and really don't want to lose that benefit.

This is a really tricky situation that catches a lot of people off guard! One thing to consider is timing - if your employer's MSA contribution hasn't actually been made yet, you might have more flexibility than you think. I'd suggest reaching out to both your benefits administrator AND your HSA provider immediately. Sometimes there are grace periods or special circumstances that can help. For instance, if the MSA contribution is scheduled but not yet deposited, you might be able to opt out entirely and continue with your HSA. Also worth noting - if you do need to withdraw your HSA contributions, make sure you understand the earnings calculation. Any growth on those contributions also needs to be withdrawn, and the earnings portion will be taxable income (though you'll avoid the penalty if done properly before the tax deadline). Document everything in writing - emails with HR, withdrawal requests to your HSA provider, etc. The IRS loves paper trails when these situations get complicated. Better to over-document than face questions later during an audit.

Make sure to keep all your receipts for home improvements you've made over the years! Those get added to your cost basis and reduce your capital gain. A lot of people forget this and end up overpaying their taxes. Every dollar you can add to your basis is a dollar less in potential capital gains. Things like a new roof, HVAC system, renovations, additions, etc. all count. Even some closing costs from when you bought the house can be added to your basis.

This is really valuable advice about keeping track of home improvements! I'd add that you should also document any capital improvements with photos and contractor invoices if possible. The IRS can be pretty strict about what qualifies as a "capital improvement" versus regular maintenance. Major improvements that increase your home's value, extend its useful life, or adapt it to new uses count toward your cost basis. Things like adding a deck, finishing a basement, installing new windows, or upgrading electrical systems all qualify. But routine maintenance like painting, fixing leaks, or replacing worn-out parts generally don't. Also worth noting - if you've claimed any depreciation on your home (like if you used part of it as a home office), you'll need to "recapture" that depreciation when you sell, even if your total gain is under the Section 121 exclusion limit. Just something to keep in mind when calculating your final tax liability.