Don't fret too much about this. The real question is whether you're entitled to the larger refund that TurboTax calculated. If yes, then definitely file an amended return to get that money. If the difference is small (like under $100), honestly it might not be worth the hassle of amending.

I went through something very similar a few years ago! The stress is real, but you're going to be okay. Here's what actually happened in my case: Credit Karma filed first and was accepted, TurboTax got rejected automatically about 10 days later with a duplicate filing notice. The key thing is that you NEED to file that amended return since your Credit Karma filing was missing the Medicaid waiver income. This isn't just about getting a bigger refund - it's about reporting your income correctly to the IRS. I made the mistake of thinking "close enough" initially and almost got hit with an audit notice later. For the amendment process, I'd recommend using the same software that gave you the more accurate return (TurboTax in your case) to prepare Form 1040-X. They usually have good step-by-step guidance for amendments. Just be very clear in the explanation section that you accidentally filed twice and are correcting the income reporting. One tip: keep copies of both returns and all your documentation. If the IRS has any questions down the line, having everything organized will save you major headaches. The whole process took about 4 months for me to get the amended refund, but it was worth doing it right.

Pro tip: Write down all your previous addresses and employers for the past 3 years before you go. They love asking those surprise questions to trip people up lol

Been through this twice unfortunately. Besides what everyone mentioned, they might also ask about any changes in your banking info or direct deposit details from previous years. Also bring a recent pay stub if you're employed - they asked me about my current job even though it wasn't on my return yet. The whole thing took about 45 minutes but most of that was waiting. Good luck! 🤞

Don't forget that different states have different rules too! Federal tax is one thing, but depending on where you live, there might be state income tax on the sale too. And if the value is really high (like over $12.92 million for 2025) you might have estate tax issues too, though that's probably not an issue for most people.

Something no one mentioned yet - if ur selling really expensive pieces (like over $10k) the jeweler might have to file a Form 8300 with the IRS to report the cash transaction. Doesn't change ur tax situation but just fyi that the sale might get reported regardless

One thing everyone's missing - make sure you check your local regulations too! Depending on your state/city, you might need a business license or to collect sales tax at craft fairs. In my state, you need a "seller's permit" even for occasional craft fairs and have to file quarterly sales tax returns even for small amounts.

This is such great advice from everyone! As someone who just went through this exact situation with my pottery business, I wanted to add one more thing that really helped me. Since you mentioned you're planning to start in January, consider setting up a separate business checking account right away, even if it's just a basic free one. This makes tracking your business expenses SO much easier come tax time. Every yarn purchase, craft fair fee, and gas receipt for business trips goes on that card or through that account. I wish I'd done this from day one instead of trying to sort through my personal expenses later to find the business ones. It also makes you look more professional when paying booth fees at craft fairs. And definitely keep a simple log of what you make and sell - even just "blue scarf - $25" in a notebook. This helps you track which items are profitable and gives you good records for taxes. Good luck with your new venture!

One thing nobody's mentioned is insurance! When I started using my personal vehicle for business, my regular insurance wouldn't cover any accidents that happened during business use. Had to get a commercial policy which was like $600 more a year but WAY worth it when I got rear-ended while driving to a job site. Make sure your covered regardless of whether you repair or buy!

Great question about the seasonal business use! I run a landscaping business with similar challenges - using my truck for business April through October, then personal use during winter months. One consideration I haven't seen mentioned is the timing of when you make those repairs. If you're doing the $5,500 in repairs at the beginning of your busy season (say April), you might want to calculate your business use percentage based on when the repairs actually benefit your business operations. For example, if you repair the truck in April and it's primarily used for business April-September, then personal use October-March, your business percentage for those repairs might be higher than your overall annual mileage percentage would suggest. Also, keep in mind that with repairs this substantial, you'll want to determine if any of them count as "improvements" rather than repairs under IRS rules. Improvements generally need to be depreciated over time rather than deducted immediately, which could affect your decision. Given your potential international move, the repair route definitely seems safer than purchasing. You avoid depreciation recapture issues and don't tie up capital in an asset you might need to liquidate quickly. Document everything meticulously - repair invoices, business mileage logs with specific job addresses and purposes. The IRS scrutinizes vehicle deductions closely, especially for mixed-use vehicles.