One thing nobody mentioned - if your LLC is registered in certain states, you might have STATE filing requirements even if you don't have federal requirements. I learned this the hard way when California hit us with a $800 minimum franchise tax for each year our LLC existed, even though we had zero activity. Check your state's requirements ASAP! Some states have "minimum taxes" regardless of whether you did business.

Just wanted to share that I went through this exact same thing last year. Filed a "final" 1065 for our LLC that never did anything, and then started a new LLC when we actually launched our business. It was much simpler than dealing with years of back filings and explaining the gap in activity. Might be worth considering if your LLC is very new.

One thing to watch out for with Form 2441 - if you used a Dependent Care FSA through your employer, make sure you're completing Part III correctly! I messed this up last year. You need to report the FSA amount (box 10 on your W-2 usually) and it reduces your eligible expenses for the credit. So if you had $5,000 in your FSA and paid $17,500 like OP, you'd still only get to count $6,000 toward the credit calculation, and then that gets reduced by the $5,000 FSA amount. So you'd only get the credit on $1,000 of expenses. The tax software should handle this but it's good to understand it.

Just an additional tip about Form 2441 - make absolutely sure you have the correct Tax ID number for your provider. I made a typo on mine last year and got a notice from the IRS months later questioning my childcare credit. Had to submit additional documentation to prove the expenses were legitimate. For anyone using multiple providers or having a nanny, remember each provider needs their own line on Part I, with their individual Tax ID (SSN for individuals or EIN for businesses). And keep records of payments - bank statements, canceled checks, or receipts! The IRS loves to verify these credits.

I'm in the opposite situation lol. I had capital gains before marriage and my new wife has capital losses. Our accountant said we can combine them too. But u need to make sure ur using the right tax software that handles this correctly. Some of the cheaper ones don't do capital loss carryovers right especially with status changes.

Just wanted to share my experience with this exact situation! I had about $12k in capital loss carryover from some really bad investment decisions when I was single (lesson learned about putting all my eggs in one basket with meme stocks). When I got married, my wife had substantial RSU gains from her tech job. Our tax preparer confirmed that we could absolutely use my pre-marriage losses against her gains on our joint return. The key thing I learned is that you need to have good documentation of your prior year losses - make sure you have copies of your old Schedule D forms that show the loss carryover amounts. One thing to watch out for: if your wife's RSUs have been held for different periods, some will be short-term gains and others long-term. Your short-term losses will first offset short-term gains, then long-term gains. The tax software should handle this automatically, but it's good to understand the order. We ended up saving about $2,800 in taxes by combining our capital gains and losses. Definitely worth filing jointly if you're in this situation!

Has anyone had any luck with Form 14157 (Complaint: Tax Return Preparer)? I filled one out last year after my preparer made a huge mistake with my Schedule C, but I never heard anything back from the IRS. Wondering if it's even worth the time to file this form.

This is such a common issue, and you're absolutely right to feel frustrated! I went through something similar two years ago with a preparer who missed some important business expense deductions. Here's what I learned: Check your engagement letter or contract carefully. Look for clauses about "accuracy guarantees" or error correction policies. Even if they disclaim liability for penalties, many preparers will at least help fix the issue without additional charges if it was clearly their mistake. For business deductions specifically, the key question is whether you provided all the correct documentation and whether the deductions were legitimately allowable. If you gave them proper records and they misapplied the tax rules, that's on them. But if the deductions genuinely weren't allowed under tax law, that's trickier. I'd recommend documenting everything - your original paperwork, what you told them, and their response. Then give them one more chance to make it right before exploring other options like filing complaints with their professional licensing board or small claims court. Don't just pay up without a fight if this was truly their error. You hired them specifically for their expertise, and they should stand behind their work.

Did anyone try the IRS Face-to-face appointment option? I'm wondering if that's faster than calling.

Just wanted to add my experience with the original method - it worked for me too! I called at 7:15 AM EST on a Wednesday and got through in about 25 minutes using the exact steps Avery outlined. One thing I'd emphasize is to be really patient with the automated system. I almost hung up a few times because it felt like I was going in circles, but following the steps exactly (especially NOT choosing option 1 for refunds) was key. The representative I spoke with was able to help me understand why my refund was delayed and gave me a specific timeline for when to expect it. She also provided a direct number to call back if I didn't receive it by that date, which was super helpful. For anyone still struggling - persistence really pays off with this method. Don't give up after one or two tries!