Anyone else notice that TurboTax mobile app doesn't support all the same forms as the desktop version? I tried using it last year for my side business and had to switch back to desktop for Schedule C. Has this been fixed in the newest version?

I'm in a similar situation - had to sell my laptop last year and now only have my iPhone and iPad. I've been using TurboTax Online (the web version) through Safari on my iPad for the past two years and it's worked great for my situation with mortgage interest, student loan interest, and charitable deductions. The key thing is to make sure you choose TurboTax Online, not try to download the desktop software. The online version has all the same features as the desktop version - I've compared my returns from when I had a laptop and the deductions found were identical. One tip: keep all your tax documents in your Photos app or a cloud service so you can easily access them while filling out forms. The iPad screen is plenty big enough to have the tax form open while referencing your documents. I actually prefer it now to the desktop experience!

Just want to add another perspective here as someone who's dealt with this situation twice now. The first time I used Priority Mail for my tax return, I was panicking just like you. But after doing a ton of research and even calling the IRS directly (after waiting on hold forever), I learned that Priority Mail tracking absolutely counts as acceptable proof of timely filing. The IRS Publication 17 specifically states that a return is considered filed on time if it's "properly addressed, contains sufficient postage, and is postmarked by the due date." Priority Mail provides that postmark evidence through its tracking system, which creates an official USPS record of when they accepted your package. What really put my mind at ease was learning that the IRS processes millions of returns sent via Priority Mail every year. It's not some unusual situation - many taxpayers use Priority Mail, especially for last-minute filings when they want faster delivery than regular mail but don't want to pay extra for Certified. My advice: Print your tracking info immediately, keep your receipt, and maybe take a photo of the envelope if you still have it. You've got solid documentation that will hold up if there's ever any question. The postal worker gave you bad information about the services being "the same," but you're definitely not screwed!

I'm a tax attorney and I want to address some of the confusion in this thread. Priority Mail does NOT provide the same legal protection as Certified Mail for tax filings, despite what several commenters have claimed. The IRS regulation 301.7502-1(c)(1)(i) specifically states that for the "timely mailing as timely filing" rule to apply with private delivery services or non-certified mail, you need proof of proper postage AND that the item was deposited in the mail on or before the due date. Priority Mail tracking only shows when USPS accepted the package into their system, not necessarily when YOU deposited it. Certified Mail provides a specific receipt (PS Form 3800) that serves as legal evidence of the exact date and time YOU handed the item to postal personnel. This is crucial distinction that could matter if the IRS ever challenges your filing date. While Priority Mail might work in practice most of the time, it's not equivalent legal protection. For future reference, either e-file or use Certified Mail for tax returns to ensure you're fully protected under Treasury regulations. The small extra cost for Certified Mail is worth the peace of mind and legal certainty. That said, for your current situation, keep all your Priority Mail documentation - it's better than nothing and may still be accepted, especially if delivery is confirmed.

just tried that taxr.ai thing someone mentioned above and WOW finally some actual answers! It showed me exactly why my refund was delayed (had a missing form) and what to do about it. Worth checking out fr

Same struggle here! Been waiting 8 weeks and "Where's My Refund" just says "still processing" 🙄 The IRS really needs to step up their game with giving us actual useful information instead of these vague status updates that tell us nothing

I'm wondering whether the company match counts towards the annual 401k contribution limit? Like if the limit is $22,500 for 2025, does the employer match count against that or can I still contribute the full amount myself?

This is a great question that trips up a lot of people! The "401k co match" line on your paycheck is definitely showing you the employer contribution - it's money your company is adding to your retirement account, not taking from your pay. One thing I'd add to the other helpful responses: keep an eye on your contribution percentage to make sure you're getting the maximum match available. Many employers have a "vesting schedule" too, which means you might not be 100% entitled to that match money until you've worked there for a certain period (usually 2-6 years). The vesting info should be in your plan documents. Also, that $95 match suggests you're probably contributing a decent amount yourself - just make sure you understand whether your company matches dollar-for-dollar up to a certain percentage, or if they have a different formula. It's worth reviewing your benefits package annually to make sure you're maximizing this free money!

I had this exact same confusion when I started freelancing! You're definitely overthinking it - "Individual/sole proprietor or single-member LLC" is absolutely the right box to check. The IRS groups these together because they're treated the same way for tax purposes. As a freelance web developer working independently, you're automatically a sole proprietor even without filing any paperwork. The "Individual" part just means you're operating as a person rather than as a corporation or partnership - it has nothing to do with being an employee. For section 3, just check that one box and you're done with that section. No other fields need to be filled out there unless you were an LLC choosing a specific tax election (which doesn't apply to you). One tip I wish someone had told me: create a template of your completed W-9 and save it securely. You'll be filling out a lot more of these as you get more clients, and having a template makes it much faster. Just make sure to keep it somewhere safe since it contains your SSN or EIN. Good luck with your freelance journey - the tax stuff gets easier once you've done it a few times!

I just went through this same situation a few months ago when I started doing freelance graphic design! You're absolutely right to check "Individual/sole proprietor or single-member LLC" - that's the correct box for your situation. The confusion between "Individual" and "sole proprietor" is super common, but they're grouped together because the IRS treats them the same way. As a freelance web developer working on your own, you're automatically operating as a sole proprietor even though you never filed paperwork to "become" one. The "Individual" part just means you're a person doing business, not a corporation or partnership. For section 3, literally just check that one box and move on - nothing else needed in that section unless you were an LLC making a special tax election. One thing that helped me was realizing that this classification has nothing to do with how you get paid or whether you're an employee vs contractor. It's purely about your business structure for tax purposes. Since you haven't formed an LLC or corporation, sole proprietorship is your default status. Make sure to use your legal name on line 1 (not any business name you might use for marketing) and your SSN as your taxpayer ID unless you've specifically gotten an EIN for your freelance work. You've got this!