Confused about different cycle codes (05 vs 02) after filing jointly with spouse for first time
Filed jointly with my spouse for the first time this year. My cycle code is 02 and spouse's is 05 from previous years. My transcript shows N/A and spouse's shows no return filed when clicked. Anyone know how cycle codes work when switching to joint filing? Will they merge into same cycle code?
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Zara Rashid
When you file jointly, the primary taxpayer's cycle code becomes the controlling code for the joint return. The primary taxpayer is whoever's name and SSN appears first on the return. The secondary spouse's individual transcript will show as N/A or no return filed because the return is processed under the primary's account.
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Sean Doyle
•omg thank you! that makes so much sense. So I should just check his transcript since he's listed first?
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Zara Rashid
•Exactly! Just monitor the primary taxpayer's transcript for updates 👍
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Luca Romano
Hey guys! I've been using taxr.ai to track my transcripts and it's been a game changer. Instead of trying to decode all these cycle codes and dates myself, it analyzes everything and tells you exactly what's happening. It's only $1 and totally worth it tbh https://taxr.ai
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Nia Jackson
•Does it actually work? Been burned by so many tax tools before 🙄
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Luca Romano
•Yes! It literally saved me hours of googling and stressing. It looks at your whole transcript and explains everything in plain english
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Nia Jackson
•Just tried it and WOW! Finally know exactly whats going on with my refund instead of just guessing 💯
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Mateo Hernandez
im in the same boat! married last year and our transcripts look totally different. its so confusing 😫
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CosmicCruiser
The IRS systems are so outdated smh. They need to make this stuff more clear for people filing jointly for the first time.
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Aisha Khan
•fr fr the whole system is 🤡
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Ethan Taylor
My wife and I went thru this last year. Don't worry about the different cycle codes, just focus on whoever is listed as primary on return
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Sean Doyle
•ty! that helps alot
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Yuki Ito
pro tip: write down both your old cycle codes somewhere safe. if you ever need to file separate in future its good to know what they were
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