I had a very similar issue with TaxAct freezing during submission, and after trying all the usual troubleshooting steps, I discovered the problem was actually with my bank routing information for direct deposit. Even though TaxAct wasn't giving me any error message about it, I had accidentally entered my old bank's routing number from a closed account. The submission process would get all the way to the end and then just hang indefinitely. Once I updated to my current bank's routing and account numbers, the e-file went through immediately. It's worth double-checking all your banking information even if TaxAct isn't specifically flagging it as an error - sometimes these validation issues happen silently in the background and just cause the whole process to stall out. You might also want to try temporarily selecting "mail my refund" instead of direct deposit just to see if that allows the submission to complete. If it does, then you know the banking info is the culprit.

I've been dealing with TaxAct submission issues for years as a tax preparer, and there's one more thing that often causes this exact freezing problem that hasn't been mentioned yet - browser extensions, particularly ad blockers and privacy extensions. TaxAct's submission process involves several background scripts and third-party verification calls that can get blocked by extensions like uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, or even some antivirus browser plugins. I've seen cases where the submission screen appears to freeze, but it's actually waiting for a blocked script to load. Try submitting your return in an incognito/private browsing window with all extensions disabled, or temporarily disable your ad blocker and privacy extensions specifically for the TaxAct domain. You can usually whitelist just the TaxAct site in your extension settings rather than disabling everything. Also, if you're using a VPN, try disconnecting it during submission. Some VPN exit nodes are flagged by the IRS verification systems and can cause silent failures during the e-filing process. The banking information suggestion from Yuki is spot-on too - I've seen that exact scenario multiple times this season. The combination of browser extension conflicts and banking validation issues accounts for probably 80% of the "mysterious freezing" problems I help clients resolve.

I went through almost the exact same thing last year! Filed my taxes last minute and completely spaced on reporting my Uber Eats income. The panic is real, but you're going to be okay. Here's what I learned: file that amended return (1040-X) ASAP, but take time to do it right. Don't rush like you did with the original return. Since you made significantly more from delivery than your W-2 job, you'll definitely want to maximize your business deductions. Start gathering receipts and records now - phone bills, car maintenance, any gear you bought for deliveries, etc. Even if you didn't track mileage perfectly, try to reconstruct what you can from your delivery app history. I was able to piece together about 70% of my actual miles driven just from looking at my completed delivery records. The penalties and interest aren't fun, but they're manageable, especially if you can set up a payment plan. The IRS was actually pretty reasonable when I called them directly about my situation. Way better to fix it yourself than wait for them to catch it!

Hey, I know this is super stressful but you're taking the right steps by addressing it now! I went through something similar with my Instacart income a couple years back. One thing that really helped me was organizing everything before filing the amendment. Create a simple spreadsheet with all your delivery dates, estimated miles, and any expenses you can remember. Even rough estimates are better than nothing - just be conservative and reasonable. Also, don't forget about potential deductions beyond mileage. If you bought any insulated bags, phone mounts, or even had to replace worn tires more frequently because of all the driving, those can be business expenses. I was surprised how much stuff I could legitimately deduct. The IRS really does appreciate when taxpayers proactively fix their own mistakes. Yes, there will be penalties and interest, but it's way better than them finding it first. And honestly, with all the legitimate business deductions you can claim as a delivery driver, the final amount you owe might not be as scary as you think right now. You've got this! Just take it step by step and don't rush through the amendment like you did with the original return.

I just went through a 1031 exchange last year and ended up paying $2,400 for CPA services. My situation was selling a single rental property for $650K and buying a small duplex for $850K, so slightly less complex than yours but similar ballpark. A few things that really helped me in the selection process: **Interview multiple CPAs and ask specific questions:** - "Walk me through how you calculate adjusted basis carryover" - "What happens if I receive boot in my exchange?" - "How do you handle depreciation recapture from capital improvements?" The CPA I chose was able to answer these immediately and in detail. Others gave vague responses or said they'd "look into it." **Get the fee structure in writing upfront.** My CPA provided a detailed breakdown: $1,800 for Form 8824 and basic calculations, $400 for new property depreciation schedule setup, $200 for QI coordination and documentation review. No surprises later. **Ask about their QI relationships.** My CPA had worked with my chosen QI multiple times before, which made the documentation flow much smoother. They knew exactly what paperwork to expect and when. For your transaction size and complexity (duplex to apartment building), I'd budget $2,500-3,200. The apartment building will require more detailed depreciation analysis, especially if there are multiple units with different characteristics or any commercial space. Start your search soon - good 1031 CPAs book up fast, and you want time to properly vet them before your closing timeline gets tight.

I completed a similar 1031 exchange two years ago (sold a rental fourplex for $825K, purchased a 10-unit apartment building for $1.18M) and paid $2,850 to my CPA. Here's what I wish I'd known going in: **Budget realistically:** Your transaction complexity puts you in the $2,500-3,500 range. Don't go with the cheapest quote - I learned this the hard way on my first exchange when a "bargain" CPA missed depreciation recapture issues that cost me thousands later. **Timing is critical:** Start interviewing CPAs now, not after you close. Mine helped me structure the purchase contract to avoid unnecessary complications with basis calculations. They also reviewed my identification paperwork during the 45-day period to catch potential issues early. **Look for apartment building experience specifically:** Single-family rental experience doesn't automatically translate to multi-unit properties. Ask how they handle common area allocations, separate utility systems, and mixed residential/commercial depreciation if applicable. **Documentation matters:** The best CPA I worked with created a comprehensive "exchange binder" with all the basis carryover calculations, depreciation schedules, and supporting documents. This became invaluable for my insurance, future financing, and estate planning. For what it's worth, the tax savings from proper 1031 handling made the CPA fee seem trivial in retrospect. Just make sure you're getting true expertise, not someone learning on your dime. Good luck with your exchange!

Yes, you can definitely deposit your tax refund check into your mom's account! This is actually pretty common for people who don't have their own bank accounts yet. The key is proper endorsement - you'll need to sign the back of the check and write "Pay to the order of [your mom's full name]" above your signature. Your mom will then need to sign below your signature. Most banks will accept this as long as you both have valid ID and can explain the situation if asked. Some banks are stricter than others, so it might help if you both go to the bank together for the deposit. This won't cause any issues with the IRS at all - once they issue the refund check to you, they don't track where you deposit or cash it. If for some reason the bank gives you trouble, you have other options like check cashing services, loading it onto a prepaid debit card, or mobile deposit through your mom's banking app. But honestly, most banks handle endorsed checks like this routinely. Just make sure both signatures are clear and legible!

Just to add another perspective - I work at a bank and deal with these situations regularly. The endorsed check method everyone's mentioned absolutely works, but I'd recommend a couple extra tips to make it smoother: 1. When you write "Pay to the order of [mom's name]" make sure you use her exact name as it appears on her bank account - middle initial and all if that's how it's listed. 2. If possible, have your mom call her bank first to let them know she'll be depositing an endorsed check from her child. Some banks flag unusual activity, and a heads up can prevent delays. 3. Keep a photo of both sides of the endorsed check before depositing, just for your records. The IRS won't care at all where you deposit it - they've already processed your refund and sent it to you. Once that check is in your hands, it's your money to do with as you please. I've never seen any tax complications from someone depositing their refund into a family member's account.

I'm a freelance graphic designer and had a similar situation. What I ended up doing was creating a clear distinction between "workspace rental" and personal coffee purchases. I now exclusively work at cafes that offer day passes or coworking memberships rather than just buying individual coffees. My main spot charges $20/day for unlimited wifi, guaranteed seating, and beverages included - this is clearly a business expense for workspace rental. For cafes that don't have formal coworking options, I ask the manager if they can create a receipt that shows "workspace use + beverage" rather than just "coffee." Most are happy to accommodate this since they want regular customers. The key is being able to show the IRS that you're paying for workspace access (deductible) rather than just buying coffee (personal expense). Documentation is everything - keep receipts that clearly show the business purpose of your payment.

The distinction between workspace rental and personal coffee purchases is really important here. I've found that the safest approach is to treat these as completely separate categories. If you're genuinely using the cafe as a workspace replacement (not just a change of scenery), then you're essentially paying rent for business space. The fact that coffee comes with it doesn't make it a "coffee deduction" - it's a workspace expense that happens to include refreshments. Here's what I've learned works best: 1. Only use cafes that offer formal workspace packages or are willing to document workspace rental 2. Keep detailed records showing WHY you need the workspace (home internet issues, noise problems, etc.) 3. Track your productivity/billable hours from these locations to demonstrate legitimate business use 4. Never mix personal visits with business visits at the same location without clear documentation The IRS really scrutinizes food and beverage deductions, but workspace rental is much more straightforward. As long as you can demonstrate that you're paying for workspace access (not just buying coffee because you like it), you should be in good shape.