Has anyone used both ProSeries and Drake tax software for their independent practice? I'm trying to decide which one to go with when I leave my firm.

Your pricing strategy sounds reasonable for starting out! I made the transition from Block to my own practice three years ago, and one thing I learned is to be confident about your rates from day one. $125-130/hour is actually quite fair for the Chicago market, especially with your Jackson Hewitt experience. A few practical tips: Consider offering a free 15-minute initial call to discuss their needs - this helps you qualify clients and gives them confidence in your expertise. For that first consultation, prepare a structured agenda so you maximize the value you provide in that hour. I also recommend getting everything in writing with a simple consultation agreement that outlines what you'll cover. Don't forget to factor in your prep time when pricing - reviewing their documents beforehand often takes 15-30 minutes that you should account for. And definitely get comfortable talking about money upfront. Clients respect professionals who are clear about their fees and payment terms. Good luck with your new venture!

Has anyone tried using TurboTax or other tax software for filing multiple years of back taxes? I'm in a similar situation and wondering if it's worth paying for.

Just wanted to add another perspective here - if you're really overwhelmed by the whole process, consider reaching out to a local VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. They provide free tax help for people who generally make $64,000 or less, and many volunteers have experience with back tax situations. I used VITA when I was catching up on 4 years of unfiled returns and the volunteer was incredibly patient and knowledgeable. They helped me understand which deductions I could claim and even caught some errors I would have made filing on my own. You can find VITA locations on the IRS website - just search "VITA site locator." The best part is it's completely free, and they can often help you file electronically even for prior years, which gets your refunds processed faster than mailing paper returns.

Yes! The 846 code with a date means the IRS has officially released your refund for that date - that's the best confirmation you can get! With Chime, you should definitely see it before the 28th, possibly as early as tomorrow. I had the exact same anxiety my first year switching from TurboTax to a different service, but FreeTaxUSA and similar platforms work just as reliably. The main difference with Chime is they don't hold your money for processing days like traditional banks do. Once they receive the ACH transfer from the IRS, it hits your account immediately. Keep checking - you're likely going to wake up to a nice surprise in your account soon! 🤞

Great success story! I'm also with Chime and filed around the same time as you. One thing I'd add for anyone reading this - make sure to screenshot your transcript when you see that 846 code with your DDD. I learned this tip from a friend who had issues last year where the bank claimed they never received the deposit, but having that transcript screenshot was crucial proof when sorting it out. Also, for those worried about the timing, I've noticed Chime typically releases funds between 12-3 PM on weekdays when they get the ACH notification, so don't panic if you don't see it first thing in the morning. The waiting is definitely the hardest part, but posts like this really help keep spirits up! 💪

Check your Where's My Refund tool too. Sometimes that updates before the transcript does

I'm seeing the same thing on my transcript right now! All zeros across the board but my filing status shows up correctly. It's so nerve-wracking when you're expecting a refund and everything just shows $0.00. I've been checking multiple times a day hoping something changes. Did you use any credits like CTC or EITC? I'm wondering if that's what's causing the delay in our transcripts updating properly.

I wonder if your preparer was mixing up two completely different situations? If you have employees who use their personal vehicles for business and you reimburse them for gas rather than paying the standard mileage rate, that's a different tax scenario entirely. But for your own business vehicle on Schedule C, it's definitely one method or the other, not both.

I'm glad you're getting this sorted out! As someone who's dealt with vehicle deductions for years, I'd strongly recommend documenting your decision process. Keep records showing why you chose the standard mileage method (calculate both ways and save the comparison). Also, make sure you're tracking your business miles accurately with a mileage log - date, starting/ending odometer readings, business purpose, and destination. The IRS is very strict about mileage documentation during audits. A simple smartphone app or even a basic logbook works fine, but contemporaneous records are key. One more tip: if you ever decide to switch to actual expenses in future years, make sure you understand the depreciation recapture rules. It can get complicated, so it's worth consulting with a different tax professional who clearly understands vehicle deduction rules.