I believe I can share some relevant experience here. I processed taxes for a client in a similar situation last year. They had Marketplace coverage for February only, then transitioned to employer coverage. We initially filed without the 1095-A because they couldn't locate it. The return was accepted and processed. However, approximately 45 days later, they received a notice requesting verification of the Marketplace coverage. By that point, they had located their 1095-A. They submitted it, and the matter was resolved without penalties. That said, I would recommend attempting to obtain the form first if possible. The Marketplace can typically provide a replacement fairly quickly if you contact them directly.

When comparing your situation to other tax scenarios I've seen, you're in a relatively low-risk category. Unlike taxpayers with full-year Marketplace coverage claiming substantial credits, your one-month situation is much simpler. Similar to how a missing 1099-INT for small interest income rarely triggers issues, a brief Marketplace coverage period without premium tax credits typically processes smoothly. In contrast, taxpayers with complex healthcare situations involving multiple family members or significant premium credits face much higher scrutiny. Your Medicare transition is a common life event the IRS routinely processes. While getting the 1095-A is ideal, your refund timing likely won't be affected if you file without it, especially compared to those with more complex healthcare situations.

bruh why do ppl stress about stuff that dont apply to them 💀

Just to add some reassurance - I've been doing taxes for 15 years and the Form 1095-A requirement only applies if you actually received advance premium tax credits through a marketplace plan. If you never enrolled in marketplace insurance, there's literally no way for you to have received these credits, so the IRS has no reason to expect that form from you. The rejections you're seeing are from people who DID have marketplace coverage but forgot to include their 1095-A. You're completely in the clear! 🙂

The IRS phone system is designed to be frustrating, but here's what works: Step 1: Call 1-800-829-1040 Step 2: Press 2 for questions about your personal income taxes Step 3: Press 1 for questions about a form, tax history, or payment Step 4: Press 3 for all other questions Step 5: Press 2 for all other questions Step 6: Don't enter your SSN (just wait) Step 7: Press 2 for personal or individual tax questions Step 8: Press 4 to speak with a representative I've used this exact sequence many times. You'll still wait 30-90 minutes depending on the time of year, but you'll get a human eventually. The key is calling Tuesday-Thursday between 8:30-10am or 6-7pm.

I feel your pain! As someone who's been through this exact struggle multiple times, I can confirm that GalaxyGuardian's sequence actually works - I used it just two weeks ago and got through after about 45 minutes on hold. The trick is really the timing though. I've found that calling right at 8:30am ET on Tuesday or Wednesday gives you the best shot. For your specific question about the 27.5% allocation - that sounds pretty reasonable for federal + state combined, but it really depends on your income bracket and which state you're in. States like Texas or Florida have no income tax, while California can push your total effective rate much higher. The agent I spoke with recommended using Form 1040ES worksheets to calculate your exact quarterly amounts rather than just using a flat percentage. One more tip: if you do get through, ask them to email you a summary of what you discussed. They can't always do it, but sometimes they'll send you the relevant publication numbers and key points from your conversation. Good luck!

I've been in a very similar situation and wanted to share what worked for me. First, don't panic about those transcript entries - they're scary looking but don't mean immediate action is happening. Here's what I learned through my experience: **Payment Plan Strategy**: Set up your payment plan ASAP, even before your refund gets applied. This shows good faith and stops the collection clock. You can always adjust the payment amount later if needed. **Communication Timeline**: Once you establish a payment plan, the IRS typically sends confirmation within 30 days. Keep checking your online account - sometimes the updates show there before you get the paper notice. **Pro tip**: When you call or apply online, ask specifically about "Currently Not Collectible" status if your financial situation is still tight. This can pause collection activities while you get back on your feet, though interest will still accrue. **Your refund advantage**: That $2,500 refund will definitely help! After it gets applied automatically, you'll only owe around $2,800. At $100/month, that's less than 3 years to pay off - very manageable. The most important thing is to act now rather than wait. The IRS really does prefer working with people who are proactive. I wish I had reached out sooner instead of letting the anxiety build up. You've got this!

I'm going through something very similar right now! I also had a major life event (divorce) in 2019 that completely derailed my tax situation for 2020. The stress and confusion of trying to understand all those IRS codes and notices is overwhelming. Your situation actually sounds more manageable than mine - at least you've been current on your taxes since then and have that refund coming. I'm still catching up on multiple years. One thing I learned recently is that those transcript codes can mean different things depending on your specific situation, so it's really worth getting clarification directly from the IRS rather than trying to guess. The "levy imposed" language is definitely scary, but from what others are saying here, it sounds like you still have time to get ahead of this. I'm probably going to try some of these suggestions myself - the payment plan option sounds way less intimidating than I thought it would be. Thanks for posting this question because the responses are helping me understand my own situation better too! Have you checked if there are any local VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) programs in your area? They sometimes have people who can help interpret IRS notices for free, though I'm not sure if they handle collection issues.

I went through almost the exact same situation with TaxSlayer last year! The interface really is confusing and not being able to see the actual form before submitting is such poor design. The reality is that Form 4868 mistakes like yours are incredibly common and the IRS system is designed to handle them. Since you're expecting a refund, you're in the best possible position - there are literally no penalties that can apply to you. The IRS only cares about underpayment when you actually owe taxes. Your final tax return will completely override whatever was on that extension form. Think of the 4868 as just a placeholder that bought you time - your real tax situation gets determined when you file your complete return. The mistake won't affect your refund amount at all, and you won't get any scary letters from the IRS about it. Just file your complete return by the October 15th deadline and you'll be totally fine. The stress you're feeling is way worse than the actual problem!

I completely understand your anxiety about this! Form 4868 errors are actually one of the most common tax mistakes people make, especially with confusing software interfaces like TaxSlayer's. Here's the key thing to remember: Form 4868 is purely administrative - it's just telling the IRS "I need more time to file my complete return." The estimated tax amount on line 6 doesn't create any obligation or expectation on the IRS's part. They won't send you a bill based on that number, and they won't expect payment. Since you're anticipating a refund when you file your actual return, you're in the safest possible position. The IRS only assesses penalties for underpayment of taxes, not overpayment. When someone is due a refund, there's literally no penalty mechanism that could apply. Your complete tax return (Form 1040) will show your actual tax liability and refund amount. That's what determines everything - the extension form becomes completely irrelevant once your real return is processed. The math error on your 4868 won't impact your refund by even a penny. Just make sure to file your complete return by October 15th, and you'll get your full refund without any issues or complications from this extension form mistake.