My two previous tax seasons were very eventful, to put it mildly, and not because of me, but mostly because of the organizational changes happening at my tax preparation company, plus me being in the middle of two tax brackets. Details do not matter; what matters is that my tax returns were late twice, the prep firm was filing extensions, and I also owed a lot.
This year, it was a nice change: there were no issues, they filed everything in time, and I ended up with a substantial refund. Only it was two weeks past the tax return was sent and presumably accepted, but I didn’t receive either a refund or approval. I started to worry, especially because the IRS website showed my taxes were not filed, but the prep firm assured me that everything was filed, and most likely, the IRS needs additional verification, and I should expect the letter. They also suggested me to create an online account with the IRS.
Still, nothing was happening. I called the IRS on April 15 and was able to reach a human, and they said that they didn’t have my tax returns, and I went over the full circle again.
About two weeks ago, I finally saw a notice on my online IRS account saying that they sent me a letter to which I need to respond ASAP. But nothing about what this letter is about. I kept waiting. Finally, last Monday, I saw the IRS letter in my Informed Delivery Digest. However, it turned out I spoke too soon: the letter didn’t materialize in my mailbox, and I was worried sick about what was going to happen now. At this time of year, there was no way to reach a human by phone; they kept routing me to the automated system.
Finally, when I was ready to write to our Congresswoman’s office, specifically, last night, when I opened the door to accept a grocery delivery, I noticed an envelope on the floor – it was my IRS letter! I am super thankful for someone who received it, realized that it was dropped into the wrong mailbox, and dropped it at my door!
At that moment, I submitted all additional documentation, and I hope that the issue will be resolved, as they say, within the next 6-8 weeks. When this is over, I will be sure to report details, but now, I am just happy to be out of uncertainty!
Hettie's Reflections 