I went through almost the exact same situation with TaxSlayer last year! The interface really is confusing and not being able to see the actual form before submitting is such poor design. The reality is that Form 4868 mistakes like yours are incredibly common and the IRS system is designed to handle them. Since you're expecting a refund, you're in the best possible position - there are literally no penalties that can apply to you. The IRS only cares about underpayment when you actually owe taxes. Your final tax return will completely override whatever was on that extension form. Think of the 4868 as just a placeholder that bought you time - your real tax situation gets determined when you file your complete return. The mistake won't affect your refund amount at all, and you won't get any scary letters from the IRS about it. Just file your complete return by the October 15th deadline and you'll be totally fine. The stress you're feeling is way worse than the actual problem!

I completely understand your anxiety about this! Form 4868 errors are actually one of the most common tax mistakes people make, especially with confusing software interfaces like TaxSlayer's. Here's the key thing to remember: Form 4868 is purely administrative - it's just telling the IRS "I need more time to file my complete return." The estimated tax amount on line 6 doesn't create any obligation or expectation on the IRS's part. They won't send you a bill based on that number, and they won't expect payment. Since you're anticipating a refund when you file your actual return, you're in the safest possible position. The IRS only assesses penalties for underpayment of taxes, not overpayment. When someone is due a refund, there's literally no penalty mechanism that could apply. Your complete tax return (Form 1040) will show your actual tax liability and refund amount. That's what determines everything - the extension form becomes completely irrelevant once your real return is processed. The math error on your 4868 won't impact your refund by even a penny. Just make sure to file your complete return by October 15th, and you'll get your full refund without any issues or complications from this extension form mistake.

I've been in a very similar situation and wanted to share what worked for me. First, don't panic about those transcript entries - they're scary looking but don't mean immediate action is happening. Here's what I learned through my experience: **Payment Plan Strategy**: Set up your payment plan ASAP, even before your refund gets applied. This shows good faith and stops the collection clock. You can always adjust the payment amount later if needed. **Communication Timeline**: Once you establish a payment plan, the IRS typically sends confirmation within 30 days. Keep checking your online account - sometimes the updates show there before you get the paper notice. **Pro tip**: When you call or apply online, ask specifically about "Currently Not Collectible" status if your financial situation is still tight. This can pause collection activities while you get back on your feet, though interest will still accrue. **Your refund advantage**: That $2,500 refund will definitely help! After it gets applied automatically, you'll only owe around $2,800. At $100/month, that's less than 3 years to pay off - very manageable. The most important thing is to act now rather than wait. The IRS really does prefer working with people who are proactive. I wish I had reached out sooner instead of letting the anxiety build up. You've got this!

I'm going through something very similar right now! I also had a major life event (divorce) in 2019 that completely derailed my tax situation for 2020. The stress and confusion of trying to understand all those IRS codes and notices is overwhelming. Your situation actually sounds more manageable than mine - at least you've been current on your taxes since then and have that refund coming. I'm still catching up on multiple years. One thing I learned recently is that those transcript codes can mean different things depending on your specific situation, so it's really worth getting clarification directly from the IRS rather than trying to guess. The "levy imposed" language is definitely scary, but from what others are saying here, it sounds like you still have time to get ahead of this. I'm probably going to try some of these suggestions myself - the payment plan option sounds way less intimidating than I thought it would be. Thanks for posting this question because the responses are helping me understand my own situation better too! Have you checked if there are any local VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) programs in your area? They sometimes have people who can help interpret IRS notices for free, though I'm not sure if they handle collection issues.

Has anyone used the Free File Fillable Forms to report this kind of mixed income? I'm trying to avoid paying for tax software but have both W2 and 1099-MISC income.

I'm dealing with something similar and want to add a few points that might help. First, definitely get clarification from your employer about why they used 1099-MISC box 3 instead of 1099-NEC - this could save you from reporting incorrectly. Second, keep detailed records of all your contractor work activities and any expenses you incurred (software, equipment, travel, etc.). If it turns out you should have received a 1099-NEC, you'll be able to deduct legitimate business expenses on Schedule C, which could significantly reduce your taxable income. Also, consider making quarterly estimated tax payments next year if you continue the contractor work. Unlike your W2 job where taxes are withheld automatically, contractor income doesn't have withholding, so you might owe a penalty if you underpay during the year. The IRS generally expects you to pay as you earn, not just at year-end. One last tip - if you're truly classified as an independent contractor, make sure you're actually operating independently (setting your own hours, using your own tools, etc.). If the company is treating you like an employee but calling you a contractor, that's worker misclassification and has bigger implications beyond just tax forms.

If you have your last paystub from December, it should show year-to-date totals for all your earnings and withholdings. You can actually use those numbers to fill out a Form 4852 (Substitute for W-2) if your employer doesn't correct this soon. I had to do this once when my employer went bankrupt before sending W-2s. Just be sure to explain on the form that your original W-2 had empty boxes 1-6. The IRS will follow up with your employer about it.

I'm a restaurant manager too, and this happened at our place last year because of a software update in our payroll system. Check your paystubs against your bank deposits to make sure you're actually getting paid correctly first. Sometimes when boxes 1-6 are empty, it means you've been miscategorized in the system. Our payroll company had accidentally marked several managers as "statutory employees" which messed up their W-2s. Took about 2 weeks to get corrected W-2s issued. Definitely don't file with the empty W-2!

Has anyone used the IRS Free File options for filing prior years? Can you still use the free services for past years or do you have to pay?

Hey Mateo! Don't panic - you're definitely not as screwed as you think you are. Since you mentioned you were probably due a refund, you're actually in a pretty good spot. A few key points to ease your mind: 1. If you were owed a refund, there's no failure-to-file penalty for filing late 2. You have 3 years from the original due date to claim your refund (so until April 2027 for your 2023 taxes) 3. You can absolutely file your 2024 return on time this year - each tax year is handled separately My recommendation: File that 2023 return ASAP to get your refund, then focus on getting your 2024 taxes done by the April deadline. If you need help organizing your documents or figuring out the process, there are good resources mentioned in this thread, but honestly for a straightforward W-2 situation, most standard tax software should handle it just fine. The most important thing is to not let this stress paralyze you - you've got this handled!