Based on all the discussion here, it really sounds like you've received a suspicious letter that's mixing different types of IRS communications. The combination of "investigation assistance" language with an LT11 notice number is a major red flag - these are handled by completely different IRS departments and would never appear together in a legitimate notice. Here's what I'd recommend doing immediately: 1. **Don't call the number on the letter** - use only the official IRS number (800-829-1040) 2. **Take photos of the entire letter** including envelope, postmark, and return address before calling 3. **Ask the IRS representative to verify both collection actions AND any investigation requests** in your name 4. **Compare the letter details** with what the IRS rep tells you a legitimate notice should contain If this turns out to be fake (which seems likely given the inconsistencies), definitely report it to TIGTA at 800-366-4484. Scammers are getting more sophisticated and mixing real notice numbers with fake content to seem more credible. The good news is that if you've always filed your taxes on time and haven't received any previous notices, it's very unlikely you'd suddenly have both a collection action AND be involved in an investigation. Stay calm, verify through official channels, and you'll get this sorted out quickly.

As a newcomer to this community, I've been following this discussion with great interest because I recently had a similar scare with what I thought was an IRS letter. The collective wisdom here is really valuable! What strikes me most about your situation, Paolo, is how the community has identified the key inconsistency - the mixing of "investigation assistance" language with an LT11 notice number. This is exactly the kind of sophisticated scam tactic that can fool people because it uses real IRS terminology and notice numbers. I want to emphasize what others have said about documentation. When you call the official IRS number tomorrow, definitely take detailed notes including the representative's name, badge number if they provide it, and any reference numbers for your call. If this turns out to be legitimate, you'll want that paper trail. If it's a scam, those details will be helpful when you report it to TIGTA. Also, don't feel embarrassed about being cautious or asking "dumb" questions when you call. The IRS representatives are used to people being confused by notices, and they'd rather you verify a suspicious letter than ignore a legitimate one. Your instinct to question this letter was exactly right - trust that gut feeling! Keep us updated on what you find out. This kind of information helps everyone in the community recognize similar scams in the future.

Has anyone used TurboTax for filing a final return for deceased taxpayers? Do they have good guidance for this situation or should I look at other software?

I'm really sorry for your loss, Dmitri. This is such a difficult situation to navigate while you're grieving. From my experience as a tax preparer, you're absolutely right that you can file married filing jointly for their final return since they were married at the time of death. Here are a few additional things to keep in mind: 1. Make sure to get a federal tax ID number (EIN) for each estate if you haven't already - you'll need these for any estate tax returns or if the estates generate income after death. 2. Check if they had any estimated tax payments due for 2024. As executor, you'll need to make those payments to avoid penalties on their final return. 3. Don't forget about state taxes - you'll likely need to file final state returns as well, and some states have different rules for deceased taxpayers. 4. If they had any joint bank accounts or investment accounts, make sure you understand which income gets reported on their final personal return versus potential estate returns. The IRS Publication 559 has detailed guidance on tax issues for survivors, decedents, and estates. It's dense reading but covers scenarios exactly like yours. You're doing the right thing by being thorough about this.

I'm also an F-1 student and dealt with this exact situation last year! One thing that really helped me was understanding that the Malaysia-US tax treaty (Article 11) actually does provide some relief for interest income in certain cases. The key is whether you're considered a "resident" of Malaysia for treaty purposes - if you still maintain ties there (like family, permanent address, etc.), you might qualify for reduced withholding rates or even exemptions on certain types of interest. Also, make sure when you file your 1040-NR that you attach Form 8833 (Treaty-Based Return Position Disclosure) if you're claiming any treaty benefits. The IRS requires this form whenever you take a position that a tax treaty overrides or modifies any provision of the Internal Revenue Code. For future reference, definitely get that W-8BEN submitted to your credit union ASAP. It won't help with this year's taxes, but it ensures proper treatment going forward. Good luck with your filing!

As someone who went through a similar situation as an F-1 student from the Philippines, I can confirm what others have mentioned about the complexity of international student tax situations with investment income. One thing I learned the hard way is that even if your bank didn't withhold taxes on your CD interest, you're still responsible for calculating and paying the correct amount when you file. The 1099-INT you received shows the gross interest earned, but as a non-resident alien, you'll typically owe either 30% (standard rate) or a reduced rate if your country's tax treaty provides for it. For Malaysia specifically, I believe the US-Malaysia tax treaty does provide for a reduced 15% withholding rate on interest income paid to Malaysian residents, but you'll need to verify this applies to your specific situation. The key is determining if you're still considered a Malaysian resident for tax treaty purposes (which sounds likely given your student status and intent to return). Don't forget to file Form 8833 if you claim any treaty benefits - the IRS requires this disclosure form whenever you take a position based on a tax treaty. Also, definitely get that W-8BEN submitted to your credit union for next year to avoid this confusion going forward. The 1040-NR can be intimidating, but Schedule NEC is where you'll report the interest income that's not effectively connected with a US trade or business. Good luck with your filing!

Make sure you check if your US company needs to have you fill out Form W-8BEN to certify your foreign status. Many US companies require this form before they'll honor the tax treaty provisions. Without it, some will withhold 30% automatically regardless of the treaty.

As someone who's been through this exact situation as a contractor from Mexico working with US companies, I wanted to add a few practical tips that really helped me: 1. **Get organized early** - Create a folder system now for all your tax documents. You'll need your 1099, contract agreements, proof of Argentine residency, and records of any US visits. 2. **Consider quarterly estimated payments** - Even though your company isn't withholding taxes, you might still owe US taxes depending on how the treaty applies to your specific situation. Making quarterly payments can help avoid underpayment penalties. 3. **Document your work location meticulously** - I keep a simple spreadsheet tracking where I physically perform work each day. This becomes crucial evidence if the IRS ever questions your treaty position. 4. **Connect with other Argentine contractors** - There are some good expat tax groups on Facebook where people share their experiences with the US-Argentina treaty specifically. The nuances can be quite different from other countries' treaties. The learning curve is steep but totally manageable once you get the system down. Feel free to ask if you have specific questions about the filing process!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I was in a similar situation last month - paid a contractor $800 for bathroom repairs at my personal home and was worried I'd screwed up by not getting their tax info beforehand. Reading through all these responses, I now understand that since it was for my personal residence (not a rental or business property), I don't need to issue a 1099 at all. For anyone else reading this who's still confused: the key distinction seems to be whether the expense is for business purposes or personal use. Personal home repairs = no 1099 needed, regardless of amount. Business/rental property repairs = 1099-NEC required for unincorporated contractors if you paid them $600+ during the year. And always get that W-9 form upfront for business expenses to avoid headaches later!

Thanks everyone for clarifying this! I was in a similar panic mode last year when I had major plumbing work done at my house and someone casually mentioned 1099s. I spent hours researching online and getting more confused by conflicting information. What really helped me was creating a simple checklist: 1) Is this for my personal residence or a business/rental? 2) If business/rental, is the contractor incorporated? 3) Did I pay them $600+ during the tax year? Only if it's business/rental, unincorporated, and over $600 do you need the 1099-NEC. For @Oliver Cheng - sounds like all your work was on your personal home, so you're completely off the hook! No 1099s needed regardless of the amounts. Save yourself the stress and just keep your receipts for potential insurance or warranty purposes. One tip I wish I'd known earlier: if you ever do rental property work, get that W-9 form BEFORE you pay the contractor. It's so much easier than trying to track them down later when tax season hits!