I work with tax transcripts regularly, and I can clarify that the normal sequence for an offset is: 826 code (offset applied) → 971 code (notice issued) → 5-14 day processing period → 846 code (remaining refund issued). The exact timing depends on which cycle your return is processed in. Returns are processed in 7-day cycles, and each taxpayer is assigned to a specific cycle. Based on current processing times, you should see your 846 code within exactly 14 days of the 826 code appearing, assuming there are no other issues with your return. I'd start getting concerned only if you don't see the 846 by day 21.

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences! This is really helpful. I'm on day 5 since my 826 code appeared, so it sounds like I'm still well within the normal timeframe. @Ali Anderson - that 14-day timeline is exactly what I was looking for. I'll mark my calendar and try to be patient instead of checking my transcript every day (which is honestly what I've been doing). It's reassuring to know that seeing the 826 and 971 codes together actually means things are moving forward, not that something went wrong. I'll update this thread when my 846 code appears in case it helps anyone else going through the same thing.

Just an FYI - i made the mistake of just ignoring my quarterly payments one year thinking the penalty wouldn't be that bad. Big mistake! ended up owing about $1,200 in penalties and interest on top of my taxes. they calculate it daily so it really adds up.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and wanted to share what I've learned from my tax preparer. One thing that might help with your anxiety is knowing that the IRS has a "reasonable cause" exception for penalty relief when you have unexpected medical expenses. You'll need to document everything - medical bills, insurance statements, etc. - but it's worth keeping track of this stuff as you go. For your irregular musician income, consider setting aside a percentage of each gig payment into a separate "tax account" rather than trying to predict your total yearly income. Even if it's just 20-25% of each payment, it'll help you build up funds for those quarterly payments without the stress of trying to come up with large lump sums. Also, don't forget that you can deduct unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your AGI, plus all your business expenses as a musician (equipment, travel, etc.). Sometimes people in tight financial situations overlook deductions that could significantly reduce what they actually owe. Hang in there - this stuff is stressful but there are definitely options to work with the IRS rather than just hoping for the best!

One thing nobody mentioned yet - you might need to pay quarterly estimated taxes if you expect to owe more than $1,000 in taxes for the year. This is especially important for self-employment since you don't have an employer withholding taxes. Self-employment tax is about 15.3% on top of regular income tax, which catches a lot of first-timers by surprise. Google "1040-ES" for the forms you need.

Hey Giovanni! I was in a similar situation when I started my photography side hustle in college. Here's what I wish someone had told me upfront: You're absolutely right to want to handle this yourself - it's actually pretty straightforward once you understand the basics. Even if you only make a few hundred dollars, you should report it. The good news is that as a student, you likely won't owe much in actual taxes, but you will need to pay self-employment tax (about 15.3%) on any profit over $400. Here's my simplified checklist for you: 1. Keep detailed records of ALL payments (screenshots work fine) 2. Track any business expenses (phone bill, props, etc.) 3. You'll file Schedule C with your regular tax return 4. If you make over $1,000 profit, start making quarterly payments to avoid penalties The payment app thing is confusing - they'll send you a 1099-K if you receive over $600, but you need to report everything regardless of whether you get that form. Pro tip: Open a separate bank account just for this income if possible. Makes tracking everything so much easier come tax time. You got this! 💪

I'm really confused by all this ERTC amendment stuff... My CPA told me the reduction should only be for the refundable portion, not the nonrefundable part. But now I'm reading conflicting advice here. Does anyone have an actual IRS reference that clarifies this?

I went through this exact same situation with my S-Corp last year and can confirm what others have said - you need to reduce wage expenses by the FULL ERTC amount (both refundable and nonrefundable portions), excluding any interest received. The key thing to remember is that the ERTC is essentially the government reimbursing you for wages you paid, so you can't also deduct those same wages as a business expense. It would be double-dipping. For your $87k in 2020 and $112k in 2021 refunds, make sure you separate out any interest portion before calculating the wage expense reduction. The interest is taxable income but doesn't affect the wage deduction adjustment. One heads up - this will create a significant increase in your pass-through income, which means additional personal tax liability when you amend your 1040s. With amounts that large, you might want to consider making estimated payments to avoid underpayment penalties. The amendment process can take several months, so plan accordingly for the cash flow impact.

My accountant always tells me to focus on the "ordinary and necessary" test for business expenses rather than just the timing. If this conference is ordinary and necessary for your business type, the IRS is less likely to question it regardless of when you deduct it. Just make sure you have good documentation showing how it relates to your business - things like the conference agenda, notes you took, business cards you collected, etc. This has saved me multiple times during reviews.

This is exactly the kind of timing question that trips up so many small business owners! The key thing to remember is that for most small businesses using cash accounting, you generally deduct expenses in the year you both pay for them AND receive the economic benefit. Since your conference is in September 2025 and you're not paying until then, that's clearly a 2025 deduction. Even if you had prepaid in 2024, the IRS could still argue the economic performance doesn't occur until you actually attend the conference. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given - consider keeping a simple spreadsheet of planned business expenses like this so you can do better tax planning for next year. Knowing you'll have that conference deduction in 2025 might influence other timing decisions you make with income and expenses. Also, don't forget that if you travel for the conference, those travel expenses (flights, hotels, 50% of meals) are also deductible business expenses for the same tax year as the conference itself.