For those still having trouble, another tip that worked for me - try logging out of UKG Pro completely and logging back in. Sometimes after major updates like this, your session gets stuck with the old interface layout. After I logged back in fresh, the new menu structure appeared properly and I could see the "Tax Documents" section under the Pay tab that Tyler mentioned earlier. Also make sure you're not using a cached version of the site - try clearing your browser cache or using an incognito/private browsing window. The combination of these two steps finally got me access to my W2!

I work in HR and deal with UKG Pro issues all the time during tax season. Just wanted to add a few more troubleshooting tips that might help others who are still struggling: 1. Check if your company has enabled "Employee Self Service" permissions for tax documents - some organizations restrict access until a certain date 2. If you're a new employee (hired after October), your W2 might be in a different section called "New Hire Documents" 3. Mobile app vs desktop can show different menu layouts - try switching between them 4. Some companies require you to set up direct deposit before accessing electronic tax forms Also, if your W2 shows $0 or incomplete information, don't panic! This usually means payroll is still processing and the final version will be available by January 31st. I always tell employees to wait until February 1st before contacting HR about missing W2s since that gives payroll teams time to finalize everything. The search function tip from Amy is brilliant - I'm definitely sharing that with our employees since it bypasses all the menu navigation confusion!

Be careful about one related issue! If any of your margin debt was used for anything other than buying securities that produce taxable income, that portion of interest isn't deductible. For example, if you withdrew cash from your margin account for personal expenses, bought tax-exempt municipal bonds, or purchased options (which sometimes don't count as producing investment income), the related interest might not be deductible.

One thing to keep in mind is that margin interest is only deductible in the year it's actually paid, not when it accrues. So make sure you're looking at the actual payments made in 2024, not just what accumulated on your account statement. Also, if you're planning to carry forward any unused investment interest expense to future years, remember that it maintains its character as investment interest expense. This means in future years, it will still be subject to the same net investment income limitation - it doesn't become a general deduction. For your Tesla situation specifically, since you're dealing with a single stock across multiple purchases, the IRS will view this as one investment activity. The fact that you sold only one batch doesn't limit your deduction to just that portion of the interest - you can deduct up to your total net investment income for the year, which sounds like it covers your full $67,500 in margin interest. Just make sure to complete Form 4952 properly and keep detailed records of all your margin account activity in case of any future questions.

Just wanted to add some perspective as someone who's dealt with this exact situation. The key thing to remember is that even though it feels unfair (especially when you've put so much money into maintenance), the IRS treats personal vehicles differently than investment assets for good reason - otherwise everyone would try to claim every oil change and car wash as a tax deduction! One thing that might help: keep really good records of any actual improvements (like the backup camera and stereo mentioned above) versus regular maintenance. The distinction can make a real difference in your tax liability. Also, as someone pointed out, the actual tax on $950 probably won't break the bank - long-term capital gains rates are much more favorable than regular income tax rates. If you're still unsure about what qualifies as an improvement versus maintenance for your specific situation, it might be worth the peace of mind to get professional advice or use one of those tax tools people mentioned to make sure you're doing it right.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! As someone who's been putting off dealing with a similar car sale from last year, reading through all these responses finally gave me the clarity I needed. The distinction between improvements vs. maintenance is something I never would have thought about on my own. I actually installed a new exhaust system and upgraded the suspension on my car before selling it - sounds like those might qualify as improvements that could reduce my taxable gain. What really stands out to me is how the actual tax burden might not be as scary as it initially seems, especially with the favorable long-term capital gains rates. Sometimes we get so caught up in the principle of owing taxes that we don't step back and look at the real numbers. I'm definitely going to start keeping much better records for any future vehicle transactions. It's clear that having proper documentation for improvements can make a real difference, and honestly, it's just good practice for any major purchase or sale. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and knowledge - this is exactly the kind of real-world advice that's hard to find in generic tax guides!

Ok, stupid question but I'm so confused. I'm the only owner and only employee of my S-Corp. When filing taxes, do I file the 1120-S for the corporation AND Schedule E for myself as the shareholder? And I still need to file my personal 1040 with W-2 income from the S-Corp, right? The whole pass-through thing has me completely lost. Also, for paying myself, my S-Corp makes about $126,000 a year in web design work, and I currently pay myself $70,000 salary. Is that a reasonable ratio? My accountant said it was fine but I've read online that some people pay much less salary percentage.

Emma, you're definitely not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the S-Corp complexity! I went through the exact same confusion when I first made the switch from Schedule C about 3 years ago. One thing that really helped me was setting up a simple monthly routine to stay organized. I track my business income and expenses monthly, then calculate what my salary should be based on that rolling average. This helps avoid the year-end scramble of trying to figure out the right salary-to-distribution split. For your revenue level of $187k, you're probably looking at somewhere in the $75k-$110k salary range depending on your industry and location. The key is being able to document why your salary is reasonable - save job postings for similar roles, salary surveys, or industry reports that support your decision. One mistake I made early on was not keeping detailed records of my reasonable compensation analysis. Now I maintain a simple spreadsheet each year with comparable salaries I found and my reasoning. It gives me confidence that I can defend my position if ever questioned. Also, don't stress too much about getting everything perfect in year one. The IRS understands there's a learning curve, and as long as you're making a good faith effort to pay reasonable compensation, you'll be fine. Focus on getting the basics right and refining your approach as you gain experience.

I went through this exact same situation last year with a new basement window installation! The good news is that new window installations absolutely qualify for Form 5695 - it doesn't matter that you're adding a window rather than replacing one. What matters is that the window meets the energy efficiency requirements. A few things to keep in mind for your $4,200 Pella window: - Make sure you have the Manufacturer's Certification Statement (as mentioned above) - The credit is 30% of qualified costs, so you're looking at potentially $1,260 back - Both the window cost AND installation labor should qualify (though the window well excavation might not) I'd definitely recommend waiting for Form 5695 to be finalized rather than filing now - that's a significant credit to leave on the table! The form usually comes out in late January/early February, so you shouldn't have to wait too much longer. One tip: keep all your receipts and documentation organized. The IRS may ask for proof that your window meets the efficiency standards, so having everything ready will make the process smoother when you do file.

Great question about new window installations vs replacements! I had a similar situation with energy-efficient sliding doors we added to our home office (converted garage space). The IRS doesn't distinguish between replacement and new installation for Form 5695 - what matters is that the window/door meets the energy efficiency requirements. Since you mentioned your Pella window cost $4,200 including installation, you're potentially looking at around $1,260 in credits (30% of qualified costs). That's definitely worth waiting for Form 5695 to be released rather than filing now! One thing I learned from my experience: make sure to separate out any costs that aren't directly related to the window installation itself. In your case, while the window and its installation should qualify, the window well excavation might not since it's considered site preparation rather than an energy efficiency improvement. Also, double-check that you received all the proper documentation from Pella - you'll need the Manufacturer's Certification Statement that confirms the window meets the energy efficiency requirements for tax credits. This is separate from just having an ENERGY STAR rating. The wait for Form 5695 is usually worth it for credits this substantial. Good luck!