Anyone know if there's a diff between transcript updates for ppl who e-filed vs paper filed? Like do paper filers see different codes or take longer to update or smth?

Based on my experience working with taxpayers, here's what to specifically look for when your transcript updates: First, you'll see TC 150 which means your return was accepted and entered into the system. Then look for your cycle code (like 20241605) - this tells you which weekly processing batch you're in. If you see TC 570, that's a hold on your refund, but don't panic - it's often routine and gets resolved with TC 571. The big moment is TC 846 with a date - that's your actual refund being issued. Also check if your refund amount matches what you calculated, as any difference could indicate an adjustment. The transcript gives you the real story behind those vague "still processing" messages on Where's My Refund.

Have you tried checking your transcript on the IRS website? When this happened to me, I was able to see that someone had indeed filed a return using my SSN. Go to IRS.gov and access your account (or create one if you don't have it). Then view your transcript for 2022. If you see a return was filed but you didn't file it, that's confirmation of the issue.

This happened to me two years ago and it was absolutely panic-inducing! Turned out my ex-husband had mistakenly used my SSN as primary on his new return (we had been married filing jointly for years and he just went on autopilot). Here's what I learned from that experience: First, definitely check both your and your spouse's online transcripts as others mentioned - this will show you immediately if a return was actually filed. Second, the amendment you filed recently could be creating a temporary glitch in their system, especially if it's still processing. If the transcripts show a fraudulent return was filed, don't panic about the identity theft process - it's actually pretty straightforward once you get started. The IRS has gotten much better at handling these cases. File Form 14039 and submit your return by paper with a cover letter explaining the situation. One tip that saved me time: if you do need to call the IRS, have your spouse's information ready too since they might need to verify details about her SSN usage. And keep detailed notes of every conversation - case numbers, agent names, dates, etc. You'll likely need to reference them later in the process.

Filed March 7th and still waiting here too! Really appreciate @Annabel Kimball's insider info about the 8-12 week processing time due to fraud prevention - that actually makes me feel so much better knowing there's a legitimate reason for the delay. I was starting to worry I'd made some error on my return. It's frustrating but honestly I'd rather they be thorough and catch fraud than rush things. Sounds like we early March filers should hopefully start seeing some movement soon since we're approaching that 8-10 week mark. Thanks everyone for sharing your timelines - it's such a relief knowing we're all in the same boat!

Filed March 4th and still stuck in processing! Thanks so much @Annabel Kimball for explaining about the fraud prevention delays - that really puts my mind at ease knowing there's an actual reason behind the wait rather than something being wrong with my return. 8-12 weeks is brutal but I guess it's better than having fraudulent returns slip through. Really hoping we early March filers start seeing some movement in the next week or two since we're hitting that 8-10 week timeline. This thread has been a lifesaver - was starting to think I was the only one dealing with this!

Another option is to check if your broker offers a direct import to TaxAct. I use Fidelity and there's a button right on their tax statement page that says "Import to TaxAct" - it transfers all the transactions automatically without any manual entry. Not all brokers have this, but worth checking yours before doing all that work manually!

The most important thing nobody mentioned yet is that if you choose to enter summary information instead of transaction-by-transaction, you MUST check box C (summary) at the top of Form 8949 and attach your broker statements. If you don't check this box but only enter summary info, you could trigger a mismatch notice from the IRS.

The specific IRS guidance on this is in Publication 529 under "Work Clothes and Uniforms." It says you can deduct the cost of clothing if: 1) You must wear them as a condition of your employment, AND 2) The clothes aren't suitable for everyday wear. It specifically mentions nurses, firefighters, police officers, and delivery workers as examples where uniforms qualify. But for tradespeople it's more about whether the clothing is specialized and not adaptable for everyday use.

As a tax professional, I want to emphasize that the "grocery store test" mentioned earlier is actually a pretty good rule of thumb, but there's one more nuance worth considering: protective equipment versus clothing. Items like hard hats, safety goggles, respirators, and specialty gloves are almost always deductible because they're clearly protective equipment rather than clothing. But when it comes to actual clothing items, the IRS really does focus on whether they're "adaptable to general usage." For electricians specifically, flame-resistant clothing designed to meet OSHA standards is typically deductible because it serves a specialized safety function. Regular work shirts, even if you embroider your company name on them, usually aren't. One thing that trips up a lot of self-employed folks: cleaning and maintenance of qualifying work clothing is also deductible. So if you have legitimate work uniforms that need special cleaning (like flame-resistant coveralls), those cleaning costs count too. The key is documentation - keep receipts and be prepared to explain why each item was specifically required for your trade and not suitable for everyday wear. The IRS can be quite strict on this deduction during audits.