Just a heads up that if you have foreign bank accounts, make sure whoever you work with knows about FBAR requirements (FinCEN Form 114). Those have a different deadline than your tax return - technically due April 15 but automatically extended to October 15 if you miss the April date. Unlike tax returns where you file an extension form, the FBAR extension is automatic, but the October deadline is firm. If your current CPA is handling those for you and doesn't complete them, you'll need to make sure a new preparer addresses them or you do them yourself. The penalties for missing FBAR filings can be really steep compared to regular tax return penalties.

I've been through a similar situation and here's what I learned: communication is key, but so is having a backup plan. Since you don't have a signed contract, you're in a good position to make changes if needed. First, give your current CPA one more chance with a firm deadline - something like "I need my completed returns by [date 2 weeks from now] or I'll need to retrieve my documents and find alternative preparation." Be polite but direct about your concerns regarding the October deadline. If they can't commit to that timeline, don't hesitate to switch. July still gives you plenty of time to find someone new. When interviewing new CPAs, specifically ask about their experience with foreign bank accounts and FBAR filings since that seems to be part of your situation. Also ask about their current workload and realistic completion timeframes. One thing that helped me was getting organized before switching - I made copies of everything I'd given the original CPA and created a simple summary of my tax situation. This made the transition much smoother and showed the new preparer I was serious about meeting deadlines. The peace of mind from working with a responsive professional is worth the hassle of switching. Better to deal with the inconvenience now than stress about missing the October deadline later.

I really appreciate everyone's detailed responses here - they've helped me think through aspects of this situation I hadn't even considered. The points about constructive receipt, lender requirements, and potential creditor issues are eye-opening. After reading through all these comments, I'm definitely going to stick with my gut and not let them use my account. The tax implications alone are concerning enough, but when you add in the possibility of their existing IRS problems or other debts following the money into my account, it's just not worth the risk. I think the suggestion about helping them find a credit union or second-chance banking program is the way to go. I'm going to research some local options and maybe even offer to go with them to help open an account. It might take a little more time and effort upfront, but it'll keep both of our finances clean and separate. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and knowledge - this community is incredibly helpful for navigating these tricky financial situations!

You're absolutely making the smart choice by trusting your instincts on this one. I've seen too many situations where well-meaning family members get pulled into financial complications that take years to untangle. One additional resource that might help your parents - many communities have nonprofit financial counseling services that can assist with banking relationship issues. Organizations like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling have local affiliates that often help people navigate situations exactly like this. They can sometimes even advocate with banks or credit unions on behalf of people who've had past banking problems. These services are usually free or very low-cost, and they understand the specific challenges people face when they've had previous financial difficulties. They might be able to suggest banking options you hadn't considered or help your parents present their situation in the best light when applying for new accounts. The key thing is that you're still being supportive while protecting your own financial well-being. That's not selfish - it's smart. Your parents will ultimately be better served by having their own proper banking relationship than by creating a complicated arrangement that could cause problems for everyone involved. Good luck helping them find a solution that works for everyone!

Great thread everyone! As someone who went through this process last year, I wanted to add a few practical tips: 1. **PTIN timing**: While Oliver mentioned PTINs are issued quickly online, be prepared for potential delays during peak application periods (November-January). I'd recommend applying ASAP to avoid any last-minute issues. 2. **EFIN considerations**: If you're just starting out with tax prep, consider whether you actually need your own EFIN right away. Many new preparers partner with established firms or use third-party e-filing services for their first season to test the waters before committing to the full EFIN process. 3. **State requirements**: Mikayla touched on this, but definitely research your state's specific requirements. Some states require separate registrations even if you have a CPA license. California, for example, has its own CTEC registration for non-credentialed preparers, though CPAs are exempt. 4. **Insurance**: Something not mentioned yet - consider professional liability insurance once you start preparing returns for compensation. Your CPA license might provide some coverage, but tax preparation has its own specific risks. Ashley, to directly answer your question: Yes, you need the PTIN regardless of your CPA status, and getting it now will absolutely cover you for the 2024 tax season. The EFIN is only if you want to e-file directly yourself.

One important detail that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you understand the difference between getting a PTIN for "occasional" vs "regular" tax preparation. The IRS considers you a tax return preparer if you prepare even ONE return for compensation, so your CPA license doesn't change that requirement. However, if you're planning to prepare more than 10 returns per year, you'll also need to complete continuing education requirements through the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) - though as others mentioned, CPAs are exempt from this since you already have CE requirements. Also worth noting: if you decide to go the EFIN route, the IRS now requires you to maintain detailed records of all returns you e-file, including client consent forms and copies of all tax documents. It's a significant administrative burden that many new preparers underestimate. The third-party e-filing route that Sean mentioned really does make sense for your first season to see if you want to commit long-term. One last tip - consider joining your local chapter of the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) or similar organization. They often have resources specifically for CPAs transitioning into tax preparation and can help navigate some of these regulatory requirements.

Has anyone else had problems with their HSA provider charging extra fees for contributions made outside of payroll? After my layoff, my HSA administrator started hitting me with $2 transaction fees for each direct deposit I made. Seems like a ripoff!

One thing to keep in mind is that when you make direct HSA contributions (not through payroll), you'll miss out on the FICA tax savings you would have gotten with payroll deductions. Payroll HSA contributions avoid both income tax AND the 7.65% FICA tax, while direct contributions only avoid income tax. That said, the tax deduction is still substantial! Just make sure to keep good records of all your contributions throughout the year. I recommend setting up automatic monthly transfers to your HSA so you don't forget to max it out, especially while job hunting when finances might be tight. Also, since you mentioned your former employer is covering health insurance for 2 years, double-check that your plan still qualifies as a High Deductible Health Plan. Sometimes employer-sponsored continuation coverage can have different terms than the original plan.

Make sure to double check your W-2s from those years! Box 1 (wages, tips, other compensation) would include any imputed income. If your employer won't give you an accurate breakdown, look at your December paystub for each year and multiply the per-paycheck imputed income by the number of pay periods. When I had this issue, my company refused to issue corrected W-2s, so I had to file Form 4852 (substitute for Form W-2) along with my 1040-X for each year. Total nightmare but got back around $2200.

This is a really common issue that many newly married couples face! As others have mentioned, you're absolutely right that imputed income should only apply to domestic partners, not legally married spouses. The IRS is clear that employer-provided health insurance for spouses is not taxable income. I'd suggest documenting everything before you approach HR again. Print out your pay stubs showing the imputed income, gather copies of your marriage certificate, and maybe even print out the relevant IRS guidance (Publication 15-B covers this). Sometimes having the official documentation in hand makes the conversation go more smoothly. One thing to watch out for - if your employer fixes this going forward but won't issue corrected W-2s for previous years, you'll definitely want to file those amended returns. The IRS typically allows you to amend returns for up to three years, so depending on when you got married in 2022, you might be able to recover taxes from both 2022 and 2023. Keep pushing on this - it's definitely worth the effort to get it corrected!