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This is incredibly frustrating but unfortunately very common right now! I went through the exact same thing last month - filed my taxes on time, got my acceptance confirmation, then hit this "non-filer" wall when trying to access my transcript for a credit application. What finally worked for me was a two-pronged approach: I submitted a transcript request by mail (which took about 9 days to arrive) AND kept an eye on the "Where's My Refund" tool to track my return's processing status. Interestingly, once "Where's My Refund" showed my return as fully processed, the online transcript system updated within 48 hours. The mail request is definitely your best bet for getting it quickly - just go to IRS.gov, select "Get Transcript by Mail," and request your 2023 Return Transcript. It uses a different system that seems more reliable than the online portal during these processing delays. Also, for your mortgage refinance, definitely reach out to your loan officer now and explain the situation. Most are familiar with this IRS glitch and can often work with previous year transcripts or other documentation temporarily. Better to be proactive than have it hold up your closing! Hang in there - it's definitely just their systems being slow, not anything wrong with your filing!
This is such solid advice, Danielle! The two-pronged approach makes a lot of sense - tracking both the mail request AND the "Where's My Refund" status. I hadn't thought about using that tool as an indicator for when the transcript system might update. That's a really smart way to monitor progress instead of just blindly checking the transcript portal every day. Your point about being proactive with the loan officer is spot on too. I've learned from this thread that most financial institutions are way more familiar with these IRS processing delays than I expected. It's probably better to give them a heads up now rather than scramble when deadlines approach. Thanks for sharing the timeline details - knowing that the online system updated within 48 hours after "Where's My Refund" showed processing complete gives me something concrete to watch for. It's frustrating that we have to work around these system glitches, but at least there are reliable workarounds!
This is exactly what I needed to hear! I've been checking the transcript portal obsessively for weeks and getting nowhere. Using the "Where's My Refund" tool as a progress indicator is brilliant - I never thought to connect those two systems. Just checked mine and it's still showing "being processed" so at least now I know what to watch for. The mail request route seems like the consensus best option from everyone's experiences. I'm definitely doing that today rather than continuing this endless refresh cycle. Nine days is so much better than this indefinite limbo! Really appreciate you mentioning the proactive communication with lenders too. I was worried about bringing up potential delays, but it sounds like they'd rather know upfront than be surprised later. Thanks for the practical timeline info - gives me realistic expectations instead of just hoping it magically fixes itself tomorrow!
I'm experiencing this exact same frustrating issue right now! Filed my 2023 return about 3 weeks ago, got the acceptance confirmation from my tax software, but when I try to access my transcript online I keep getting that "non-filer" message. It's so stressful when you know you've filed correctly but the system is telling you otherwise. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring - it's clear this is just a widespread processing delay with the IRS systems not syncing properly. The fact that even tax preparers are experiencing this tells you it's definitely a system issue, not something we're doing wrong. I'm going to try the mail request option that multiple people have recommended. It sounds like that system is more reliable than the online portal during these processing delays. For anyone else dealing with this for time-sensitive applications (mortgages, loans, etc.), the advice about being proactive with your lender and asking if previous year transcripts can work temporarily seems really smart. Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines and workarounds - it's such a relief to know this typically resolves itself within a few weeks and there are reliable alternatives while we wait for their systems to catch up!
I'm so glad I found this thread! I've been dealing with the exact same issue for about 2 weeks now and was starting to panic that I had messed something up with my filing. The "non-filer" message is such poor wording from the IRS - it makes it sound like you never filed at all when it's really just a processing delay. The mail request option seems like the most reliable solution based on everyone's experiences here. I'm definitely going to submit that request today rather than keep refreshing the online portal hoping it magically works. It's frustrating that we have to work around these system glitches, but at least there's a concrete solution that actually works. Your point about being proactive with lenders is really helpful too. I need my transcript for a car loan application and was worried about delays, but it sounds like most financial institutions are familiar with these IRS processing issues. Thanks for sharing your experience - it's so reassuring to know this is temporary and not something we caused!
This thread has been an absolute goldmine of information! As someone who just started my own consulting business with plans to expand from Japan to the US, I was completely overwhelmed by the SS-4 electronic signature question until I found this discussion. Reading through everyone's detailed experiences has given me such confidence that this process is actually much more straightforward than the confusing official IRS documentation makes it seem. The fact that so many people from different countries have successfully used electronic signatures (whether through the phone method or fax approach) shows the IRS has really adapted to international business realities. I'm particularly impressed by how this community has essentially crowdsourced the most comprehensive SS-4 guide I've seen anywhere. The specific timing recommendations for the international phone line, the exact fax number that works, the wording suggestions for cover letters - these are the practical details that make all the difference but are impossible to find in official sources. Based on all the success stories here, I'm planning to try the international phone line (+1-267-941-1099) first thing Tuesday morning around 8:30 AM EST, following Reina's recent successful approach. If that doesn't work, I'll have my electronically signed SS-4 ready to fax using the method that's worked so consistently for everyone else. Thank you to @480c2ca235f2 for starting this crucial discussion and to everyone who shared their real experiences. This is exactly the kind of community support that makes navigating complex government processes manageable for international entrepreneurs!
This thread has been absolutely amazing to follow! As a complete newcomer to both this community and the world of international business expansion, I'm incredibly grateful for all the detailed experiences everyone has shared. What really stands out to me is how this discussion has basically solved a problem that the official IRS documentation leaves completely unclear. The consistency of success stories across so many different countries gives me confidence that the electronic signature approach is genuinely reliable, not just a lucky coincidence for a few people. I'm in the early stages of planning my Canadian marketing agency's expansion to the US, and this thread has already saved me what would have been weeks of research and anxiety. The two-track strategy (international phone line first, electronic signature fax as backup) seems like the perfect approach, and having specific timing recommendations and phone numbers makes it feel totally manageable. It's also really helpful to see the banking preparation advice and documentation tips - I wouldn't have thought about gathering those additional materials in advance, but it makes perfect sense to have everything ready while waiting for the EIN. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share such detailed real-world experiences. This kind of community knowledge sharing is exactly what makes the difference between feeling lost in bureaucracy and having a clear path forward!
As a newcomer to this community, I'm absolutely amazed by the depth and quality of real-world experiences shared in this thread! This has essentially become the most comprehensive guide to SS-4 electronic signatures for international businesses that I've ever seen. What gives me tremendous confidence is the remarkable consistency of successful outcomes across so many different countries and business types. It's clear that while the IRS website may not explicitly state it, they are absolutely accepting electronic signatures for SS-4 forms when properly documented and submitted through the right channels. The two-track approach that's emerged from everyone's experiences seems bulletproof: **Option 1 (Fastest):** International phone line +1-267-941-1099, Tuesday-Thursday 8-10 AM EST **Option 2 (Most reliable):** Electronic signature via DocuSign/HelloSign, fax to 855-641-6935 with professional cover letter The 4-6 business day processing times reported by multiple members for both methods are incredibly encouraging for anyone working with tight deadlines like banking relationships. I'm particularly grateful for the specific details everyone shared - from the exact wording for cover letters to the optimal calling times to the documentation requirements. These practical insights are impossible to find in official sources but make all the difference in successfully navigating government processes. For anyone else reading this thread in the future: the collective wisdom here shows that international SS-4 applications with electronic signatures are not just possible, but consistently successful when done correctly. The IRS has clearly adapted to international business realities, even if their official documentation hasn't fully caught up yet. Thank you to everyone who contributed their experiences - this is community knowledge sharing at its absolute best!
The IRS is actually moving pretty fast this year ngl. My return went from accessed to approved in 5 days
I've been through this a few times and "accessed" is actually a good sign! It means your return made it through the initial automated screening and now a human or more advanced system is reviewing it. The timeline can vary - I've had some process in under a week and others take the full 21 days. If you claimed EITC or ACTC, it might take a bit longer due to PATH Act requirements. Just keep checking your transcript every few days for updates!
This is really helpful info! I didn't know about the PATH Act stuff. What are EITC and ACTC if you don't mind me asking? I'm pretty sure I didn't claim anything unusual but want to make sure I understand what might affect my timeline.
I'm confused about something. If I have a similar situation but I've been over-contributing for 3 years in a row (not by much, maybe $100-200 each year), do I need to file Form 5329 for each year separately? And do I owe penalties for all 3 years?
Yes, you would need to file a separate Form 5329 for each tax year where you had an excess contribution. The 6% penalty applies for each year the excess remains in your account. If you never "absorbed" the excess in subsequent years (by contributing less than the max), then the penalties would continue to accumulate. For example, if you over-contributed by $200 in 2020, then over-contributed again in 2021 and 2022, you'd owe: - 6% on $200 for 2020 - 6% on $200 from 2020 PLUS 6% on your new excess from 2021 - 6% on all accumulated excess for 2022 You should address this soon, as the penalties will continue to compound!
Based on all the great advice here, it sounds like you have a clear path forward! Just to summarize for anyone else in a similar situation: 1. File a standalone Form 5329 for 2021 (no need for 1040X) 2. Pay the 6% penalty on your $230 excess (about $13.80) 3. Since your 2022 contributions were under the limit, the excess is "absorbed" - no ongoing penalties I went through something similar last year and was amazed at how much simpler it was than I thought. The IRS actually makes it pretty straightforward to handle these situations when you catch them, even if it's after the fact. One tip: when you mail in your Form 5329, consider sending it certified mail so you have proof of delivery. The IRS can take a while to process these standalone forms, and having that receipt gives you peace of mind that it was received. Good luck getting this resolved! It's really not as scary as it seems at first.
This is such a helpful summary, thank you! I'm actually dealing with a similar situation right now - over-contributed by about $150 in 2022 and just realized it when doing my 2023 taxes. Your tip about certified mail is really smart, I wouldn't have thought of that. Quick question though - when you say "the IRS can take a while to process these standalone forms," about how long did it take in your experience? I'm worried about interest or additional penalties piling up while they're processing my Form 5329.
Angelina Farar
Has anyone used TurboTax for filing with two jobs? Does it handle this situation well? I'm worried about trying to figure all this out next April.
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SebastiΓ‘n Stevens
β’I used TurboTax last year with two W-2s and it worked fine! The software asks you to input all your W-2s one at a time and automatically calculates everything correctly. It also has a section that explains if you're getting a refund or owe money and why.
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Isabella Silva
I went through this exact situation last year and can confirm it's totally manageable! The key thing to understand is that having two jobs doesn't change how much tax you actually owe - it just affects how much gets withheld from your paychecks. Here's what worked for me: I used the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator (it's free on their website) after getting my first few paystubs from both jobs. It showed me I needed to have an extra $150 per month withheld to avoid owing at tax time. I just updated my W-4 at my higher-paying job to withhold the extra amount. The medical bills situation you mentioned is actually another reason this could work in your favor - medical expenses over 7.5% of your adjusted gross income are deductible, so higher income might help you qualify for that deduction if your bills are substantial. Don't let tax concerns stop you from earning extra income to tackle those bills! Just plan ahead with your withholding and you'll be fine.
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Beatrice Marshall
β’This is really helpful advice! I'm actually in a similar situation where I'm considering a second job to help with some unexpected expenses. The medical expense deduction angle is something I hadn't thought about - that's a great point that higher income could actually help qualify for that deduction if the bills are big enough. Did you find it difficult to manage the workload of two full-time positions? I'm wondering if the extra income is worth the potential burnout, especially when dealing with medical issues at the same time.
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