The system does not “check” your return when you file it. It stores it, then waits for other data to arrive.
That waiting period is where most retirement mistakes quietly sit.
Nothing looks wrong. Nothing feels wrong. Then one day, it isn’t quiet anymore.
Someone files their return in March and gets the confirmation email within minutes.
Everything appears complete.
They assume the numbers were reviewed, the transactions were validated, and the year is closed.
Then, months later, a notice shows up referencing a transaction they barely remember.
From their perspective, the problem appeared out of nowhere.
From the system’s perspective, it finally had enough information to evaluate what already happened.
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