Don't forget to check which payment processor you're using for your taxes! They each charge different rates: Pay1040.com - 1.87% fee (min $2.50) PayUSAtax.com - 1.96% fee (min $2.55) ACI Payments - 1.98% fee (min $2.50) Made the mistake of not checking last year and used the most expensive one. That 0.11% difference adds up on a big tax bill!

Great thread! I'm in a similar situation this year. One thing I'd add is to make sure you factor in the opportunity cost of tying up your credit limits when doing these large tax payments. I learned this the hard way last year when I put $25k on my Amex Gold and then couldn't use it for regular spending while waiting for the payment to process. Had to use my backup cards which didn't have any bonuses running. Also, for anyone considering the Chase cards mentioned here - be aware of Chase's 5/24 rule if you've opened a lot of cards recently. I got denied for the Sapphire Reserve because I had opened 6 cards in the past 24 months, even though my credit score was excellent. One more tip: if you're planning to do this again next year, consider setting calendar reminders to apply for new cards in January/February so you have them ready by April. The application-to-approval process can take weeks, especially for business cards.

Has anyone tried using H&R Block for RSUs? TurboTax completely messed up my return last year and I'm wondering if other software handles it better.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm dealing with the exact same RSU confusion this year. One quick question - when you're entering the correct cost basis from the supplemental statement, do you need to make any adjustments for the shares that were automatically sold to cover taxes at vesting? My company withheld about 40% of my vested shares for tax withholding, so I'm not sure if I should be tracking the cost basis for those withheld shares differently since I never actually received or sold them myself. The supplemental statement seems to only show the shares I actually sold later, not the ones that were automatically withheld. Also seeing a lot of mentions of taxr.ai in this thread - definitely going to check that out since TurboTax is making this way more complicated than it needs to be!

Quick question - does company size matter for SUTA requirements? I work for a really small business (5 employees) and now I'm wondering if we're compliant.

This is a really important issue that more employees should be aware of. I went through something similar with a previous employer who was cutting corners on payroll taxes. What many people don't realize is that when employers don't pay SUTA, it's not just about losing the FUTA credit - it can also affect the state's unemployment insurance fund, which ultimately impacts benefit availability for all workers in the state. One thing I'd add is that if you're in this situation, you should also check whether your employer is properly withholding and remitting other payroll taxes like Social Security and Medicare. Companies that skip SUTA payments sometimes have broader compliance issues. You can check this by looking at your pay stubs and making sure the withholdings match what should be taken out. Also, while this doesn't directly affect your personal taxes as an employee, if the company gets audited and penalized heavily, it could potentially impact job security or the company's financial stability. It's definitely worth understanding your rights and the proper reporting channels if you suspect non-compliance.

My sister is actually a CPA and I asked her about this. She said they have a standard practice of getting written permission from clients before filing extensions. She was pretty shocked your accountant did this without asking. One thing she mentioned - check if you signed any kind of engagement letter that might have given blanket authorization for extensions. Some accountants have this buried in their paperwork. If not, what he's doing is pretty unprofessional.

This is definitely not normal professional behavior. I've been doing my own taxes for years, but when I used an accountant, they always communicated major decisions like extensions beforehand. What really concerns me is that you've been owing significant amounts ($7,500 last year) and your accountant isn't helping you plan for this. A good tax professional should be proactive about estimated payments or adjusting withholdings to avoid these large year-end bills, especially when it's a recurring pattern. The communication issue is the biggest red flag though. Tax season is busy, but that doesn't excuse going radio silent or making unilateral decisions about your finances. You're paying for a service, and part of that service should be keeping you informed about what's happening with your return. I'd strongly recommend looking for a new accountant. When you interview potential replacements, ask specifically about their communication practices and how they handle extensions. A professional will have clear processes for both.

Has anyone actually gone through the process of claiming a refund for overwithholding on IRA distributions as a non-resident? My financial institution just automatically withheld 30% despite me providing a W-8BEN, and now they're saying I need to claim it back from the IRS directly.

Just wanted to share my experience as someone who went through IRA withdrawals as a non-resident alien last year. The key thing I learned is that timing matters a lot - if you contributed to your IRA while you were a US tax resident (which sounds like your case with the H1B), those contributions may be treated differently than if you had contributed as a non-resident. I'd strongly recommend getting professional help for your specific situation. The treaty benefits with India can be significant, but the application process is tricky. My financial institution initially applied the full 30% withholding even though I was entitled to the reduced treaty rate. I had to file Form 1040NR to get the overwithholding back, which took about 8 months. One important tip: make sure to file your W-8BEN with your IRA custodian BEFORE you make any withdrawals. Even if they mess up the withholding initially, having it on file helps establish your treaty claim later. Also, keep detailed records of when you made each contribution and your tax residency status at those times - the IRS may ask for this information. For HSA withdrawals, the rules are even more complex because of the medical expense qualification requirements. You'll want to be very careful about documentation there.