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I completely understand your anxiety about this! As someone who's been through the S-Corp extension process multiple times, I can tell you that the lack of confirmation in your client portal is actually pretty normal - many firms don't automatically upload extension confirmations. Here's what I'd recommend for immediate peace of mind: Email your accounting firm and specifically ask for the "electronic filing acknowledgment receipt" or "e-file confirmation" from their tax software. This should include a timestamp and confirmation number proving the extension was transmitted. Any reputable firm that filed electronically should be able to provide this within minutes. If you want to verify independently, the IRS Business Tax line (800-829-4933) can confirm if an extension is on file, but I'd suggest calling right when they open at 7 AM for the shortest wait times. Have your EIN ready. One thing that might ease your worry: if there had been an issue with the electronic filing, you typically would have received a rejection notice by now. The IRS processes electronic extensions pretty quickly and sends rejection notifications within a few days if there are problems. Don't feel bad about following up with your accountant - this is a completely reasonable request and getting that documentation will give you the peace of mind you need to focus on your business instead of worrying about compliance issues!
This is really solid advice, Connor! I appreciate you mentioning that the lack of confirmation in the client portal is actually normal - I was starting to think that was a red flag when it's apparently just how many firms operate. Your point about rejection notices coming quickly for electronic filings is particularly reassuring. I've been interpreting the silence as potentially bad news, but you're right that if there was an actual problem with the filing, I probably would have heard about it by now. I'm definitely going to follow your suggestion and email them today asking specifically for the "electronic filing acknowledgment receipt" - having that exact terminology will help me get what I need without any confusion. And if I still feel anxious after that, I'll try calling the IRS at 7 AM as you suggested. Thanks for normalizing the follow-up request too. It's my first time dealing with S-Corp requirements and I've been second-guessing whether I'm being too demanding, but you're absolutely right that this is a reasonable business concern that deserves documentation!
I went through this exact anxiety last year with my first S-Corp filing! Here's what finally gave me peace of mind: The fastest way to verify is actually through the IRS Business Online Account if you can get it working (try different browsers - Edge worked better for me than Chrome). If that's not working, calling the Business Tax line at 800-829-4933 first thing in the morning (7 AM sharp) usually gets you through faster. But honestly, the quickest solution is to just email your accounting firm and ask for the "electronic filing acknowledgment" from when they submitted Form 7004. This isn't an official IRS document, but it's the receipt from their tax software showing the extension was successfully transmitted with a confirmation number and timestamp. They should be able to send this to you within minutes if they filed electronically. If they can't produce that acknowledgment immediately, that would be concerning. But if they can show you the e-file receipt, you'll have instant proof it went through. One thing that helped calm my nerves: the IRS sends rejection notices pretty quickly for electronic filings (usually within 2-3 days), so if you haven't received any rejection notices, that's actually a good sign. Don't feel awkward about asking - this is your business and you absolutely have the right to documentation that critical tax deadlines are being met!
Has anyone else noticed that the IRS sometimes flags returns with newly issued SSNs for review? This happened to my sister. It didn't mean anything was wrong, but her refund was delayed by like 8 weeks. Might want to file early if you can!
Yes! This happened to me too. I think they do additional verification for first-time filers with new SSNs. I filed in February and didn't get my refund until early May. Definitely file as early as possible.
I had a very similar situation when I got my SSN in late 2023! Just wanted to confirm what others have said and add a few practical tips: You're absolutely eligible for both credits. The Child Tax Credit has no timing requirements for when YOU got your SSN - only that your daughter has a valid SSN (which she does). For EIC, as long as you have your SSN by the filing deadline, you're good. A few things that helped me: 1. Keep all documentation showing when you received your SSN - sometimes they ask for verification 2. If you're using tax software, it might flag your return as "unusual" but don't worry, that's normal for first-time filers 3. Consider filing a paper return if the software gives you trouble - I had issues with TurboTax not recognizing my situation properly Also, make sure you understand the income limits for both credits. EIC has pretty generous limits especially with a qualifying child, but CTC starts phasing out at higher incomes. Good luck with your filing!
Anyone else notice that tax software doesn't always handle this situation correctly? I used TurboTax and had to manually hunt for the checkbox about having capital gain distributions but not needing Schedule D. It wasn't presented as an obvious option during the interview process.
Try H&R Block online instead. I found it handles capital gains distributions better. There's a specific question that asks if your only capital gains are from distributions on a 1099-DIV, and it automatically checks the right box for you.
This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with the exact same IRS rejection error (Business Rule IND-114) for a small capital gains distribution from my Vanguard target-date fund. Just to confirm my understanding: since I only have the $8 capital gains distribution reported on my 1099-DIV and no other stock sales or capital transactions, I can check the box on Form 1040 indicating I have capital gain distributions but don't need Schedule D, correct? I've been going in circles with my tax software trying to figure out where this checkbox is located. It sounds like different software platforms handle this differently - some make it obvious, others bury it in the settings. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences with the AI tools and callback services too. It's reassuring to know there are options if I can't get this sorted out on my own!
Does anyone know if there's a statute of limitations for church audits? My father-in-law is a pastor and his church is suddenly getting questions about financial activities from 2016. I thought there was a 3-year limit on audits?
For most taxpayers, the IRS generally has 3 years to assess additional tax, but there are important exceptions. If there's a substantial omission of income (more than 25%), the period extends to 6 years. For fraud or failure to file returns, there's no statute of limitations at all. For churches specifically, the same general rules apply, but with the additional church audit procedures layered on top. So yes, the IRS could be examining activities from 2016 if they suspect substantial omission of income or if the church failed to file required returns (like 990-T for unrelated business income).
This is such a helpful thread! As someone who serves on our church's finance committee, I've been wondering about these audit protections for a while. The IRC Section 7611 explanation really clarifies things. One follow-up question - do these special church audit procedures apply to all religious organizations, or just traditional churches? For example, would they cover synagogues, mosques, Buddhist temples, etc.? And what about newer religious movements or organizations that might not look like traditional churches but claim religious exemption? I'm asking because our community has several different faith organizations, and I'm curious if they all get the same level of protection under the law, or if there are different standards based on the type of religious organization.
Great question! The IRC Section 7611 church audit procedures apply to all "churches" as defined in the tax code, which includes a broad range of religious organizations - not just Christian churches. This covers synagogues, mosques, temples, and other established religious institutions regardless of denomination. The IRS uses a 14-factor test to determine what qualifies as a "church" for these purposes, including things like having a recognized creed, regular congregations, established places of worship, and ordained clergy. However, newer or non-traditional religious movements can face more scrutiny in establishing their status as a "church" versus just a religious organization. Some religious organizations that don't meet the full "church" definition might still qualify as religious organizations under 501(c)(3) but wouldn't get the special IRC 7611 audit protections - they'd be treated more like other nonprofits. The key is whether the IRS recognizes the organization as meeting the specific criteria for "church" status, which can sometimes lead to disputes with newer or unconventional religious groups.
Adrian Connor
I think everyone is overlooking a key point - was this a contractor or an employee? If they were just doing a one-time gig for $270, they might actually be a 1099 contractor, not a W-2 employee. In that case, you wouldn't file 941 or 944 at all.
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Nia Davis
β’That definitely sounds more like a contractor situation! If you didn't control how or when they did the work, just paid them for the completed task, that's a classic independent contractor arrangement. For contractors, you'd issue a 1099-NEC (if you paid them $600 or more) instead of dealing with payroll taxes and Forms 941/944. Since you only paid $270, you likely don't have any filing requirements at all - no 1099, no 941, no 944, no 940. Just keep records of the payment for your business expenses. The IRS has a worker classification test (Form SS-8) if you want to be 100% sure, but your situation sounds pretty clear-cut contractor to me.
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Mateo Sanchez
β’@Miguel Harvey That s'such an important distinction! Based on what you described - your neighbor s'kid helping organize inventory as a one-time gig without you controlling how/when they worked - that really does sound like independent contractor work rather than employee work. Since you only paid $270 and the 1099-NEC threshold is $600, you re'probably off the hook for any federal tax filing requirements related to this payment. You d'just keep it as a business expense record on your end. Way simpler than dealing with all the payroll tax forms! If you want to be absolutely certain about the worker classification, you could always file Form SS-8 with the IRS to get an official determination, but honestly your situation seems pretty straightforward contractor territory to me.
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Isaiah Thompson
This is exactly the kind of confusion that happens when you're new to having employees! The good news is that since you only paid $270 for what sounds like a one-time gig, you're likely in a much simpler situation than you think. Based on what you've described - paying someone to help with your side business for a short period - this really sounds like independent contractor work rather than traditional employment. If you didn't control how or when they did the work and just paid them for completing a task, that's typically contractor territory. Since contractors only require a 1099-NEC if you pay them $600 or more in a year, your $270 payment probably doesn't trigger any federal filing requirements at all. No Form 941, no Form 944, no Form 940 - just keep the receipt as a business expense. However, if you're certain they were an employee (you controlled their work schedule, provided tools, etc.), then Ashley's advice about Form 944 vs 941 is spot-on. But honestly, I'd recommend taking a step back and really evaluating whether this was employee vs contractor work first. It could save you a lot of paperwork!
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Kiara Fisherman
β’This is really helpful context! I'm new to this community but have been dealing with similar small business employment questions. The contractor vs employee distinction is so important and often overlooked. @Miguel Harvey - Based on your description of paying your neighbor s'kid to help organize inventory as a one-time thing, that definitely sounds like contractor work to me too. The key factors that point to contractor status are: it was a one-time gig, you likely didn t'provide specific training or tools, and you probably just paid them when the task was completed rather than controlling their daily work schedule. Since you re'under the $600 threshold for 1099-NEC filing, you re'probably in the clear for any federal tax forms related to this payment. Just keep good records of the $270 as a business expense. Way simpler than all the payroll tax complications everyone was discussing! If you do hire people regularly in the future though, definitely worth understanding the employee vs contractor rules upfront to avoid confusion.
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