Has anyone tried checking the "Married filing separately" box on the W4 but still filing jointly on the actual tax return? My tax guy suggested this for my situation where my wife makes 3x what I make.

I went through this exact same situation last year! The multiple jobs worksheet can be brutal when there's a huge income gap like yours. Here's what worked for me: Instead of using the multiple jobs worksheet on your W-4, try this approach: Keep your W-4 simple (just check "Married filing jointly" and claim your standard withholding), then have your spouse add extra withholding on their W-4 using line 4(c). Since they make $350k, even a few hundred extra per paycheck won't hurt them as much as it's hurting your $45k paychecks. To estimate the right amount: Take last year's total tax liability, subtract what would normally be withheld from both your paychecks with standard withholding, and divide that difference by your spouse's number of pay periods. Add that amount to line 4(c) on their W-4. This way you keep most of your paycheck while still covering the extra tax burden from your combined high income. You can always fine-tune it once the IRS calculator comes back online, but this should give you immediate relief from having empty paychecks.

Check if your CPA requested a transcript of the account. That could explain why you're seeing the transcript update with a future date, but haven't received the letter yet. When we request transcripts for clients, it sometimes triggers a notice generation. The fact it says 12/16 just means that's when it will post to your account officially.

The fact that you're seeing dates in the future (12/16 when it's only 12/5) is actually normal for IRS systems - their computer generates the notice with the official posting date, but the physical letter gets mailed right away. This is super common with amended returns. Given the $7,850 liability showing up, this is most likely just the IRS sending you formal notification that they've processed your amended 2019 return and determined you owe additional tax. Certified mail doesn't necessarily mean anything scary - they use it for any notice involving a balance due to ensure you receive it. The good news is you already have a CPA who filed the amended return, so they should be able to help explain exactly what the notice says once you get it. Don't stress too much - this sounds like standard procedure for amended returns with additional tax owed.

Has anyone dealt with a situation where they're a member of a multi-member LLC taxed as a partnership, but have different liability allocations for different LLC debts? I guarantee some loans but not others, and I'm not sure how to calculate my basis correctly.

This is a great discussion that highlights how confusing partnership basis can be! I've been dealing with similar issues with my LLC interest. One thing I learned from my CPA is that the software warnings are often overly cautious because they can't analyze the specific terms of your operating agreement. The reality is that many LLCs have hybrid structures where members might have limited liability for some debts but economic risk of loss for others. Your basis calculation needs to reflect your actual economic exposure, not just your legal classification as a "limited partner." I'd recommend getting a copy of your LLC's operating agreement and looking for any sections about guarantees, capital calls, or deficit restoration obligations. These provisions can significantly impact how partnership liabilities affect your outside basis, even if you're technically a limited member. Also, don't forget that if you've been understating your basis due to software limitations, you might be able to amend prior returns to claim losses that were previously suspended. The statute of limitations for claiming refunds is generally three years, so it's worth reviewing your last few returns if you think you've been missing out on legitimate loss deductions.

Hey Savannah, I completely understand your anxiety about this - I've been there! The 26th is when they mail it out, not when you'll receive it. From my experience with mailed refund checks, you're typically looking at 5-7 business days after that mail date for delivery, sometimes up to 10 days depending on your location and postal service efficiency. I'd definitely recommend signing up for USPS Informed Delivery like others mentioned - it's free and will give you peace of mind by showing you exactly when your Treasury check is coming. Also, if you're worried about the medical bills, consider reaching out to your providers to explain the situation - many are understanding and will work with you on payment timing if you can show them your WMR status. The waiting is definitely the hardest part, but your check will arrive! Hang in there! 💙

Hey Savannah! I totally feel for you - that waiting period when you really need the money is so stressful! Just to add to what everyone else has said, the 26th is definitely the mail date, not the delivery date. I've had to do paper checks a few times over the years due to various bank issues, and it's always been 5-7 business days after that mail date for me (I'm in a suburban area). One thing I learned is that Treasury checks from the IRS come in a very distinctive white envelope with clear government markings, so they're pretty easy to spot when they arrive. Also, if it makes you feel any better, these checks are actually pretty secure - they have multiple security features and can be reissued if something goes wrong. The USPS Informed Delivery suggestion is golden - I wish I had known about that during my first paper check experience! Try to stay positive, and definitely reach out to your medical providers if you need a short extension. Most are very understanding about tax refund timing. You've got this! 💪

Just wanted to jump in here as someone who's been through this exact scenario! I switched to Varo specifically because of their early deposit feature, but learned the hard way that tax refunds don't always follow the same pattern as regular payroll deposits. Here's what I've observed from my own experience and tracking this community: • Varo's early deposit works great for predictable payments (like paychecks) • Tax refunds are more variable because the IRS controls the release timing • Your 3/26 DDD is still valid - most people see deposits between 9am-5pm on their DDD • The fact that WMR shows "approved" is a good sign - means no holds or issues I'd suggest checking your account every few hours rather than constantly refreshing. The stress isn't worth it when you're already dealing with caring for your mom. If nothing by tonight, definitely contact Varo tomorrow morning to confirm they don't have any flags on your account. Hang in there - you're not alone in this waiting game! 💪

Hey Emma! 👋 I'm going through the exact same thing right now - DDD of 3/26 with Varo and nothing yet. Filed on 2/28, so we're probably in the same processing batch. I've been checking my account obsessively since 6am and driving myself nuts! Reading through all these responses is actually really helpful though. Sounds like we're still well within the normal timeframe, even though the waiting is brutal when you really need the money. The technical explanations about ACH processing and batch releases make me feel better - at least there's a logical reason for the delay rather than something being wrong with our returns. I'm going to try to stop refreshing my app every 10 minutes and just check a few more times this afternoon. Fingers crossed we both see our deposits hit soon! Let me know if yours comes through - I'll do the same. We got this! 💪