Just wanted to add something important here. The IRS "Where's My Refund" tool updates overnight. Not real-time. Sometimes status changes don't appear for 24 hours. Also, SoFi changed their early deposit policy in January. They now say "up to two days early" instead of guaranteed early deposits. This affected direct deposits too. Not just tax refunds. Hope this helps explain what's happening.

I completely understand your anxiety! Going through my first tax season post-divorce too, and every little delay feels magnified when you're managing finances solo. The good news is that if WMR shows approved with 2/26, your refund is definitely processed and coming. I've noticed SoFi has been less predictable with early deposits this year - seems like they're being more conservative during peak season. Try checking your account around 3-6am on 2/26 if you haven't already - that's usually when ACH deposits post. You've got this! 💪

Tax professional here. Here's what's actually happening: The IRS is experiencing unprecedented delays due to several factors including staffing shortages, outdated technology, and multiple years of returns being processed simultaneously. The best solution I've found for my clients is using taxr.ai to analyze their transcripts. It gives specific timelines and explanations for delays, plus actionable steps to resolve issues. Much more reliable than guessing or waiting on hold for hours. Check it out at https://taxr.ai - it's seriously worth the dollar.

Ugh I feel your pain! I'm at 13 months waiting on my 2022 return and it's driving me absolutely insane. The worst part is how they act like this is totally normal when you call. Like no Karen, waiting over a year for MY money is not normal 😤 Have you tried reaching out to your congressman's office? Sometimes they can light a fire under the IRS but honestly at this point I'm losing hope

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned the potential consequences for your dad. If he's been falsely claiming you for years, he could potentially owe back taxes plus penalties if the IRS investigates. Not trying to scare you, but if maintaining your relationship is important, you might want to approach this carefully. Maybe have a conversation like "Hey dad, I was looking into FAFSA and learned about dependency requirements. I realized there might be an issue with how you've filed in the past since I haven't lived with you. Could we talk about fixing this going forward so it doesn't cause problems with my financial aid?" This frames it as solving a future problem rather than accusing him of past fraud.

This is such a stressful situation, but you have more options than you might think! I went through something similar when I was starting college. Here's what I learned: First, don't panic about FAFSA - they deal with dependency issues all the time. The key is being proactive. Since you're planning to move to California for college anyway, this is actually perfect timing to get everything straightened out. My recommendation: Start by gathering any documentation you have that shows where you've actually been living (leases, school records, mail, etc.). Then approach your dad with a collaborative tone - something like "I'm applying for financial aid and need to make sure we're filing everything correctly. Can we review the dependency requirements together?" The IRS dependency test is pretty clear: you need to have lived with the claiming parent for more than half the year. If you haven't, he legally can't claim you. But framing it as "let's make sure we're doing this right going forward" rather than "you've been doing this wrong" might help preserve your relationship. Also definitely reach out to your college's financial aid office early. They've seen this before and can guide you through a dependency override if needed. Getting ahead of this now will save you so much stress later!

Has anyone used TurboTax to handle the depreciation calculations for a converted vehicle? Their interface is confusing me and I can't figure out where to enter the FMV vs original cost info.

One important detail that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure to keep a contemporaneous record of the business conversion date. I learned this the hard way when I got audited for my vehicle deduction. The IRS wants to see documentation that you made the decision to convert to business use on a specific date, not retroactively. This could be as simple as a dated memo to your business file or an email to yourself stating "As of [date], my 2023 [truck model] will be used 100% for business purposes." Also, consider getting an independent appraisal if the vehicle is worth more than $5,000 at conversion. While KBB values are generally acceptable, an actual appraisal provides stronger documentation if you're ever questioned. The appraisal cost is also deductible as a business expense. The documentation requirements are strict because vehicle conversions are a common audit trigger - the IRS sees a lot of people trying to retroactively claim personal vehicles as business assets.

Don't forget to check if your grandfather had a mortgage on the property! When my mom passed and left me her house, I was surprised to learn I had to either assume the existing mortgage or refinance. The bank sent a letter about the "due-on-sale" clause being triggered by the inheritance.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Pedro. Losing a grandparent is never easy, and dealing with estate matters during grief makes it even harder. Everyone has given you great advice here. I want to emphasize one key point that might give you some peace of mind - as the beneficiary, you typically don't owe income tax on inherited property. The inheritance itself isn't considered taxable income to you. A few practical next steps to consider: 1. Get copies of all estate documents from your uncle (the executor) 2. Contact the county assessor's office about transferring the property deed 3. Check with your homeowner's insurance - you'll need to get coverage in your name 4. Review any outstanding debts on the property (utilities, HOA fees, etc.) The timeline can feel overwhelming, but most estate matters don't have to be resolved immediately. Focus on securing the property and understanding your options before making any big decisions about keeping vs. selling. And don't hesitate to consult with an estate attorney if the situation becomes more complex than expected. Take care of yourself during this process!