Has anyone used the corporate credit card approach? My accountant suggested getting a separate credit card for my S-Corp, putting all client-reimbursable expenses on that card, and then recording the reimbursements as direct payments against those specific expenses in my accounting software rather than as income.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation as the original poster - just converted to S-Corp this year and have been struggling with how to handle client meal reimbursements properly. One thing I wanted to add that might help others: make sure you're keeping contemporaneous records of the business purpose for each meal. The IRS requires documentation of who you met with, what business was discussed, and the specific business relationship. Even with client reimbursement, you still need this documentation to support that it was a legitimate business expense in the first place. I learned this the hard way when my previous accountant told me I just needed receipts, but during a review, I realized I was missing the business purpose documentation for about half my meals. Had to go back through old calendars and emails to reconstruct what each meal was for. Now I write the business purpose right on the receipt when I get it, or immediately add it to my expense tracking app. Also, for anyone using the separate credit card approach that @Zoe mentioned - make sure that card is officially in your S-Corp's name, not just a personal card you designate for business use. The legal separation is important for maintaining your corporate protections.

One thing that really helped me when I amended was keeping detailed records of WHY I made each change. The IRS sometimes sends follow-up questions, and having your reasoning documented makes responding so much easier. Also, if you're getting a refund from the amendment, don't spend it right away - sometimes they do additional reviews that can take months to finalize.

Just wanted to add that if you're amending because you forgot to include income (like that 1099), the sooner you file the better. The IRS has matching programs that will eventually catch missing income anyway, so being proactive shows good faith. Also, double-check that all your Social Security numbers and names match exactly what's on file with the IRS - even small discrepancies can cause delays in processing your amendment.

Just a heads up, Zelle's daily/monthly limits vary A LOT by bank. With my credit union, I can only send $1,000 per day and $5,000 per month through Zelle. But my friend with Chase can do way more. You should log into your bank accounts and check the Zelle limits before assuming you can move the full $19K at once.

Great question! I can confirm what others have said - transferring money between your own accounts via Zelle is not taxable income. The IRS only cares about new income you're receiving, not moving your existing money around. A few practical tips for your situation: - Check both banks' Zelle limits first (as others mentioned, they vary widely) - Keep simple records showing these are transfers between your own accounts - just screenshots of the account names/numbers - Consider doing a test transfer first with a smaller amount to make sure everything works smoothly The $19K initial transfer might need to be split over a few days depending on your daily limits, but the monthly $2K transfers should be fine. I've done similar large transfers between my own accounts without any issues. The key is just making sure you can document that both accounts belong to you if anyone ever asks. Don't overthink this - it's a very common and legitimate way to move your own money between banks!

I went through this exact same frustration last year! The VITA Link & Learn system is honestly terrible for self-learners. You're absolutely right that many sections are locked behind coordinator passwords - those are specifically for certified volunteers. What worked for me was combining a few different approaches: 1. Download IRS Publication 4491 (as Sophia mentioned) - it's the actual VITA training manual in PDF form 2. Use the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant for specific questions 3. Check out the AARP Tax-Aide materials which are similar to VITA but more accessible to the public The key thing I learned is that the IRS designed these volunteer programs with the assumption that you'd have a coordinator guiding you through the process. For independent learning, you're better off with the direct publications and tools. One tip for the Link & Learn site if you do continue using it: always right-click and "open in new tab" on any links to avoid losing your progress. The site architecture is from like 2005 and doesn't handle navigation well.

I actually went through the exact same frustration about 6 months ago! The VITA website is genuinely awful for self-directed learning. After weeks of hitting those same password walls and navigation nightmares, I found a much better approach. Here's what actually worked for me: 1. **IRS Publication 4012** (VITA/TCE Return Preparation Resource Guide) - This is even more comprehensive than Pub 4491 and includes practice scenarios 2. **IRS Publication 17** (Your Federal Income Tax) - The complete guide that covers everything a typical taxpayer needs to know 3. **Free File Fillable Forms** on IRS.gov - You can actually practice filling out tax forms with the official software The biggest breakthrough was realizing that the VITA program assumes you'll have an in-person coordinator walking you through everything. For independent learning, you're much better off with the direct IRS publications that don't have artificial access restrictions. Pro tip: The IRS also offers free webinars throughout tax season that cover many of the same topics as VITA training. Search "IRS tax professional webinars" and you can attend live or watch recordings. Much more engaging than fighting with that ancient website interface! You'll actually learn more this way than struggling with the VITA site, and you won't waste time on the volunteer-specific administrative stuff that doesn't apply to personal tax education.

I'm in week 6 of waiting after submitting Form 911 and honestly the anxiety is killing me. Reading everyone's experiences here really helps though - at least I know I'm not alone in this nightmare. @Michael your success story gives me hope that they will eventually come through! I've been documenting everything like you suggested and just pulled my transcripts yesterday. One thing I wanted to add for anyone else waiting - I called that TAS intake line (1-877-777-4778) last week and while they couldn't give me a timeline, they did confirm my case was received and assigned a number. The rep said to expect contact "within the next few weeks" which isn't super helpful but at least I know it's in the system. @Rami hang in there - I know how desperate you're feeling right now. The wait is brutal when you're facing financial pressure but based on what others are sharing, it seems like most people do eventually get help. Keeping my fingers crossed for all of us! 🤞

I'm about 2.5 weeks into waiting for TAS to contact me after submitting Form 911, and honestly this thread is both reassuring and terrifying at the same time! 😅 It's helpful to see I'm not the only one dealing with these insane wait times, but wow - some of you have been waiting 6+ weeks which is just brutal. @Michael your timeline really gives me hope though! Knowing that once they do contact you things can move quickly (10 days for refund release!) makes the wait feel slightly more bearable. I'm definitely going to call that TAS intake line at 1-877-777-4778 that multiple people have mentioned - even just getting confirmation that my case is in the system would help with the anxiety. For anyone else in this waiting game, I've been keeping a detailed log of all my IRS interactions like some folks suggested, and it's actually been helpful for my own sanity to see everything documented. Also pulling transcripts while waiting seems like a smart move. @Rami I totally feel your desperation about the refund situation - the financial stress on top of the uncertainty is just awful. Hang in there and keep us posted if you hear anything! We're all rooting for each other in this mess! 🤞