Has anyone tried using TurboTax or other tax software for filing multiple years of back taxes? I'm in a similar situation and wondering if it's worth paying for.

Just wanted to add another perspective here - if you're really overwhelmed by the whole process, consider reaching out to a local VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. They provide free tax help for people who generally make $64,000 or less, and many volunteers have experience with back tax situations. I used VITA when I was catching up on 4 years of unfiled returns and the volunteer was incredibly patient and knowledgeable. They helped me understand which deductions I could claim and even caught some errors I would have made filing on my own. You can find VITA locations on the IRS website - just search "VITA site locator." The best part is it's completely free, and they can often help you file electronically even for prior years, which gets your refunds processed faster than mailing paper returns.

Yes! The 846 code with a date means the IRS has officially released your refund for that date - that's the best confirmation you can get! With Chime, you should definitely see it before the 28th, possibly as early as tomorrow. I had the exact same anxiety my first year switching from TurboTax to a different service, but FreeTaxUSA and similar platforms work just as reliably. The main difference with Chime is they don't hold your money for processing days like traditional banks do. Once they receive the ACH transfer from the IRS, it hits your account immediately. Keep checking - you're likely going to wake up to a nice surprise in your account soon! 🤞

Great success story! I'm also with Chime and filed around the same time as you. One thing I'd add for anyone reading this - make sure to screenshot your transcript when you see that 846 code with your DDD. I learned this tip from a friend who had issues last year where the bank claimed they never received the deposit, but having that transcript screenshot was crucial proof when sorting it out. Also, for those worried about the timing, I've noticed Chime typically releases funds between 12-3 PM on weekdays when they get the ACH notification, so don't panic if you don't see it first thing in the morning. The waiting is definitely the hardest part, but posts like this really help keep spirits up! 💪

Check your Where's My Refund tool too. Sometimes that updates before the transcript does

I'm seeing the same thing on my transcript right now! All zeros across the board but my filing status shows up correctly. It's so nerve-wracking when you're expecting a refund and everything just shows $0.00. I've been checking multiple times a day hoping something changes. Did you use any credits like CTC or EITC? I'm wondering if that's what's causing the delay in our transcripts updating properly.

I wonder if your preparer was mixing up two completely different situations? If you have employees who use their personal vehicles for business and you reimburse them for gas rather than paying the standard mileage rate, that's a different tax scenario entirely. But for your own business vehicle on Schedule C, it's definitely one method or the other, not both.

I'm glad you're getting this sorted out! As someone who's dealt with vehicle deductions for years, I'd strongly recommend documenting your decision process. Keep records showing why you chose the standard mileage method (calculate both ways and save the comparison). Also, make sure you're tracking your business miles accurately with a mileage log - date, starting/ending odometer readings, business purpose, and destination. The IRS is very strict about mileage documentation during audits. A simple smartphone app or even a basic logbook works fine, but contemporaneous records are key. One more tip: if you ever decide to switch to actual expenses in future years, make sure you understand the depreciation recapture rules. It can get complicated, so it's worth consulting with a different tax professional who clearly understands vehicle deduction rules.

I went through this exact situation two years ago and it's absolutely maddening. You're right that it feels unfair - you did everything correctly once you received the corrected information. Here's what worked for me: When filing Form 843, be very specific about the timeline. Include copies of both W2s with dates received, your original return filing date, and your amended return filing date. The IRS wants to see that you acted promptly once you had the correct information. Also, don't give up on the employer angle. I sent a certified letter to HR demanding they provide documentation of their error and the correction timeline. They initially ignored me, but when I mentioned potential legal action for their negligence causing me financial harm, they suddenly became very cooperative and provided a formal letter acknowledging their mistake. The key phrase to use in your Form 843 is "reasonable cause due to circumstances beyond taxpayer's control." The IRS has specific guidelines that employer reporting errors fall under this category. Good luck - this situation is frustrating but definitely winnable with the right documentation.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now - got a corrected W2 in September that added $3,200 in income, and now I'm facing penalties from both federal and state. It's incredibly frustrating when you're being penalized for someone else's mistake. One thing I discovered that might help others in this thread: if your former employer is being unresponsive, you can also file a complaint with your state's Department of Labor. Many states have regulations requiring employers to provide accurate and timely tax documents, and they can sometimes pressure the employer to cooperate or provide the documentation you need for your penalty abatement request. Also, when you file Form 843, make sure to include a timeline showing exactly when you received each document and when you took action. The IRS really wants to see that you acted in good faith and as quickly as possible once you had the correct information. I included screenshots of my email timestamps and certified mail receipts to prove when I received the corrected W2. Keep fighting this - you shouldn't have to pay penalties for your employer's error!