Anyone know if weight loss programs are HSA eligible? I've heard conflicting things. My doctor told me to lose weight but didn't write an official prescription for a program.

As someone who's dealt with similar HSA frustrations, I completely understand your anger about this backwards system! What helped me was learning that while we can't change the current rules overnight, there ARE some strategies to maximize what we can use HSA funds for within the existing framework. Beyond the great advice already shared about Letters of Medical Necessity, here are a few other things that might help: Many people don't realize that things like air purifiers, ergonomic equipment for work-related injuries, and even certain mattresses can be HSA-eligible with proper documentation. Also, if you're doing all this preventative work and still end up with any health issues, keep detailed records of how your healthy lifestyle has helped - this documentation could be valuable if rules ever do change. For advocacy, the HSA Coalition and similar organizations are actively working to expand eligible expenses. Following their work and supporting their efforts might be more effective than individual petitions. The fact that over-the-counter medications were recently added shows the system can evolve, even if slowly.

I used FreeTaxUSA for my 2020 return last year but had to print and mail it. Their software was still able to prepare it correctly though, and it only cost me like $15 for the state return (federal was free). Might be worth checking if they can still prepare 2019 returns even if you have to mail it.

I went through this exact same situation last year with my 2018 return. Unfortunately, you're definitely stuck with paper filing at this point - the e-file system has been closed for 2019 returns for over a year now. Here's what I learned from my experience: definitely use certified mail with tracking, make multiple copies of everything before you send it, and be prepared for a LONG wait. My return took about 8 months to process, but I did eventually get my refund plus all the stimulus money I had missed. One thing that really helped me was getting my tax transcript first (you can get it online from the IRS website) so I knew exactly what they had on file for me. That way I could make sure my return matched up with what they expected. The good news is that if you're owed a refund, there are no penalties for filing late. Just make sure you get it in before the 3-year deadline or you'll lose the refund forever. Hang in there - it's a pain but you'll get through it!

Quick question - does anyone know if we'd be better off just filing without claiming our adopted child and then doing an amended return later when the SSN comes? Our tax guy suggested this but I've heard amended returns can trigger audits?

I went through this exact situation two years ago when we adopted our son! The waiting for the SSN while tax season loomed was so stressful. Just want to echo what others have said - definitely go with the extension rather than filing without claiming your daughter and amending later. One thing I wish someone had told me is to gather all your adoption-related documents now while you're waiting. Things like court documents, attorney fees, agency fees, home study costs, travel expenses if you had any - these can all potentially qualify for the Adoption Tax Credit. Having everything organized made filing so much smoother once we finally got that SSN. Also, don't be surprised if your refund ends up being significantly higher than you initially calculated. Between the Child Tax Credit, potentially the Adoption Tax Credit, and any other credits you might qualify for, we were pleasantly shocked at our final refund amount. The wait was definitely worth it to file one complete, accurate return!

Pro tip: call the MD comptroller office early morning like 8:01 AM. got through in 5 mins instead of waiting 2 hrs 👀

Thanks for the update! I'm a Maryland filer from late February and was getting worried. Just checked WMR after seeing this and mine finally shows "processing" instead of just "received". Looks like they really are working through that backlog systematically. Fingers crossed it moves to approved soon! 🤞

Make sure your address is correct with the IRS! My refund got sent back last year for the same reason and then they mailed the check to my old address. I had to wait another 6 weeks for it to be returned to them and then reissued. You can update your address by submitting Form 8822, but do it ASAP.

I went through this exact same situation two years ago and it was nerve-wracking! My $3,800 refund got rejected by my bank and I was convinced it had disappeared forever. Here's what I learned from the experience: The IRS systems are incredibly slow compared to regular banking. While your bank processed the return in 3 days, the IRS can take 2-3 weeks just to acknowledge they received it back. This isn't because anything went wrong - it's just how their antiquated systems work. That trace number from your bank is gold - keep it safe and reference it every time you talk to the IRS. When I finally got through to someone who knew what they were doing, that trace number helped them locate my returned funds much faster. One thing that helped me stay sane was setting up automated transcript monitoring. You can check your account transcript online every few days to watch for the status changes. When you see code 841 appear, you'll know they've processed the returned deposit. Then you wait for code 846 which means they've issued the replacement check. The whole process took about 6 weeks total for me - 2 weeks for IRS to process the return, then 4 more weeks for the paper check to arrive. It felt like forever but the money did eventually show up. Hang in there!