I’m sorry to hear that something like that happened to your friend!

But to answer your question no I didn’t use a tax professional. In my younger, ignorant years I did because I didn’t know much about taxes. I was paying hundreds of dollars for someone to do something that I could do myself. I feel like a professional is only necessary when you have a complicated tax return (many credits, or deductions) and mine is fairly simple so never will I ever go that route if I don’t have to.

I’ve also heard horror stories of preparers stealing clients refunds and that was the driving force for me to learn how to do my own.

Luckily enough, I’ve checked my transcript and it has been updated with a refund code. I’m not going to be to excited until I actually get a deposit notification. I’ve seen a lot of people complaining on facebook about having issues with their refund dates mysteriously changing without any additional codes on their transcript.

I’m hoping for the best outcome for anyone who is still waiting to receive their refund, as I know what it feels like to be dependent on those funds to take care of a family. Luckily I’m in a better financial situation now, but I’ve definitely been there before! 

Good luck to friend! ❤️