You can absolutely use a different preparer. I recommend calling your original preparer and simply asking for a complete copy of your return if you don't already have it. Then take that to any preparer you choose. H&R Block charges around $125-150 for basic amendments, while independent CPAs might charge $200-300 depending on complexity. Some preparers even offer free amendments if they made the error.

Yes, you can absolutely use a different tax preparer for your amendment! There's no legal requirement to stick with your original preparer, and given that you already paid $600+ and they want to charge you more for the amendment, shopping around makes perfect sense. A few things to keep in mind: - Make sure you have a complete copy of your original return (all pages and schedules) - The new preparer will need to understand what was filed originally to prepare the 1040-X correctly - Get quotes from multiple preparers - amendment fees can vary significantly - Some preparers offer free amendments if they find additional errors that benefit you I'd recommend calling around to local CPAs or tax services to compare pricing. Many charge flat fees for amendments ($150-250 is typical) rather than hourly rates. Just make sure whoever you choose has experience with amended returns since the process is a bit different from original filings. Good luck getting this sorted out without paying your original preparer even more money!

Something else to consider - Form 8958 is for allocating income between spouses in community property states, but there are exceptions to the 50/50 split rule. Certain types of income might be considered separate property, not community property. For example, if you received an inheritance, gifts specifically to you, or owned property before marriage, that might be separate property. Also, if you have a valid pre-nuptial agreement that defines certain income as separate, that could change how you fill out this form.

Quick tip: the instructions for Form 8958 on the IRS website are actually pretty good. Here's what they say about filling out the columns: "For each line, the amounts in columns (a) and (b) should add up to the combined amount reported on both spouses' returns." So if you earned $80,000 from Company A and it's community income in a community property state, you'd report $40,000 in your column and $40,000 in your spouse's column. Each of you would then report your respective amounts on your separate returns.

Has anyone tried using the diagnostic tools in CCH Axcess when preparing an AAR? I've found they're helpful for catching errors but sometimes they throw false positives specifically for AARs.

I'm dealing with a partnership AAR situation myself and wanted to share a few additional tips that might help. First, when you're in CCH Axcess setting up the AAR, make sure you're working in the correct tax year - it's easy to accidentally create the AAR in the current year instead of the year you're correcting. For your $37,000 reallocation, you'll want to be extra careful about the timing. If this is for a partnership subject to the centralized partnership audit regime (generally 2018 and later), the AAR must be filed within 3 years of the later of the return due date or the date the return was filed. One thing that caught me off guard: if your partnership has any foreign partners or activities, there are additional complications with AARs that CCH doesn't always flag properly. You may need to consider the impact on withholding obligations and information reporting. Also, don't forget to notify all partners about the AAR filing - they'll need this information for their own tax planning, especially if the adjustments affect multiple tax years or could trigger amended returns on their end. Good luck with your filing! The CCH interface definitely has a learning curve for AARs.

Does anyone use TurboSelf-Employed for creator income? I've been using regular TurboTax but I'm wondering if the self-employed version would be better for next year with all the deductions and stuff?

This is exactly the kind of situation where getting proper guidance upfront can save you so much stress later! I went through something similar when I first started earning from my YouTube channel. One thing I learned the hard way - even if you're below the 1099 threshold, you're still required to report ALL income. The IRS doesn't care if platforms send you forms or not. I'd definitely recommend amending your return to include the full $950 gross earnings on Schedule C, then deducting the platform fees as a business expense. Also, start keeping track of EVERYTHING going forward. I created a simple spreadsheet to track monthly earnings from each platform, plus all my business expenses (equipment, software, even the portion of my electric bill for my home office). It makes tax time so much easier when everything is organized throughout the year instead of scrambling at the end! The amended return might seem intimidating but it's really not that bad once you get started. Better to fix it now than deal with potential issues later.

in the same boat rn...system is so broken

This happened to me twice last year! Both times it was a processing error at their mail facility. I called the Michigan Treasury Department directly (since this was from them, not the IRS) and they were actually pretty helpful. They resent the document within a week. Don't panic - it's usually just a clerical error, but definitely follow up to make sure you don't miss any important deadlines!