I keep seeing conflicting info about mortgage interest! Has anyone else noticed that some newer homes dont qualify for the full mortgage interest deduction? I think theres a new loan limit around $750k.

@Molly Hansen - Just to add another perspective on your mortgage interest situation: don't forget to also consider if you had any mortgage insurance premiums (PMI) during the year. If you paid PMI and meet certain income requirements, that could also be deductible and help push your itemized deductions higher. Also, since you mentioned you've been getting 1098s since 2019, you might want to double-check that you haven't been missing out on deductions in previous years. If you were taking the standard deduction but could have benefited from itemizing in any of those years, you can still file amended returns (Form 1040X) for up to three years back to claim those deductions. The mortgage interest deduction really is one of those things that can make a big difference depending on your total tax picture, so it's worth running the numbers each year!

I completely understand your confusion - those unexpected government deposits can be really nerve-wracking when you don't know what they're for! Based on your description and the "fed-prov/terr Canada" label, this is almost certainly a legitimate benefit payment you're entitled to. The timing with your second job is just coincidence since these payments are calculated from your previous year's tax return. However, that second job might actually work in your favor for next year's benefits depending on your total income bracket. I'd definitely recommend trying the automated phone line at 1-800-387-1193 that several people mentioned - it's by far the easiest way to identify the payment without waiting on hold or dealing with websites. Just enter your SIN and you'll know exactly what it is within minutes. Don't stress about spending the money - if the CRA deposited it, you've earned it based on your tax filing. These systems are pretty accurate and they don't send payments by mistake. Once you know what specific benefit it is, you'll also know if you can expect similar payments throughout the year. It's actually kind of nice to get these surprise reminders that filing your taxes properly pays off!

I've been through this exact same situation! Got a mysterious "fed-prov/terr Canada" deposit last year and spent days worrying it was some kind of error that I'd have to pay back. Turns out it was my GST/HST credit that I had completely forgotten about. The key thing to remember is that these payments are based on your previous year's tax return, so your new second job wouldn't have triggered this deposit. But it's great news for next year - having two jobs might actually put you in a better position for certain benefits depending on your total income. I'd strongly recommend calling that automated line everyone's mentioning: 1-800-387-1193. It's honestly a game-changer - no waiting on hold, just enter your SIN and you get all your recent payment details in under 2 minutes. Way better than trying to navigate the CRA website or waiting hours to speak to someone. Most importantly, don't lose sleep over this! If the government deposited money in your account, you earned it fair and square based on your tax filing. These aren't mistakes that need to be repaid. Once you identify what specific benefit it is, you'll know if it's a one-time thing or part of a regular payment schedule. Enjoy the unexpected bonus!

This thread has been absolutely amazing! I'm going through the exact same process and reading everyone's experiences has given me so much hope and clarity about what to expect. I filed on March 3rd, got the dreaded 810 code within a few days, and just checked my transcript this morning - the 811 code appeared! My verification appointment is scheduled for May 9th, and after reading all these success stories, I'm feeling much more confident about the timeline. I'm also a gig worker (freelance marketing consultant) with income from multiple clients, so it makes perfect sense that I got flagged along with so many others this year. The IRS systems are clearly scrutinizing our 1099 income patterns more closely. Following everyone's excellent advice, I'm preparing a comprehensive document folder: - Government-issued photo ID + original Social Security card - All 1099-NEC forms from various clients - Bank statements showing client payment deposits - 2023 and 2024 tax returns - Verification letter (once it arrives) - Transcript printout showing the 811 code transition - Brief written summary of all income sources What I love most about this community is how everyone shares real timelines and outcomes rather than just speculation. The consistent pattern of getting a DDD within 5-10 days after verification (when you already have the 811 code) is incredibly reassuring for planning purposes. Thank you all for creating such a supportive environment! This process feels so much less intimidating when you have actual experiences to learn from. I'll definitely update everyone after my May 9th appointment to add to the knowledge base here! 🙌

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a very similar situation - filed on February 16th, got the 810 code right away, and just noticed this morning that it changed to 811! My verification appointment is scheduled for April 26th. Reading through everyone's experiences has been such a relief. As a freelance photographer doing event work, I have 1099s from multiple clients plus some equipment rental income, so it makes total sense that I got flagged for verification this year along with all the other gig workers here. The consistent pattern everyone's sharing about getting a DDD within 5-10 days after verification (when you already have the 811 code) is exactly what I needed to hear. I've been really stressed because wedding season is starting and I need my refund to upgrade some camera equipment before my busiest months. Based on all the excellent advice here, I'm preparing: - Photo ID and Social Security card - All 1099-NEC forms from my various clients - Bank statements showing client payments - 2023 and 2024 tax returns - The verification letter - Transcript printout showing the 811 code (brilliant suggestion!) One quick question - did anyone else notice their WMR status change at all after getting the 811 code but before their appointment? Mine still shows "still being processed" but I'm hoping that might update soon. Thank you all for sharing such detailed, real experiences. This community provides better information than anywhere else I've looked! Can't wait to join the success stories after my April 26th appointment! 📸✨

17 Anyone here use H&R Block instead of TurboTax? I'm wondering if their interface is any clearer for backdoor Roth reporting. This whole thing has me considering switching tax software next year.

Just wanted to share my experience as someone who's been through this exact situation. I made the same mistake with Form 8606 on my backdoor Roth conversion two years ago using TurboTax. The key issue is usually in how you answer the questions about your traditional IRA basis. When TurboTax asks about deductible vs. non-deductible contributions, make sure you clearly indicate that your traditional IRA contribution was NON-DEDUCTIBLE. This establishes your basis, which should equal your full contribution amount. Then when you report the Roth conversion, that basis gets subtracted from the conversion amount, making it tax-free. Definitely file the amended return - you shouldn't have to pay tax twice on the same money. The IRS is pretty understanding about Form 8606 corrections since it's notoriously confusing. Just wait for your original return to process first, then file Form 1040-X with the corrected 8606. It's worth getting that money back!

Just to add some reassurance from someone who went through this exact situation - I had a 3-month gap in 2022 when I transitioned between jobs, very similar to your October-January timeline. I was also worried about doing something wrong on my taxes since I'd been self-preparing for years. The reality was much simpler than I expected. I accurately reported that I didn't have full-year coverage, indicated the months I was covered vs. uncovered, and that was it. No federal penalty, no impact on my refund, and no additional complications. The IRS systems are set up to handle these employment transition gaps routinely now. The key is just being honest and accurate in your reporting - don't overthink it. Your situation is incredibly common with job changes, and the tax system accounts for it. Focus your energy on the other parts of your return that might actually affect your refund amount.

As someone who's been through this process multiple times, I can confirm what others are saying - you're absolutely right to want to be accurate, but this really isn't as scary as it seems! The federal penalty being eliminated has made employment transition gaps much more manageable. One thing I'd add that hasn't been mentioned yet: when you're reporting your coverage months, make sure you're clear on exactly when your coverage started and ended. Sometimes there's a difference between when you left a job and when COBRA eligibility expired, or between when you started a new job and when benefits kicked in. Those details matter for accurate reporting, even though they won't affect any penalties. Also, keep all your documentation - insurance termination letters, new policy start dates, etc. Not because you'll necessarily need them, but because having that paper trail gives you confidence that you're reporting everything correctly. It sounds like you're already being thoughtful about this, which is exactly the right approach. You've got this! Employment transitions with insurance gaps are incredibly common, and the tax system handles them routinely now.