20 Does anyone know if you can look up whether someone has a valid PTIN or EFIN? I'm now wondering about my own tax preparer and whether I should be checking their credentials before letting them file my taxes.

Based on what you've described, this situation raises several red flags. While it's technically possible to have a PTIN but be denied an EFIN, the reasons usually involve more than just criminal history. Common reasons for EFIN denial include: - Outstanding tax debts to the IRS - Previous violations of e-file regulations - Failing the suitability check (which includes credit history, tax compliance, and background verification) - Providing false information on the EFIN application - Association with previously sanctioned preparers What's particularly concerning is that using someone else's EFIN is a serious violation of IRS regulations. Each EFIN is tied to a specific business location and preparer. The niece is putting her own credentials at significant risk - if discovered, both she and the aunt could face penalties, EFIN revocation, and potential prohibition from the e-file program. If you're considering reporting this, you should know that the IRS takes credential sharing very seriously. This isn't just a technicality - it's a fundamental violation of tax preparer oversight designed to protect taxpayers.

19 Surprised no one mentioned this, but double check that you put the correct filing status on your W-4. If you accidentally selected "Married filing jointly" instead of "Single or Head of Household," that could explain the zero withholding. The tax brackets for MFJ are much wider, so it would assume you need less withholding. This happened to me last year!

This is a classic multiple jobs withholding issue that catches a lot of people off guard! Each employer's payroll system calculates your withholding as if that's your only job, which means they're using the standard deduction and tax brackets for a much lower income level than what you're actually earning combined. With $102,000+ total income, you're definitely in a tax bracket where federal taxes should be withheld. The fact that you're seeing zero withholding from both jobs strongly suggests the W-4 forms weren't filled out correctly for multiple job situations. Here's what I'd recommend doing immediately: 1. Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator online - it's free and accounts for multiple jobs 2. Update both W-4 forms, making sure to check the box in Step 2(c) for multiple jobs 3. Consider adding a substantial additional withholding amount in Step 4(c) to catch up on what you've missed this year Don't wait on this - the longer you go without proper withholding, the bigger your tax bill will be next April. You might also want to look into making estimated quarterly payments if you're already significantly behind for this year.

Anyone know if it matters which tax filing status to pick with a partner who isnt a spouse? Like should OP file as Head of Household since they're supporting the partner and baby, or just Single? Seems like it would make a big difference for tax brackets.

Great question about filing status! You'll definitely want to file as Head of Household rather than Single since you have a qualifying child (your baby). Head of Household has better tax brackets and a higher standard deduction than Single status. The requirements are pretty straightforward in your case: you're unmarried, you're paying more than half the household expenses, and your baby lived with you for more than half the year (even if born late in the year, newborns count). Your partner's dependency status doesn't affect your ability to file HOH - having the baby as a qualifying person is enough. The tax savings from HOH vs Single filing status can be substantial, especially combined with the Child Tax Credit. Just make sure when you're using TurboTax that you select Head of Household and not Single - it'll walk you through confirming you meet the requirements but sounds like you clearly do!

Have you tried using a different tax software? Sometimes the issue is with how one particular tax program formats the submission. I switched from H&R Block to FreeTaxUSA after having similar problems and my return went through fine. Most tax programs will let you import your info from a PDF of your H&R Block return, so you don't have to start completely from scratch. Might be worth trying if nothing else works!

I've been dealing with tax issues for years and one thing that often gets overlooked is checking if your state requires additional forms for multiple employers. Since you mentioned having two jobs ($46k + $14k), some states have specific requirements when you have multiple W-2s that can cause automatic rejections. Here's what I'd suggest trying first: Log back into H&R Block and look for a section called "State Requirements" or "Additional State Forms" - it's usually buried in the state portion after you enter all your income. Sometimes the software doesn't automatically prompt you for these forms even when they're required. Also, double-check that your bartending income is correctly categorized. If any of your tips were reported differently between your W-2 and what you reported throughout the year, that can trigger state rejections even when federal accepts it. If you're still stuck after checking those items, you might want to call your state's taxpayer assistance line directly. I know it's a pain to wait on hold, but they can often tell you exactly what field is causing the rejection in a way that H&R Block's error messages can't.

The IRS is so behind rn its not even funny. My brother filed in February last year and didnt see his $ until September smh

I'm in a similar situation - filed with TurboTax about a week ago and got the acceptance notification. From what I've read, the test batch thing is mostly for early filers in December/January before the season officially opens. Since we're filing now during regular season, we're definitely in the normal processing queue. The 21-day timeline is pretty standard for simple returns, but it can vary. I've been checking WMR obsessively too 😅 Hang in there!