IRS Transcript Shows $0 Balance and "No Tax Return Filed" - What Does This Mean for My 2023 Account?

The transcript data shows a completely empty tax record for this period. While your account balance and all accruals (interest and penalties) are $0.00 as of March 13, 2023, this isn't necessarily positive news - it simply means there's no activity to assess. The key concern is that most critical fields are blank, including Adjusted Gross Income, Taxable Income, and Tax Per Return. Only minimal demographic information is populated (Filing Status: Single, Exemptions: 00). The statement "RETURN NOT PRESENT FOR THIS ACCOUNT" combined with "No tax return filed" in the transactions section definitively indicates the IRS has no record of receiving your tax return for this period. The system is essentially showing an empty account rather than a processed return. If you believe you filed a return, you'll need documentation to prove submission: - For e-filing: Your electronic confirmation number - For paper filing: Your certified mail receipt or proof of mailing This situation requires prompt attention since missing returns can lead to future complications with the IRS. It's advisable to contact the IRS directly to resolve this discrepancy and either confirm your filing status or submit any missing returns.

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i had the same thing happen last year. turns out my tax preparer never actually submitted my return even tho they said they did 🤡

Double check your email for any confirmation numbers. Sometimes returns get rejected and we dont get the notification smh

the irs is such a mess rn fr. took them 8 months to even acknowledge my return existed last year

Did you file by paper or electronically? Makes a huge difference these days

This is a classic case of a "ghost return" - where you think you filed but the IRS has no record. The $0 balance isn't necessarily good news here since there's literally nothing to balance against. A few things to check immediately: 1) Log into your tax software account and verify the return was actually transmitted (not just prepared), 2) Check your bank account for any fee charges from the tax prep company - if they didn't charge you, they probably didn't file, 3) Look for email confirmations with specific IRS acceptance numbers. If you can't find proof of filing, you'll need to file ASAP. The good news is if you're owed a refund, there's usually no penalty for late filing, but if you owe money, penalties and interest start accruing from the original due date.