How can I verify if my tax preparer actually filed my Taxes?

The IRS systems don't update immediately after filing, especially for late filings. Here's what you should know: When a tax preparer files your return electronically, they should provide you with an acknowledgment that confirms the IRS accepted your return. This is usually an email or printed confirmation with an acceptance code. Ask your preparer for this specific document - it's your proof that they actually filed. For paper filings, they should have given you a copy of everything that was mailed and ideally a tracking number if they used certified mail. Without this, it's harder to verify immediately. The IRS "Where's My Refund" tool or transcript system typically takes 3-4 weeks to update for current-year returns and can take longer for prior year returns like your 2022 taxes. Since your return was recently filed and you owe money rather than expecting a refund, it might take even longer to appear in the system. I'd recommend contacting your preparer directly (call, don't text) and ask specifically for the e-file acceptance confirmation or proof of mailing. Any legitimate preparer keeps these records and should provide them promptly.

I went through something similar last year with a new tax preparer. After waiting and stressing for weeks, I finally discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) which helped me figure out what was going on. It's this online tool that analyzes your tax documents and tells you exactly what's been filed and when. I uploaded my previous tax information and the receipt from my preparer, and it showed me that my return had actually been rejected by the IRS due to a simple error my preparer made (wrong birth date, if you can believe it). My preparer never bothered to tell me! The system explained exactly what happened and helped me get it resolved. For late filings especially, it's worth checking since there are so many little technical details that can cause rejection. Saved me from additional penalties when my preparer wouldn't return my calls.

Update: I took the advice about taxr.ai and WOW - it actually saved me! I was skeptical about spending more money at first, but I uploaded the PDF my tax preparer had given me claiming it was "filed" and the system immediately flagged that it was just a draft copy with no submission data. Called my preparer again with the specific info the system gave me, and suddenly they were much more responsive. Turns out they had "technical difficulties" with their filing system and my return was sitting in their outbox unsubmitted for 10 days! They finally filed it correctly yesterday and sent me the proper acceptance confirmation. Without knowing exactly what to ask for, I might have been waiting for months thinking it was filed when it wasn't. Really glad I checked instead of just waiting.

If you're having trouble reaching your tax preparer and the IRS website isn't showing your transcript yet, you might want to try using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I discovered it when I had a similar issue last year and couldn't get any answers. What Claimyr does is help you actually get through to a real IRS agent on the phone without waiting for hours. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. I was shocked when I got connected to someone at the IRS in under 15 minutes. The IRS agent was able to tell me exactly what was happening with my return even though it wasn't showing up online yet. Turns out my tax preparer had filed it, but there was an issue with my SSN that was causing it not to show up in the online system. I was able to get it resolved right there on the phone instead of waiting weeks for a letter.

I need to apologize for my skepticism about Claimyr. After posting my comment, I kept trying to reach the IRS on my own about a similar issue and spent THREE HOURS on hold before getting disconnected. Out of desperation, I tried the service. It actually worked exactly as described. I got a call back in about 25 minutes, and when I answered, I was already connected to an IRS representative. The agent confirmed they could see my filing from 2 days ago in their system even though it wasn't showing online yet. She explained it takes 3-4 weeks for late filings to appear in the online transcript system, but they can see it internally much sooner. This saved me weeks of anxiety wondering if my taxes had been filed. Definitely worth it just for peace of mind when dealing with the IRS.

If you have a copy of your return, check if there's a signature on Form 8879 (the e-file authorization form). Your preparer should have had you sign this before filing electronically. If you don't have it or it's not signed, that's a red flag. Also, did you authorize a direct debit for the amount you owe? If yes, check your bank account to see if there's a pending transaction. If you chose to pay by check or online payment, you'll need to do that separately - filing doesn't automatically trigger payment. Good preparers will give you a filing packet with copies of everything, including proof of filing. It's concerning that they're not responding to communication. Maybe visit their office in person?

did u pay the tax preparer yet?? if u already paid them they might have just pocketed ur money without doing anything. happened to my cousin last year with some strip mall tax place. they took his money and never filed and he got hit with huge penalties.

I've been through this exact situation before! Here's what I learned from my experience: First, don't panic - the IRS systems are notoriously slow to update, especially for prior year returns like your 2022 filing. It can take 3-6 weeks for late filings to show up in your online account or transcripts. However, your tax preparer should have given you immediate proof of filing. When they e-file your return, they get an acknowledgment from the IRS within 24-48 hours that includes a confirmation number. If they filed by mail, they should have given you copies of everything sent plus tracking information. Here's what I'd do in your situation: 1. Go to their office in person (don't just call or text) 2. Ask for the IRS e-file acknowledgment with confirmation number 3. Request a complete copy of your filed return 4. Get documentation of your payment arrangement If they can't provide these basic documents, that's a major red flag. A legitimate preparer keeps these records and provides them immediately upon request. For your payment - if you authorized direct debit, check if there's a pending transaction. The IRS typically withdraws payment on the due date you specified, not immediately after filing. Don't wait too long to verify this - you need to know for certain that your taxes were actually filed to avoid additional penalties.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! My tax preparer filed my 2022 return about 2 weeks ago and I still can't see anything on the IRS website either. The lack of communication from your preparer is definitely concerning though. One thing that helped me was checking my bank account more carefully - I found that my preparer had set up the payment as an electronic funds withdrawal scheduled for a specific future date rather than an immediate debit. It shows up as a pending/scheduled transaction in my online banking under future payments. You might want to look there if you haven't already. Also, I called the IRS taxpayer assistance line (1-800-829-1040) early in the morning around 7 AM and surprisingly got through in about 20 minutes. The agent was able to confirm that my return had been received and was being processed, even though it wasn't showing up in my online account yet. She said late filings can take 4-6 weeks to appear in the transcript system. But definitely go to their office in person like others have suggested. Any legitimate preparer should be able to show you the IRS acceptance confirmation immediately. If they can't produce that document, you'll know something is wrong. Good luck!

I had a similar scare with my tax preparer last year! The waiting period is absolutely nerve-wracking, especially when you can't reach them for confirmation. One thing that really helped me was creating a detailed timeline of everything - when I dropped off my documents, when they said they filed, what communications I've had with them, etc. This became super useful when I eventually had to escalate the situation. Also, if you do end up discovering they never filed, don't wait to take action. The IRS penalty clock keeps ticking, so you'll want to file yourself as soon as possible to minimize additional fees. I ended up having to do this and filed an amended return later once I sorted out the mess with my original preparer. The fact that you're asking these questions now rather than waiting months shows you're being smart about this. Trust your gut - if something feels off about their communication and lack of documentation, it probably is. Legitimate preparers are usually very responsive during tax season because they know how stressed their clients get. Keep us updated on what happens when you visit their office. Hoping it's just a communication issue and everything was filed properly!

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this stress - tax issues are never fun to deal with! Based on what you've described, I think your instincts are right to be concerned about the lack of communication from your preparer. Here's what I'd suggest as immediate next steps: 1. **Visit their office in person** - This is your best bet for getting answers. Bring ID and any paperwork they gave you initially. 2. **Ask for specific documents**: - IRS e-file acknowledgment with confirmation number (they should have this within 24-48 hours of filing) - Complete copy of your filed tax return - Form 8879 (IRS e-file Signature Authorization) with your signature - Payment arrangement documentation 3. **Check your bank account thoroughly** - Look for pending/scheduled transactions, not just completed ones. Sometimes the payment is scheduled for a future date rather than processed immediately. 4. **Try calling the IRS early morning** (around 7 AM at 1-800-829-1040) - Wait times are shorter and they can confirm if your return was received, even if it's not showing online yet. The fact that they're not responding to your messages for days is definitely a red flag. Legitimate preparers stay in communication during tax season because they know clients need reassurance. If they can't produce that IRS acknowledgment tomorrow, you'll know something is wrong and may need to file yourself to avoid additional penalties. Document everything and don't let them give you the runaround - you paid for a service and deserve proof it was completed. Keep us posted on what happens!

This is such a stressful situation, but you're absolutely doing the right thing by following up! I went through something similar a few years ago and it turned out my preparer had actually filed correctly, but their communication was just terrible. A few additional things to consider when you visit their office tomorrow: **Red flags to watch for:** - If they seem surprised by your visit or act like they don't remember you - If they can't immediately access your file or seem disorganized - If they make excuses about "computer problems" or "IRS system issues" instead of showing you documentation **Green flags that indicate they did file properly:** - They can quickly pull up your file and show you the IRS acknowledgment - They have a complete copy of your return ready to give you - They can explain exactly when your payment will be processed **Backup plan:** If you discover they never filed, you can still file your 2022 return yourself using tax software. The penalties will continue to accrue, but at least you'll stop the clock and avoid the failure-to-file penalty, which is much worse than the failure-to-pay penalty. Also, don't feel bad about being "that client" who shows up demanding documentation - you paid good money for a service and have every right to verification. Any reputable preparer should welcome the opportunity to reassure a concerned client with proper documentation. Fingers crossed it's just a communication issue and everything was filed properly! Please update us after your visit - your experience could help others in similar situations.

I've been following this thread and wanted to share something that might help while you're waiting to visit your preparer's office tomorrow. One thing I learned from my own experience with a questionable tax preparer is to check if they're actually licensed. You can search for their credentials on the IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) directory online. Every paid preparer is required to have a PTIN, and you can verify if theirs is active and in good standing. Also, if you paid by credit card, start documenting everything now in case you need to dispute the charge later. Take screenshots of any texts or emails where they claimed to have filed your return, and note the dates and times of your attempts to contact them. Credit card companies typically give you 60-120 days to dispute a charge for services not provided, but having a paper trail makes the process much smoother. The fact that they came "recommended by a friend" doesn't necessarily mean much - unfortunately, even well-meaning recommendations can lead to problematic preparers. Your friend might have had a simple return that went smoothly, while yours being a late filing for a prior year could have exposed issues with their competence or systems. I really hope everything works out and they just have terrible communication skills rather than having failed to file altogether. But if the worst happens and you need to file yourself, don't panic - late filing is still better than never filing, and you can get through this!

I've been in your exact situation before, and I know how incredibly stressful it is! The combination of filing late, owing money, and not being able to reach your preparer is a perfect storm of anxiety. Here's what I learned from my experience: the 10-day timeframe you mentioned is actually still within normal processing windows, especially for prior year returns. The IRS systems can take 3-6 weeks to show late filings in your online account or transcripts, so the fact that you can't see it yet isn't necessarily a red flag by itself. However, the lack of communication from your preparer definitely is concerning. When I went through this, my preparer was responsive and proactive about keeping me updated on the status. Before you panic, here's what I'd recommend: 1. Check your bank account for any pending/scheduled transactions - sometimes the payment is scheduled for a future date rather than processed immediately 2. Look through any paperwork they gave you for an IRS Form 8879 (e-file authorization) - if you signed this, it's a good sign they intended to file electronically 3. Visit their office in person tomorrow and ask specifically for the IRS e-file acknowledgment with confirmation number If they filed electronically, they should have received an acknowledgment from the IRS within 24-48 hours. Any legitimate preparer keeps this document and should provide it immediately when requested. Don't let them give you vague answers about "it's in the system" - you need to see that specific confirmation document. If they can't produce it, you'll know you need to file yourself immediately to minimize additional penalties. Stay strong - even if the worst case happens and they never filed, you can still get this resolved!

I completely understand your anxiety about this situation! As someone who works in tax preparation, I can tell you that the 10-day timeframe without seeing anything in the IRS system is actually still normal, especially for prior year returns like your 2022 filing. However, the lack of communication from your preparer is definitely concerning. Here's what you should know: **Immediate steps to take:** 1. Visit their office in person tomorrow - don't just call or text 2. Ask specifically for the IRS e-file acknowledgment with confirmation number (they get this within 24-48 hours of successful filing) 3. Request a complete copy of your filed return and Form 8879 (e-file authorization) 4. Get documentation of your payment arrangement **What to look for in your bank account:** Check for pending or scheduled electronic fund withdrawals (EFW), not just completed transactions. Many preparers schedule the payment for a specific future date rather than processing it immediately. **Red flags vs. green flags:** 🚩 Red flags: Can't produce IRS acknowledgment, seem disorganized, make excuses about "system issues" ✅ Green flags: Can immediately show you the confirmation number, have organized files, provide complete documentation The fact that you have a signed Form 8879 is actually a good sign - this suggests they intended to file electronically. But you still need to see that IRS acknowledgment to confirm it actually went through. Don't feel bad about demanding documentation - you paid for a service and deserve proof it was completed. If they can't provide the acknowledgment, you'll know you need to file yourself immediately to stop additional penalties from accruing. Keep us updated on what happens! Your situation could help others dealing with similar concerns.