Word of warning - make sure you set aside some money for taxes from whatever you earn as an ambassador! I did one of these programs last year and got hit with a surprise tax bill because I didn't realize I needed to pay quarterly estimated taxes. If you're going to make more than $1,000 in profit from this gig, you might need to make quarterly tax payments to avoid penalties. The IRS expects you to pay taxes throughout the year, not just at filing time.

Hey! I was in a similar situation when I started doing freelance work as a student. For the W9 form as a SHEIN campus ambassador: **Business name field**: Leave this blank since you're working as an individual, not a registered business entity. **Federal tax classification**: Check "Individual/sole proprietor or single-member LLC" - this is the standard classification for students doing independent contractor work. Just remember that you'll be classified as an independent contractor (not an employee), so SHEIN will send you a 1099 form if you earn $600+ during the year. You'll need to report this income on your tax return and may owe self-employment taxes if you earn over $400. One tip: start setting aside about 25-30% of whatever you earn for taxes, since they won't be automatically withheld like with a regular job. And keep receipts for any expenses related to your ambassador work (like supplies for events or equipment for content creation) - these can be deducted as business expenses! Good luck with the program - it sounds like an awesome opportunity!

VA here too! Just wanted to add that I verified my identity about 3 weeks ago and got my refund last Friday - took about 12 business days total. The wait was nerve-wracking but it did come through! One thing I noticed is that my bank account actually got the deposit on a Thursday evening, but the VA portal didn't update to show "refund sent" until the next Monday. So definitely check your bank account directly too, not just the state website. Hang in there, it's coming!

VA taxpayer here! I just went through this exact situation last month. After I completed my ID verification, it took 8 business days for my refund to hit my account. The key thing I learned is that VA's "Where's My Refund" portal is pretty unreliable - mine still showed "processing" even after I got paid! I'd recommend checking your actual bank account daily rather than obsessing over the portal. Also, if you have direct deposit set up, refunds typically hit on weekdays. From what I've seen talking to others, most people are getting theirs within 7-14 business days after verification, so you should be getting close! Stay patient, it's definitely coming.

I used H&R Block last year. Got the advance. It appears at the end. After your return is complete. Not during preparation. You must qualify. Credit check is required. Minimum refund amount applies. 1099 status doesn't matter. Timing matters most. Early season only. January to February typically. It's too late now. Consider this for next year instead. Plan accordingly.

I can confirm what several others have mentioned - you're unfortunately past the window for H&R Block's Refund Advance this season. As a fellow 1099 contractor who's been through this process multiple times, the advance option only appears after you complete your entire return and reach the final review screen. The key points for your situation: • 1099 contractors ARE eligible - your income source isn't the issue • The advance is offered January through February only (sometimes extends to early March) • It requires a minimum $500 expected refund and soft credit check • The option appears automatically if you qualify - there's no separate application Since you mentioned tight cash flow for Q1 inventory, I'd recommend completing your return now for the regular refund (2-3 weeks with direct deposit) and planning ahead for next year. File in late January 2025 if you want to access the advance option. The business analogy you used about proper preparation is spot-on - next year's tax planning should include factoring in these timing windows if early refund access is important for your business operations.

Just a heads up - most people don't itemize deductions anymore since the standard deduction got so much bigger after tax reform. Unless your itemized deductions (including mortgage interest, state/local taxes up to $10k, charitable donations, etc.) exceed $13,850 for single filers or $27,700 for married filing jointly in 2024, you're better off taking the standard deduction anyway. So even if part of your registration IS technically deductible, it might not actually benefit you unless you have enough other deductions to make itemizing worthwhile.

Don't worry, you're asking exactly the right questions! Tax filing can be really confusing, especially when you're doing it yourself for the first time. To clarify what TurboTax is asking about: you should only include car registration fees that you actually PAID during 2024 (the tax year you're filing for now). The registration that's due in two months would be for 2025, so it goes on next year's return. But here's the key thing many people miss - not all registration fees are deductible! Only the portion that's based on your car's VALUE (called "ad valorem" tax) can be deducted as a personal property tax. Flat fees that everyone pays regardless of their car's worth aren't deductible. Your registration notice should break this down. Look for terms like "ad valorem," "property tax," or "based on vehicle value." Some states make this really clear, others... not so much. Also keep in mind what GalaxyGlider mentioned above - unless you're itemizing deductions and they exceed the standard deduction ($13,850 for single filers in 2024), this won't actually save you any money anyway. Most people are better off just taking the standard deduction these days.

I found out the hard way that even if the broker doesn't report it, the IRS can still come after you! I had some old IBM stock from my grandpa that I sold in 2022, and the gain wasn't reported by my broker. I thought "cool, free money" and didn't include it on my taxes. Got a CP2000 notice six months later saying I owed taxes plus penalties and interest. The broker not reporting it to the IRS doesn't mean the IRS won't find out eventually, especially if the amounts are substantial. Better to report everything properly the first time!

This is such an important topic that catches so many people off guard! I went through the exact same confusion last year with my Schwab account. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given is to keep really detailed records of ALL your transactions, especially the ones not reported to the IRS. I started using a simple spreadsheet to track purchase dates, sale dates, and cost basis for everything - even when my broker has the info. This saved me so much time during tax prep. Also, if you're dealing with inherited securities or stocks transferred from another brokerage, those are prime candidates for being "not reported to IRS" on your 1099-B. The receiving broker often doesn't have the original purchase information needed for proper cost basis reporting. One last tip - if you're unsure about any complex transactions, consider getting help from a tax professional for this year. The cost is usually worth it to avoid potential penalties down the road, and you'll learn the process for handling it yourself in future years. Tax compliance stress is real, but you're asking the right questions!