This is a complex situation but definitely fixable! Here's what I'd recommend as your action plan: 1. **Contact the original Roth IRA provider first** - Even if you don't have statements, they're required to keep records for years. Request a complete contribution and earnings history from when the account was opened until it was closed in 2021. 2. **File Form 8606 for 2018** if you haven't already - Since that $7,300 wasn't deducted, you need to establish basis to avoid double taxation later. Better to pay the $50 late filing penalty now than deal with bigger problems during conversion. 3. **Consider a strategic Roth conversion** - Once you have the contribution/earnings breakdown, you can convert the entire traditional IRA back to Roth. You'll only pay taxes on: (a) any earnings from the original Roth that lost tax-free status when rolled over, and (b) the growth that occurred in the traditional IRA since 2021. 4. **Don't rush this** - Take time to get accurate records and possibly consult a tax professional who specializes in retirement accounts. The tax implications of getting this wrong could be significant. The good news is that a large portion of your $41K is likely contributions that can convert tax-free. Getting proper documentation is key to minimizing your tax hit.

One thing that might help speed up the record-gathering process is to check if you have any old tax documents that could fill in the gaps. Look for Form 5498s from the years between your last statement (2017) and the rollover (2021) - your tax preparer might have copies even if you don't. Also, when you contact Charles Schwab, ask specifically about their "account reconstruction" services. Many major brokerages can recreate historical account summaries even when you don't have all the paperwork. They might be able to tell you exactly how much of that $33K was principal vs. gains when it came in. Before you make any moves, I'd strongly suggest running the numbers on what the tax hit would be under different scenarios. Sometimes it makes sense to do a partial conversion over multiple years to stay in lower tax brackets, especially if you're dealing with a substantial amount in taxable gains.

Be careful with amended returns. I filed mine last year. No updates for months. Then got a letter. They needed more documentation. Clock started over. Took 8 months total. Keep copies of everything. Check your mail daily. Don't miss their deadlines.

I'm curious, did you file your amendment electronically or by mail? I've heard that might affect processing times, but I'm not entirely sure if that's still true with the current backlog situation.

I'd also recommend filing a complaint with your state department of labor ASAP. Wage theft is taken pretty seriously in most states. In my experience as a former restaurant manager (where this unfortunately happens a lot), the sooner you report it, the better your chances of resolution.

This is a really frustrating situation, but you're handling it the right way by documenting everything and filing with the labor board. From a tax perspective, you're actually in a straightforward position - you only need to report the income that's actually shown on your W-2 for 2024, regardless of what you should have been paid. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given: make sure to keep copies of ALL your documentation (timesheets, pay stubs, communications with your employer) in multiple places - digital copies, physical copies, maybe even email them to yourself. If this drags out or if your employer tries to retaliate, having bulletproof documentation will be crucial. Also, don't let your employer intimidate you about this. What they're doing is wage theft, plain and simple, and it's illegal in every state. The fact that they're claiming it's for "break times" or that you were "rounding up" when you have documentation proving otherwise shows they know they're in the wrong. Stay strong and keep fighting for what you're owed!

I'm an accountant and I see this confusion with my clients all the time. Here's a simplified breakdown: For renters with home offices: 1. You CAN use Form 8829 and potentially get a larger deduction than the simplified method 2. Your rent goes on line 18 (Other expenses) 3. Utilities, insurance, etc. go on lines 19-20 4. Line 15 will be zero, but that's OK 5. Your business percentage (line 7) will automatically be applied to calculate your deduction Do a quick comparison: - Simplified: $5 × sq ft (max 300 sq ft = $1,500) - Regular: Business % × (rent + utilities + insurance) For example, if your office is 15% of your home, rent is $2000/month, and utilities are $300/month, your annual deduction could be around $4,140 using the regular method versus a maximum of $1,500 with simplified. The regular method requires more record-keeping, but the larger deduction is often worth it, especially in high-rent areas.

Quick tip from someone who does this every year - take PICTURES of your home office space! I learned this from a tax preparer friend. Having dated photos showing the space is exclusively used for business can be super helpful if you ever get questioned about the deduction. I keep a folder with: - Photos from multiple angles showing the dedicated space - A floor plan with measurements - Pics of business equipment in the space - Utility bills and rent statements This documentation has saved me twice during IRS correspondence audits. They specifically questioned my home office deduction both times, and having this ready-to-go evidence made it a non-issue.

This is such a common confusion! For your 16-year-old daughter's situation, you as her parent can definitely sign her tax return for e-filing. Most tax software will have a checkbox or field where you indicate you're signing as the parent/guardian of a minor child. Regarding your mom (grandma) signing instead - this would only be appropriate if she has legal guardianship of your daughter. If she's just helping with finances and teaching about taxes (which is wonderful!), the IRS would still expect you as the biological parent to be the one signing unless there's a legal guardianship arrangement. One thing to keep in mind - even though you're signing for her, your daughter is still the taxpayer. Make sure she understands what's being filed on her behalf, especially since this is her first tax experience. It's a great learning opportunity! The $4,800 she earned means she'll likely get most or all of any withheld taxes back as a refund, which is always exciting for a first-time filer.

Great question! For your 16-year-old daughter's situation, you as her parent can absolutely sign her tax return when e-filing. The IRS allows parents/guardians to sign on behalf of minor children, and most tax software will have a specific option or checkbox for this during the signature process. Regarding your mom signing instead - this would only work if she has legal guardianship of your daughter. While it's wonderful that grandma is helping teach her about taxes and finances, the IRS typically requires the parent or legal guardian to sign unless there's formal guardianship documentation. With $4,800 in income, your daughter will likely need to file (since the threshold for dependents with earned income is quite low), but the good news is she'll probably get back most or all of any taxes that were withheld from her paychecks! This is actually a perfect teaching moment about how the tax system works - she can see firsthand why taxes are withheld and how refunds work when you don't owe much tax. Make sure to involve her in the process so she understands what's being filed on her behalf. It'll make her more confident about handling her own taxes in the future!