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Tax help: plain answers from a tax pro

Step-by-step guides to the IRS problems we fix every day, updated for the 2027 filing season. Every guide starts with a quick answer and links to the official IRS and HealthCare.gov pages it was checked against.

Updated Reviewed by Camilo Soto, PTIN holder

Guides

Prior-year AGIFind last year's adjusted gross income, and fix rejection code IND-031-04. Form 1095-A and Form 8962Had Marketplace insurance? Get your 1095-A and see why your refund went up or down. Marketplace health insuranceOpen enrollment dates, what to have ready, and how to pick the right tax credit. Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)Get your six-digit IP PIN online, by Form 15227 or in person, and replace a lost one. IRS online accountCreate it with ID.me, see your AGI, transcripts and IP PIN, and keep your address current. IRS rejection codesIND-031-04, F8962-070, IND-181-01, R0000-504-02 and more, with the fix for each. Where's my refund?Track your refund, when EITC refunds arrive, and why paper checks are ending. IRS identity verification lettersLetters 5071C, 4883C and 5747C hold your refund until you verify. Here's how. 2025 and 2026 tax changesNo tax on tips and overtime, the $6,000 senior deduction, car loan interest and the $2,200 child credit. Tax documents checklistIDs, Social Security cards, W-2s, 1099s, 1095-A, last year's return and more.

Quick answers

Where do I find last year's AGI?

On line 11a of your 2025 Form 1040 (line 11 on the 2024 form), in the Records and Status tab of your IRS online account, or on a free tax return transcript. Read the guide

What does IRS reject code IND-031-04 mean?

The prior-year AGI or PIN you used to sign your e-filed return doesn't match IRS records. Use the AGI from your original return, enter 0 in the special cases, or file through a tax pro with Form 8879. Read the guide

What is Form 1095-A?

The yearly statement from the Health Insurance Marketplace showing your plan's premiums and the advance premium tax credit paid for you. You need it to file Form 8962. Read the guide

Why did my refund go down because of my Marketplace insurance?

You received more advance premium tax credit than your actual income qualified you for, so Form 8962 adds the difference back. Starting with 2026 returns, the whole difference is repaid. Read the guide

What does reject code F8962-070 mean?

IRS records show advance premium tax credit was paid for someone on your return, but Form 8962 is missing. Add it using your Form 1095-A and resubmit. Read the guide

When is open enrollment for 2027 health insurance?

November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 in Florida and other HealthCare.gov states. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1. Read the guide

What is an IP PIN?

A six-digit Identity Protection PIN from the IRS that changes every year and makes it much harder for anyone else to file a return with your SSN or ITIN. Read the guide

How do I get my IP PIN if I lost it?

Sign in to your IRS online account and open the Profile tab, or call 800-908-4490; in most cases the IRS mails it to the address on file within 21 days. Read the guide

How do I create an IRS online account?

Go to IRS.gov/account and sign up with ID.me using a driver's license, state ID or passport and a selfie, or a video call. You must be 18 or older. Read the guide

How do I change my address with the IRS?

File Form 8822 or a signed letter, file your tax return with the new address, or tell the IRS by phone or in person. It can take up to 45 days. Read the guide

Does a rejected tax return mean I'm being audited?

No. A rejection happens before processing because something didn't match IRS records. Nothing was filed yet; fix it and resubmit. Read the guide

When will I get my refund if I claim the EITC?

Not before mid-February, by law. In 2026, the IRS expected most of them by March 2 for people who e-filed with direct deposit and had no other issues. Read the guide

Does the IRS still mail paper refund checks?

Only in limited cases. Without a bank account on your return, you'll get a CP53E notice asking you to add one in your IRS online account. Read the guide

I got IRS Letter 5071C. What do I do?

Verify your identity at IRS.gov/verifyreturn or at the phone number on the letter, with your return and last year's return ready. The refund usually follows within 9 weeks. Read the guide

Are tips tax-free now?

For 2025 through 2028, workers in tipped jobs can deduct up to $25,000 of qualified tips when figuring federal income tax. Social Security and Medicare taxes still apply. Read the guide

How much is the child tax credit for 2026?

$2,200 per child under 17, with up to $1,700 refundable. The child needs a Social Security number valid for work. Read the guide

Can I deduct charity donations if I take the standard deduction?

Starting with 2026 returns, yes: up to $1,000 of cash gifts to qualified charities, or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly. Gifts to individuals don't count. Read the guide

What do I need to bring to my tax appointment?

Photo IDs, Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return, every W-2 and 1099, Form 1095-A, last year's return, IP PIN letters, childcare costs and your bank details. Read the guide

This guide is general information, not tax advice for your situation. Tax rules change, so check the official sources or ask a tax pro. Nationwide Tax Pro is a private tax preparation company and an authorized IRS e-file provider. We are not affiliated with the IRS, HealthCare.gov or any government agency.

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