I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation! Filed my 2020 and 2021 returns together in February, got my 2021 refund in about 6 weeks, but I'm still waiting on my 2020 return after 4+ months. It's been really stressful not knowing what's happening, especially since the IRS website just keeps saying "processing" with no timeline. Reading through all these responses has been such a relief - I had no idea that prior year returns go through completely different processing systems and take so much longer! The explanation about automated vs manual processing makes perfect sense. It's actually really comforting to know so many people are experiencing these same delays and that it's completely normal. I was starting to worry my return got lost or there was some major issue. Thanks for posting this question - it's exactly what I needed to hear to stop panicking about the wait!

I'm in almost exactly the same boat! Filed my 2020 and 2022 returns together in March, got my 2022 refund back in about 5 weeks, but I'm still waiting on my 2020 return after nearly 4 months now. I was getting really worried that something had gone wrong with my filing until I read through all these responses. It's honestly such a relief to know that so many people are experiencing these same delays with prior year returns! I had no idea the IRS processes older returns through completely different systems that are much slower and require more manual review. The Where's My Refund tool has been totally useless - just shows "processing" with no timeline or useful details. Reading everyone's experiences here makes me feel so much better about the wait. Sounds like 6+ months is pretty standard for these older returns, so I guess I need to be more patient. Thanks for posting this question - it's exactly what I needed to see to stop stressing about whether my return got lost somewhere in the system!

I'm in almost the exact same boat as you! Filed in January, got my refund in February, then realized I forgot to include a 1099-INT from my savings account. My CPA also gave me the "about 4 weeks" estimate which now seems wildly optimistic based on everyone's experiences here. I ended up e-filing my 1040-X about 6 weeks ago and I'm still in the "received" status on the IRS tracker. Reading through these comments is actually making me feel a lot better - sounds like 12-16 weeks is pretty normal, and at least we'll get interest on the additional refund after 45 days. One thing I learned from my research is that simple amendments like ours (just adding forgotten income documents) typically process faster than complex ones involving multiple changes or business deductions. So hopefully we'll be on the shorter end of that timeline! Definitely don't abandon it - even if it's not a huge amount, free money is free money, plus the interest. Just try not to check the tracker obsessively like I've been doing!

I filed an amended return last year for a similar situation - forgot to include a 1099-R from a small retirement account rollover. The whole process took about 18 weeks from e-filing to getting my additional refund deposited. What really helped me was setting realistic expectations from the start. The IRS website says "up to 16 weeks" but that's really the minimum you should expect, not the maximum. Most amended returns seem to fall in the 12-20 week range based on what I've seen in various tax forums. A few tips that made the wait more bearable: 1) Screenshot your e-filing confirmation - you'll want proof you submitted it correctly, 2) Mark your calendar for when you hit the 45-day mark (that's when interest starts accruing on your refund), and 3) Try to check the tracker only on Fridays since that's typically when they batch update the system. The money will come eventually, and honestly the interest made up for some of the frustration of waiting. Hang in there!

I'm still confused about one thing - if I can't create an online account because of the verification issues (I don't have a credit card or loan), is there any other way to get my transcripts quickly? Will calling the IRS help? And once I get the transcript, how do I know which codes to look for specifically for my amended return status?

If you can't create an online account due to verification issues, you have a few alternatives! You can request transcripts by mail using Form 4506-T (takes 5-10 business days), or call the automated transcript line at 1-800-908-9946. For phone requests, you'll need your SSN, date of birth, and filing status. For amended returns specifically, focus on these key codes on your Account Transcript: TC 971 (amended return received), TC 570 (account frozen for review - this is normal initially), TC 290/291 (adjustment made), and TC 846 (refund issued). The sequence typically goes 971 → 570 → 290 → 846. If you see 570 without movement for over 4-6 weeks, that might indicate additional review is needed. The "Where's My Amended Return" tool online can also give you basic status updates without needing full transcript access, though it's less detailed than the actual transcript codes.

This has been such a helpful thread! I was in a similar situation with my disregarded LLC and was getting conflicting advice from different sources. The key takeaway I'm getting is that the entity classification for tax purposes is what really matters here. Just to summarize what I've learned from everyone's responses: - If your LLC is truly disregarded (no tax elections), Section 280A becomes problematic because you're essentially renting to yourself - If you've elected S-corp or C-corp taxation, then you have a separate taxpayer entity that can legitimately rent your residence - Documentation is absolutely critical - fair market rates, legitimate business purposes, proper meeting records - The 14-day limit is per residence, not per entity One question I still have: if you're a single-member LLC that elected S-corp taxation, do you need to follow all the S-corp formalities (board meetings, corporate resolutions, etc.) to make the Augusta Rule work properly? Or is the tax election alone sufficient?

This discussion has been incredibly enlightening! I'm a tax professional who works with a lot of small business owners, and I see confusion about Section 280A constantly. Let me add a few practical points that might help clarify things further. First, regarding the Forbes article Mary mentioned - financial publications often oversimplify complex tax rules, which can be misleading. The reality is that Section 280A isn't automatically off-limits for LLCs, but the entity's tax classification is absolutely crucial. For those with single-member LLCs that haven't made any tax elections, you're correct that this creates a "renting to yourself" problem. However, there are legitimate business structures that can work. Beyond electing S-corp or C-corp taxation, some clients have success with partnership structures or bringing in additional members to create a true separate entity. One critical point I don't see mentioned yet: the IRS has been increasingly scrutinizing Augusta Rule claims in recent years. They're particularly focused on whether the rental rate is truly at fair market value and whether genuine business activities occurred. I've seen audits where the IRS challenged decorative "business meetings" that were clearly just family gatherings with a thin business purpose. My recommendation is always to be conservative with the rental rate, maintain meticulous documentation, and ensure any meetings have legitimate business outcomes that you can demonstrate. The tax savings aren't worth the audit risk if you can't substantiate everything properly.

I actually just went through this exact situation a few months ago! The anxiety was real, but it ended up being much more straightforward than I initially feared. Since you filed your 83(b) election within the 30-day window, you've already cleared the most critical hurdle. The IRS requirement to attach it to your tax return is more of an administrative step to ensure proper record-keeping on their end. Here's what worked for me: I prepared a simple, professional cover letter stating that I had timely filed my 83(b) election within 30 days of stock purchase but inadvertently omitted it from my e-filed return. I included my full name, SSN, tax year, and explicitly mentioned this was supplemental documentation for my already-processed return. I attached a clean copy of my original signed 83(b) election and mailed everything to the IRS processing center via certified mail with return receipt. The entire process took maybe 15 minutes to prepare, and having that certified mail receipt gave me tremendous peace of mind. No amended return necessary, and no complex procedures - just clear communication and proper documentation. Given that your shares are on a 4-year vesting schedule, getting this sorted now will definitely help you avoid any potential complications down the road. You're being proactive about it, which is exactly the right approach.

I went through this exact situation with my Series A startup last year and can definitely relate to the stress! The good news is that since you filed your 83(b) election within the 30-day window, you've already completed the most critical step. The IRS processing centers are actually pretty used to handling these supplemental 83(b) submissions. I sent mine about 6 weeks after e-filing my return, and it was processed without any issues. The key is being clear and direct in your cover letter. For your cover letter, include: your name, address, SSN, the tax year (2024 for your 2025 filing), and a simple statement like "I am submitting this 83(b) election as supplemental documentation to my e-filed tax return. The original election was properly filed within 30 days of stock purchase on [date]." Send it certified mail to the Fresno processing center since you're in California. I also kept a copy of everything including the certified mail receipt - documentation is your friend with the IRS. Given your 4-year vesting schedule, getting this sorted now will save you potential headaches later. The "phantom income" concern is real if you don't have the 83(b) election properly on file, but since you filed within the initial deadline, you should be protected. The supplemental submission just ensures everything is properly connected in their system.