This is super frustrating! I'm in the exact same situation - filed my Michigan return in November and still waiting. The uncertainty is the worst part. Have you tried checking your account transcript online? Sometimes that shows more details than the generic "under review" status. Also wondering if anyone knows if Michigan pays interest on delayed refunds like the IRS does?

I'm going through the same exact thing! Filed my Michigan return in December and it's been "under review" ever since. The waiting game is absolutely brutal, especially when you're counting on that refund. I've tried calling but like you said, just get the same "please wait" response. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here - at least now I know I'm not alone and this seems to be a widespread issue this year. Definitely going to try that early morning call strategy someone mentioned!

Great thread! Just wanted to add one more consideration that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you're planning to upgrade to a higher-value vehicle in the future, starting with actual expenses now might limit your flexibility later. For example, if you use actual expenses on your current Honda Accord lease and then want to lease a BMW or Mercedes next year, you'd be locked into actual expenses for that vehicle too. But if those luxury vehicles have high lease inclusion amounts, the standard mileage rate might actually be more beneficial. Also, don't overlook the administrative burden. I switched from actual expenses to standard mileage last year specifically because tracking every single receipt, gas purchase, and maintenance cost was eating up way too much of my time. The standard rate is so much simpler - just track your business miles and multiply by the rate. Given that you're already at 75% business use (which is quite high), the standard mileage method would probably work well for you and keep things simple for your first year in business.

As someone who just went through this exact decision process last month, I'd strongly recommend starting with the standard mileage rate for your first year. Here's why: 1. **Simplicity**: You're already juggling learning how to run a business - don't add unnecessary tax complexity on top of it. Standard mileage just requires tracking business vs personal miles. 2. **Your usage percentage**: At 75% business use, you're in the sweet spot where standard mileage typically works well. The current rate of 67 cents per mile factors in all those costs you mentioned (lease payments, maintenance, gas, insurance). 3. **Flexibility**: If you start with standard mileage, you can always switch to actual expenses next year if your situation changes. But if you start with actual expenses, you're locked in for the entire lease period. 4. **Audit protection**: A simple mileage log with dates, destinations, and business purposes is much cleaner than boxes of receipts if you ever face an audit. For your Honda Accord at $425/month, you'd need to drive quite a few business miles for standard mileage to beat actual expenses, but given that you're doing client visits (which typically means decent mileage), it's likely competitive or better. My advice: Start simple with standard mileage, get a good mileage tracking app, and focus your energy on growing your consulting business rather than managing receipts!

Just wondering if anyone here used TurboTax instead of Sprintax for nonresident returns? Does it handle the HSA Code W issue better? I'm trying to decide which software to use this year.

Thanks for all the helpful responses here! I ended up calling the IRS myself (after many attempts) and got confirmation that matches what most of you have said. As a nonresident alien, I'm not eligible for HSA tax benefits, so the contribution should be included in taxable income. The agent explained that since my W-2 Box 1 already matches Box 16, it means my employer correctly didn't exclude the HSA contribution from my taxable wages - which is exactly what should happen for nonresidents. So the Sprintax agent was actually right that I don't need to file Form 8889, but for a different reason than they explained. The confusion about the 1099-SA was indeed irrelevant since that's for distributions, not contributions. Lesson learned - always verify tax advice from software support, especially for complex nonresident situations!

Am I the only one who thinks its ridiculous that we have to jump through so many hoops just to get our own money back? 🙄 The system is broken.

Just went through this same nightmare last month! Here's what worked for me: I called the IRS early morning (like 7:30 AM) when the lines first open - way better chance of getting through. They were able to stop the check from being mailed and reissue it to my new address. The whole process took about 3 weeks total. Also, definitely file that Form 8822 that Luca mentioned - it'll save you from this headache in the future. Hang in there, it'll work out! 🤞

Has anyone here actually had success writing off home office expenses as a 1099 therapist? My accountant is giving me conflicting info about what's allowed since I only do paperwork at home but see clients at various facilities.

Great discussion everyone! As someone who made the transition from W-2 to 1099 as a physical therapist two years ago, I can confirm that the 25-30% increase mentioned earlier is absolutely necessary - and sometimes not even enough. One thing I wish I had considered more carefully is the impact on retirement savings. As a W-2 employee, even without employer matching, I could still contribute to a simple IRA. As 1099, I had to set up a SEP-IRA, which has different contribution limits and rules. The administrative burden of managing your own retirement planning is real. Also, don't forget about disability insurance! Most W-2 jobs provide some level of short-term disability coverage. As 1099, if you get injured and can't work, you have zero income. I ended up purchasing my own disability policy, which is another $200/month expense. The flexibility of 1099 work is amazing - I can set my own schedule and choose my clients. But make sure you're accounting for ALL the hidden costs, not just the obvious ones like self-employment taxes. My break-even point ended up being 33% higher than my previous W-2 rate.