wait whats a KW-2? i just filed with my regular W-2 for Kentucky

I had the exact same problem! Ended up calling TurboTax support and they basically said "sorry, use something else for state filing." Really frustrating since I already paid for their deluxe package. Switched to FreeTaxUSA for my KY return and it handled the KW-2 form perfectly. Only cost me $15 for the state filing vs trying to figure out TurboTax's workarounds.

Quick tax tip from a bookkeeper studying for the CPA too: track your study hours! If you can show you spent X hours studying specific topics directly related to your bookkeeping services vs Y hours studying audit/topics not related, you might be able to deduct a proportional amount of the expenses. Better than nothing if the IRS questions the full deduction!

Great advice from everyone here! I'm actually dealing with a similar situation with my tax prep business. One thing I'd add - make sure you're keeping detailed records of exactly what topics your CPA courses cover and how they relate to your current bookkeeping work. I created a simple spreadsheet tracking each course module and noting which ones directly applied to services I already offer clients (like tax prep, financial statement preparation, etc.) versus completely new areas. This documentation really helped when my CPA reviewed my deductions. Also, since you mentioned you're in startup phase - consider whether some of these expenses might qualify as startup costs under Section 195 rather than regular business expenses. Sometimes the startup cost treatment can be more favorable, especially if you're not generating much income yet to offset the deductions against. The international contractor payment is definitely deductible as others mentioned - just keep good records of the work performed and invoices received. No 1099 needed for foreign contractors working outside the US.

@Mele Uluiviti Yes, you're absolutely getting a refund! 🎉 Here's the simple breakdown: Your code 150 shows your tax liability (what you owe), while codes 766 and 768 with negative amounts are credits being applied to your account - think of them as money the IRS owes you. Code 766 is typically your withholding credit (taxes taken from paychecks) and 768 is your earned income credit. When you add up those negative amounts and they exceed your 150 liability, the difference becomes your refund! The 04/15/2023 date is just a processing cycle date, not when you'll actually receive your money. You should see your refund deposited much sooner than that. Keep checking "Where's My Refund" on the IRS website for the most up-to-date timing. Congrats on getting money back!

@Mele Uluiviti You're definitely getting a refund! 🎉 Those negative amounts on codes 766 and 768 are actually credits working in your favor - think of them as the IRS owing YOU money. Code 766 is typically your withholding credit (taxes taken from your paychecks throughout the year) and 768 is your earned income credit. When these credits exceed your tax liability (code 150), the difference becomes your refund amount. The 04/15/2023 date is just an internal processing cycle date, not when you'll actually receive your money - refunds usually come much sooner! You should see the money in your account within the next 1-2 weeks if you have direct deposit set up. Keep checking the "Where's My Refund" tool on the IRS website for the most current status. Congrats on getting money back this year!

I went through this exact same panic last year! The good news is that if your brokerage reported all the cost basis information to the IRS (which you can verify by checking that Box 3 is marked on all your 1099-B forms), then you generally don't need to complete Form 8949 for those transactions. The summary option in your tax software was the right choice - it's specifically designed for situations like yours where the basis was fully reported. The Form 8453 your software generated might just be a default precaution, but if all your transactions have Box 3 checked on the 1099-B, you likely don't need to submit any additional paperwork. Just make sure to keep copies of all your 1099-B forms and brokerage statements for your records. Even though you don't need to submit detailed transaction lists, having those documents handy is always smart in case the IRS ever has questions about your capital gains reporting. You're not missing anything important - this is actually a pretty common situation for people with standard brokerage accounts. The tax software companies sometimes make it seem more complicated than it needs to be!

Just went through this exact same situation and wanted to share what I learned! The confusion about Form 8949 vs summary reporting is super common, especially for first-time traders. Here's the simple rule: if Box 3 is checked on ALL your 1099-B forms (meaning your brokerage reported the cost basis to the IRS), you can use summary reporting on Schedule D and skip the detailed Form 8949 entries. This is exactly what the "summary" option in your tax software was designed for. The Form 8453 your software generated is likely just a default precaution - many tax programs err on the side of caution and suggest forms that aren't always necessary. Since your brokerage handled all the reporting, you probably don't need to submit any additional paperwork. I'd recommend doing a quick check of all your 1099-B forms just to be 100% sure Box 3 is marked on every transaction. If you find even one transaction where it's not checked, then you'd need Form 8949 for just those specific trades. You made the right choice with summary reporting - don't second-guess yourself! Keep your 1099-B forms and brokerage statements for your records, but you should be all set. The tax software companies sometimes make this seem way more complicated than it actually is.

I'm sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation - it's incredibly stressful when an ex decides to ignore a court order, especially when it affects your taxes and deadline is approaching. Based on what you've described, you have solid legal grounds since your custody agreement specifically outlines the tax arrangement. Here's what I'd recommend as someone who went through something similar: First, send her one final written communication (text or email) that's very specific: "Per our custody agreement dated [date], section [X], 2024 is my designated year to claim [son's name] as a dependent. I need Form 8332 signed by [date - give her 5-7 days] to file my taxes as required by our agreement." If she continues to refuse, contact your family attorney immediately about a formal demand letter. Yes, it costs around $150-250, but the tax benefits you're entitled to (child tax credit alone is $2000, plus dependent deduction) make it financially worthwhile. Document everything - save screenshots of all her refusal texts, keep records showing you're current on child support, and have your custody agreement ready. This creates a strong case if contempt proceedings become necessary. Most importantly, do NOT file claiming him without Form 8332, even though you legally should be able to. The IRS operates independently of family court and will side with the custodial parent without that form. An audit would be messy and stressful even if you eventually prevail. Time is crucial now, so I'd call your attorney Monday morning. Many custody agreements include attorney fee provisions for violations, so you might recover your legal costs. Don't let this slide - it sets a precedent for future compliance issues.

I've been in a very similar situation and completely understand your frustration. When my ex refused to sign Form 8332 despite our court order, I felt totally helpless at first. Here's what I learned through the process: The key is understanding that you have two separate battles - one with the IRS (which requires Form 8332 no matter what) and one with family court (which can enforce your custody agreement). You need to focus on the family court side to get the form signed. Start by sending her a formal written demand that references your specific custody agreement. Include the exact date of the agreement, the paragraph number that covers tax arrangements, and give her a firm deadline (5-7 business days). Make it clear this is her final opportunity to comply before you involve your attorney. If she still refuses, don't hesitate to have your lawyer send a formal demand letter. It typically costs $150-300, but the tax benefits you'll receive (child tax credit, dependent deduction, potentially head of household status) will likely total $3000+ depending on your income. The math definitely works in your favor. Document absolutely everything - her refusal texts, proof of your on-time child support payments, your custody schedule compliance. This evidence becomes crucial if you need to file for contempt. Whatever happens, don't file your return claiming him without Form 8332. The IRS audit process is a nightmare even when you're legally right. Focus on enforcing the court order properly. Time is running short with tax season, so I'd call your attorney first thing tomorrow. Most custody agreements include provisions for recovering attorney fees when the other parent violates the order, so you may not even be out of pocket for the legal costs.