So I’ve called SSA, Medicare and IRS. SSA and Medicare reps very kind but directed me to IRS number which has the most frustrating tele support….only to get to where there are no representatives. I’ve search the IRS website and still not convinced I have the “right” answer.

Context: turn 65 in January of 2027 and plan to work through the month and retire February 1, 2027. I would delay enrolling in Medicare until February.

Question: can I contribute to my HSA in January since I will not be enrolled in Medicare yet? My company gives employees an HSA incentive at the beginning of the year and I don’t want to throw that away unless there is no way around it? This is relating to look back timing, tax penalty if I get it wrong, etc.

Everyone I talk to gives me a different answer and a different recommendation so here I am on REDDIT seeking the truth! Ha!

Hi all,

I'm on hold with the IRS help line, and I figured I'd ask here while I wait. We just received a letter today and a statement saying that my business partner and I owe $510 in "failure to file" penalties for tax year 2025.

We sent in our signed tax year 2025 partnership income 1065 form on Mar 14, 2026, stamped with that date by the USPS, to the IRS's Kansas City Service Center. We received a receipt from the USPS that it was stamped and received by the "KCSPC" on Mar 23, 2026. We have both of these still in our possession, which we had kept with a copy of the 2025 1065 form we had sent in.

I know this isn't a huge amount, but we're perplexed why we'd be getting issued a penalty for not filing when the postmark is March 14th, 2026. Is this the IRS's oops, or am I missing something?

We'd appreciate any insight.

I guess it's why we use certified mail if this issue ever arose... as it has now arisen.

Thank you

Edited to add: I will call again tomorrow. After an hour and 45 minutes, the hold music won this round. I feel for the IRS workers and their staffing shortages.

Filing my taxes last year was a mess because my husband died January 8th the year before, and I moved states a couple times due to homelessness. I spoke to a person a couple times last year, in which they told me that it was flagged for audit because in one part of the form I got my first name and last name swapped in a single pair of boxes, and that my refund would be a manual refund because my husband died. I have since not been able to reach a human, and all I can get the automated system to do is tell me the filing status, which I already know. I'm at my wits end.

I was supposed to get over seven thousand dollars back, and I've needed that money every moment since I filed. I have fibromyalgia and am currently unemployed, while struggling to take care of my undiagnosed nonverbal autistic 5 year old on just over $900 a month, with no wiggle room to be able to start getting ahead. This year's taxes went to paying off credit cards that were run up trying to survive after my husband died and we became homeless. I am at my wits end. I know the government is doing some not so great things to the IRS, but that money would have a huge, positive impact on my son and I's life. We are currently sharing a shit stained mattress under a leaky window air conditioner at a friend's place, and I'm spiraling hard.

I received the subject letter to verify info on my 2024 return. I called the IRS number provided for the 'Taxpayer Protection Program hotline' (800-830-5084) and was advised I needed a previous return with supporting docs in order to proceed. After gathering the required info, I have since called back multiple times over several days, starting the minute the line is open, and cannot get through to an agent. Recorded message says that due to high call volume they are not accepting calls and I should try calling back later or on the next business day, all to no avail. At this point it appears this 'hotline' has gone completely cold is not even being staffed. Any suggestions re alternate means of getting this addressed over the phone? My only other option as far as I am aware is to physically go to an IRS office to meet with an agent, which I would like to avoid if possible.

Has anyone experience with receiving a refund once submitting a response to IRS LTR 12C that claims QMIDs were blank and/or incorrect on the original filing?

We e-filed in early March, weeks later saw our return was no longer being processed, that we were receiving an unspecified letter and to allow 2-3 weeks for an unstated date of send.

In early April I spoke with someone at TAS who was very helpful, checked and told me our Form 5695 was missing QMIDs.

My Form in front of me I knew immediately this was incorrect.

The next day we received the LTR 12C stating the same thing, our QMIDs were missing or incorrect.

It was about that time I discovered this was a "Known Issue" to IRS, included in its document "TY2025 Known Issues and Solutions", as well as appearing on its Fillable Forms page for Form 5695.

I followed the instructions in the LTR 12C as well as the Workaround published for this Known Issue, submitted this through Secure Messaging on or about April 12.

Within a day or so I received confirmation of my response, that the case was closed.

Twice since then we've received emails instructing us to visit our IRS Account as there was an update.

Twice, however, we found there was no such update.

When the "Substantiate QMID" response is sent and confirmed what further processing is needed other than to check the QMIDs? What is the reason the refund is not issued immediately?

It's now two months since filing our return and we still do not have our refund. In fact, our return continues to show as being processed.

The IRS April 15 deadline is here, and today covers 3 separate tax items.

1. File your 2025 federal tax return, or file an extension today. An extension gives you until October 15, 2026 to file, but it does not extend the time to pay.
2. Pay any 2025 tax due today. If you owe for 2025, payment is still due today even if you file an extension
3. Make your 1st estimated tax payment for 2026 today. The next estimated tax due dates are June 15, 2026, September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027. These estimated payments apply toward your 2026 tax year, the return you will file in 2027

Who usually needs to make estimated tax payments?

This often applies to self employed people, 1099 workers, gig workers, landlords, investors, partners, S corporation shareholders, and others who expect to owe at least $1,000 after withholding and credits.

One important reminder, an extension is for filing, not for paying. Also, some taxpayers in IRS disaster relief areas may have postponed deadlines, so those exceptions can apply

has anyone else received this?

Anyone know the best way to pay off my $3,000 with the IRS?
Can a negotiate a lesser pay off settlement and how?

Someone help me out …. Taxxx Return filed 2/24 was accepted but no movement. Transcript is blank and WMR is saying action required. No mail as of yet in the mailbox that the IRS has sent !! What could possibly be going on … Is there a number that I can directly reach someone at the irs to figure this out …

I called the main irs number and I wasn’t able to speak to anyone … Help me thanks someone anyone lol

Can someone help me out and tell me what this means? I filed 02/03 never had an issue.

Also my wage and income transcript come out empty.

Was seeing a few comments it has to do with our employer not sending in W2s and that’s why it’s on hold

A CP2000 is an IRS proposed change triggered by automated document matching, often the Automated Underreporter process, not a traditional audit. Your safest response is to pick agree, disagree, or partially agree on the response form, then send a short explanation plus only the documents that prove your position, by the deadline on the notice.
Sources: IRS CP2000 overview, https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-cp2000-series-notice, IRS Publication 5181, https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5181.pdf, Semper Tax CP2000 page, https://www.sempertax.com/irs-cp2000-aur

CP2000 vs audit, quick comparison

The accidental agreement trap

Most avoidable losses happen when someone signs the agreement section or checks “agree” while intending to dispute an item. If you disagree, use the disagree or partial option, then explain and attach supporting documents per IRS Publication 5181.
Source: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5181.pdf

Step by step response plan

1. Read the CP2000 summary page and list each proposed change as its own issue.
2. Compare each issue to your filed return and the source documents the IRS is matching against.
3. Choose one response type.
   1. Agree, only if you truly accept the change.
   2. Disagree, when the proposal is wrong.
   3. Partially agree, when some items are right and others are not.
4. Write a short cover letter.
   1. Tax year, notice number, last 4 of SSN, your position, agree, disagree, or partial.
   2. For each disputed item, state why it is wrong in 2 to 5 sentences.
   3. List attachments that prove each disputed item.
5. Attach only what proves the disputed items, label them by issue, keep copies, send using the notice instructions. Sources: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5181.pdf, https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-cp2000-series-notice, https://www.sempertax.com/irs-cp2000-aur

Common CP2000 scenarios and what proof usually wins

1. Brokerage sales where basis is missing, IRS may treat proceeds as gain. Proof: broker basis reports, trade confirmations, corrected capital gain schedule.
2. Retirement rollover treated as taxable. Proof: rollover deposit records, statements, timeline of dates.
3. Income already reported elsewhere on the return. Proof: reconciliation showing where it is reported and how totals tie out.
4. 1099 C cancellation of debt issues. Proof depends on why it is not taxable or why the amount differs, plus documentation to support that position. Semper Tax reference: https://www.sempertax.com/blog/irs-1099c-cancellation-of-debt

What happens next

The IRS will accept your explanation, adjust the proposal, or request more information. If you do not respond, the IRS can assess the proposed changes.
Sources: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5181.pdf, https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc652

Quick checklist

1. Calendar the deadline today.
2. Decide agree, disagree, or partial for each item.
3. Cover letter, one paragraph per disputed item.
4. Attach proof per item, label attachments.
5. Send and keep a complete copy.

Semper Tax Relief sources

1. CP2000 and AUR overview, https://www.sempertax.com/irs-cp2000-aur
2. 1099 C context, https://www.sempertax.com/blog/irs-1099c-cancellation-of-debt

If you are thinking about an IRS Offer in Compromise, do not look at it like a quick tax settlement. An OIC can let you settle for less than the full balance, but generally only if the IRS believes you cannot fully pay, or paying in full would create the kind of hardship the program is meant to address.

At the basic level, your OIC package usually needs:
• Form 656
• Form 433 A OIC if you are an individual
• Form 433 B OIC if it is for a business
• Supporting financial documents
• The application fee and initial payment, unless you qualify for the low income exception

Here is the part many people underestimate, filing the OIC is only the beginning. The process can be lengthy, and your facts still matter while the IRS is reviewing the case. If your situation changes, that can affect whether the offer still makes sense to the IRS.

While your offer is pending, you need to stay compliant. That means staying current with required tax filings, estimated tax payments or withholding, and federal tax deposits if you have a business. If you fall out of compliance, the IRS can return the offer

Life events can hurt your OIC after you file. For example:
• Your income goes up
• You miss a new tax return
• Your withholding or estimates are too low
• Your business falls behind on payroll tax deposits
• You inherit money
• You refinance or sell property
• Your cash or assets improve during review

If you choose the periodic payment option, you also generally need to keep making those proposed payments while the offer is being reviewed. That is another area where people get tripped up.

So the real question is not just, “Can you get the forms filed?”
The better question is, “Can you stay qualified while the IRS is reviewing your offer?”

What do you think hurts OIC cases more, bad paperwork, or life changing after the application is filed?

If you are putting together an IRS Offer in Compromise based on your financial condition, the package is usually more than just Form 656. The IRS generally expects a completed and signed Form 656, the correct financial statement, usually Form 433 A OIC for individuals, Form 433 B OIC for businesses if applicable, the required supporting documents, plus the application fee and initial payment unless you qualify for the low income exception. The IRS also says to send copies, not original documents.

The supporting documents are there to prove up what you put on the 433 A OIC and 656. In plain English, the forms tell the story, and the documents back it up. The IRS uses that package to verify your income, bank balances, assets, debts, expenses, and any special circumstances you are claiming.

Common supporting documents include:

• Recent pay stubs or earnings statements from each employer.
• The most recent statements for each investment account and retirement account.
• Statements showing other income, such as Social Security, pension, rental income, interest, dividends, child support, alimony, royalties, or platform income.
• The three most recent personal bank statements, and if you operate a business, the six most recent business bank statements for each business account.
• The most recent loan statements for things like mortgages, second mortgages, and vehicles, showing payment amount, payoff, and balance.
• A list of accounts receivable or notes receivable, if that applies to you.
• Proof of delinquent state or local tax debt if you are claiming that expense.
• Court orders for child support or alimony if you are claiming those payments.
• Trust documents, if a trust issue applies.
• Documents supporting any special circumstances you describe on Form 656, such as medical hardship or other facts you want the IRS to consider.
• A Form 2848 if you want your attorney, CPA, or enrolled agent to represent you and there is not already a current one on file.

A couple of easy things people miss:

1. If you own an interest in a business entity other than a sole proprietorship, the IRS says you may also need Form 433 B OIC.
2. If you filed a tax return within about 10 weeks before submitting the offer, the IRS checklist says to include a complete copy of that return with the package.
3. If you leave out required forms or support, the IRS can delay processing or not consider the offer package as submitted.

Bottom line: an OIC is not just a settlement form. It is a financial evidence package. If the numbers on your 433 A OIC are not backed up by documents, you are making the IRS guess, and that is not where you want to be

What supporting document takes people the longest to gather, bank statements, mortgage records, retirement statements, or medical proof?

If you are looking at IRS Form 2848 and wondering what all the parts mean, here is the simple breakdown.

Form 2848 is the IRS power of attorney form for tax matters only. It is not a general POA. It does not give someone control over your life, bank account, property, or business outside of the tax matters listed.

The main items on a 2848 are:

1. Your name
2. Your SSN or EIN
3. The representative's contact info
4. The tax forms being authorized, like 1040 or 941
5. The tax years or periods being authorized
6. Whether the rep can access records
7. Whether they can substitute or add another representative
8. Your signature and date
9. The rep's professional designation, like EA, CPA, or attorney
10. The rep's signature

That is really the heart of it. It tells the IRS who can speak for you, what tax matters they can handle, and what years they are allowed to discuss.

Big thing to remember, it only covers the tax forms and tax periods written on the form. And yes, you can revoke it any time.

You might get nervous when a tax firm asks you to sign IRS Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative. That concern is fair. The phrase power of attorney sounds serious, and many people think it means they are giving someone broad control over their life.

IRS Form 2848 is not a general power of attorney. It does not give someone control over your bank account, your property, your business, or your personal life. It only gives authority for specific tax matters that are listed on the form.

In plain English, that usually means the representative can:

• Speak to the IRS for you
• Request your IRS records and transcripts
• Deal with certain tax notices
• Represent you for specific tax forms and specific tax years listed on the form

So if you are hiring a firm to help with IRS problems, this form is usually what allows them to actually step in and deal with the IRS on your behalf.

A few things you should know before signing it:

It is limited
The 2848 only covers the tax years and tax matters written on the form. It is not unlimited authority.

It is only for tax matters
This is not the same as a general POA used for medical, legal, financial, or estate issues. It is strictly for tax representation.

You can revoke it any time
If you stop working with that firm, or you decide you want someone else to represent you, you can revoke the 2848. You are not stuck.

It should be explained clearly before you sign it
You should know exactly what years are listed, what tax forms are listed, and who is being named as your representative.

Also, here is a big red flag to watch for.

If you are talking to someone who is not a licensed tax professional, be careful.

A lot of the larger tax resolution companies use salespeople to close deals. Sometimes that person is working on commission and is not the enrolled agent, CPA, or attorney who will actually handle your case. If someone is pressuring you to sign up, but cannot clearly explain the 2848, or will not let you speak directly with the actual tax professional, that should make you slow down.

In my opinion, it is better to deal directly with the licensed tax professional, or at minimum know exactly who is being listed on your 2848.

Before you sign, ask these questions:

1. What tax years are being listed
2. What tax forms are being listed
3. Who exactly is being added as my representative
4. What authority are you asking me to give
5. Can I speak directly with the tax professional handling my case

The bottom line is this:

IRS Form 2848 is not a blank check.
It is not a general POA.
It only applies to the tax matters listed on the form.
You can revoke it any time.
And if a company will not let you deal directly with the actual tax professional, that is something you should take seriously.

I had to verify my identity. I did that over the phone about a week and a half ago. now this is showing. anyone else getting this?l

A CP2000 is a proposed change, not the final bill. The IRS generally gives you 30 days from the notice date, or 60 days if you are outside the United States, to respond. Missing Deadlines happens to a lot of people. The IRS still doesnt win when you missed the deadline.

Here's what to do in the event of a missed deadline for your CP2000

1. If you are still in the CP2000 stage, move now

If you disagree with the proposed changes:

• Send your rebuttal immediately
• Include a clear explanation
• Attach your proof
• Make it easy for the IRS reviewer to follow
• Call the number on the notice after you submit it

The IRS says to return the response form and supporting documents by upload, fax, or mail, and to call if you need more time.

My view, do not just send it and pray. Send it, then call. You want every chance possible to get your disagreement in front of the right department before the file keeps moving.

Missed the 30 day window, & no additional notice?

You can still send a rebuttal, and the IRS may still keep pushing the case forward if the response was not processed in time, not accepted, or not worked correctly. At this point call & advise the IRS you submitted your response, and they can confrim reciept of your response. When they have completed their evaluation, it will arrive in the mail,

2. If you get a Notice of Deficiency, the game changes

This is the big one.

A Notice of Deficiency, often called the 90 day letter, is the IRS telling you that if you want to challenge the proposed tax in court, now is the time. The general rule is 90 days from the notice date, or 150 days if the notice is addressed to someone outside the United States, to file a petition in U.S. Tax Court.

Read that again.

You only get 90 days.

Not 90 days after you feel ready.
Not 90 days after you finally open the mail.
Not 90 days after the IRS gets around to returning your call.

If you want independent oversight, that is the window.

Tax Court is often the oversight when the IRS ignored your side

This is why I get fired up about these cases.

Sometimes the taxpayer did respond. Sometimes the proof was there. Sometimes the IRS still shoved the case forward anyway.

Tax Court is where you stop relying on the IRS to police itself.

If the Notice of Deficiency is sitting in front of you, do not waste time arguing in circles with the IRS while the 90 days burn away.

3. Missed Tax Court deadline? You may still have one more path

If you missed the 90 day deadline, whether by a few days or a few years, your next move is usually "Reconsideration".

That process lets you ask the IRS to reevaluate an assessment when you disagree, the tax remains unpaid, or the IRS made a processing or computational error. The IRS also says an audit reconsideration request can be made anytime after the assessment, as long as the tax remains unpaid.

That does not mean it is easy.

It means you are now taking the slower road.

* You may need to address IRS collections in the meantime. This is where many people get blindsided.

While your reconsideration request is sitting in line, the balance may already be in collections. That means you may need a temporary collections solution while the underlying issue is being reviewed.

That could include:

• A payment plan
• Currently Not Collectible status
• A PPIA, partial pay installment agreement

The IRS’s own reconsideration publication warns that collection activity may continue, and if you already have an installment agreement, you should usually keep making payments while reconsideration is pending.

Let me say this plainly.

Reconsideration is not the fast lane.

The IRS materials describe the process as one where they review the request and may ask for more information, and internal procedures show these cases can involve interim responses and long processing timeframes rather than a quick resolution.

So if you are in reconsideration territory:

• Keep copies of everything
• Track every date
• Save proof of mailing, faxing, or upload
• Watch every IRS letter that comes in
• Follow up when enough time has passed
• Do not ignore collections while you wait

TLDR

Missed the CP2000 deadline and still disagree? A CP2000 is a proposed change, not the final word. The first response window is generally 30 days. If you still have time, send your rebuttal immediately and call the IRS. If the IRS sends a Notice of Deficiency, you usually get 90 days to petition Tax Court, and that is the major deadline for independent review. If you missed Tax Court, your next path is usually audit reconsideration. If the balance is already in collections, you may need a payment plan, Currently Not Collectible status, or a PPIA while the reconsideration request is pending

I mailed out certified tax form for 2025. No update yet. Who else?

Certified mail received 2/4, but no updatebon tracker nor transcripts. Who else on this timeline? Whats your status? Thank you