I've been dealing with the same Drake Tax limitation for 1120-POL returns. After reading through all these suggestions, I'm leaning toward trying Tax 990 for the cost-effectiveness since I only have a few returns to file. The $65 per return pricing seems reasonable compared to investing in a full software suite. Has anyone compared the actual form completion time between Tax 990 and TaxAct Professional for 1120-POL? I'm curious if the simpler interface of Tax 990 might actually be faster for straightforward political organization returns, or if TaxAct's more robust features make it worth the extra cost for efficiency. Also wondering if any of these platforms handle the required disclosures for 527 organizations automatically, or if that's something we still need to track manually regardless of software choice.

I've been preparing 1120-POL returns for about 5 years now and wanted to add another perspective. While the software recommendations here are solid, don't overlook the importance of having good political organization expertise regardless of which platform you choose. One thing I've learned is that many of the compliance issues with 1120-POL returns aren't necessarily software problems - they're classification and reporting judgment calls that require understanding the nuances between political activities, exempt functions, and investment income. I've seen preparers get into trouble because they relied too heavily on software defaults without understanding the underlying requirements. That said, for your immediate need with just two returns, I'd echo the Tax 990 recommendation. The $65/return is reasonable and their customer support actually understands political organization issues, which isn't always the case with the broader tax software providers. Just make sure you're comfortable with the political/non-political expense segregation requirements before diving in, regardless of which software you choose.

Clear your browser cache and cookies. Fixed it for me!

I had this exact same issue last week! What finally worked for me was making sure I was using the EXACT refund amount from line 35a on my 1040 form, not any estimated amount. Also double-check that you're using "Single" vs "Head of Household" - that trips people up sometimes. The system is definitely glitchy right now but hang in there!

Michigan's website been straight garbage this year ngl. Their IT dept needs to get it together fr

Same thing happened to me last week! What finally worked was clearing my browser cache completely and trying from an incognito/private window. Also make sure you're using the refund amount from your actual MI-1040 form, not any estimated amount. The Michigan system is super picky about exact matches. If you're still locked out, you can also try their live chat feature during business hours - sometimes they can manually look up your status.

Called MI treasury yesterday - they said theyre having website issues and to just keep trying. Classic government efficiency at its finest 🤡

Had the exact same issue last month! What finally worked for me was clearing my browser cache and cookies, then trying again with incognito/private browsing mode. Also double-check that you're using your AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) from line 11 of your MI-1040, not your total income. Michigan's system is super picky about which exact numbers you enter.

Has anyone used TurboTax for reporting income without a 1099? Does it ask for the form specifically or can you just enter the income amount?

You're absolutely right to be concerned, but don't stress too much! You can definitely file your taxes without the 1099-NEC. The key thing is that you report all your income accurately - which you can do since you have your bank records showing the $4,800. Here's what I'd recommend: 1. Report the $4,800 on Schedule C as freelance income 2. Keep all your bank statements and any emails/contracts with the client as documentation 3. Send one final professional email to the business stating you need the 1099-NEC and that the deadline has passed 4. If they still don't send it, you can report them to the IRS using Form SS-8 (though this isn't required for you to file your taxes) The IRS cares that you report your income correctly, not whether you physically have the form. You're being responsible by reporting everything you earned. Don't let their delay hold up your tax filing!