This is absolutely maddening and unfortunately becoming way too common in the ERC space. What you're describing with Adesso Capital sounds like a textbook case of fee harvesting - they collect money upfront with no intention of actually performing the services. The fact that you've caught them in the same lie twice (claiming they "made a mistake" and will resubmit) is a huge red flag. This suggests they have a standard script for when clients discover nothing was actually filed. Here's what I'd do in your situation: **Get official documentation immediately** - Request your business tax account transcripts from the IRS using Form 4506-T. This will give you written proof that no 941X forms were ever submitted, which you'll need for any legal action. **Check your contract terms** - Review what Adesso actually committed to in writing. Many of these companies use vague language that doesn't include specific timelines, which makes it harder to prove breach of contract. **File complaints now** - Report them to your state attorney general, the IRS fraud division, and the FTC. Even if it doesn't immediately help your case, it creates an official record that can help other victims and regulatory investigations. **Consider the statute of limitations** - For ERC claims, you typically have 3 years from the original quarterly return due date to file amended returns. Don't let them run out the clock while stringing you along with more false promises. You might also want to consult with a tax attorney who has experience with ERC fraud cases. Many are seeing patterns like this and may be able to pursue recovery of your fees plus damages. The silver lining is that you can potentially still file the 941X forms yourself or through a reputable tax professional if you're still within the statute of limitations. Don't let their incompetence cost you the credit you're legitimately entitled to.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - it sounds absolutely infuriating and unfortunately your experience with Adesso Capital matches what I've been hearing about from other business owners in similar situations. The pattern you're describing (taking money upfront, making promises, then giving rehearsed excuses when confronted about no actual filings) is becoming way too common with these ERC processing companies that popped up quickly after the credit was expanded. What really stands out to me is that they gave you the exact same "we made a mistake" excuse a full year apart. That tells me this isn't actually a mistake - it's their standard operating procedure when clients discover nothing was filed. My advice would be to stop giving them more chances and take action now: 1. **Get official proof** - Request Form 4506-T transcripts from the IRS showing your account history. This gives you written documentation that no 941X was ever filed, contradicting their claims. 2. **Check your timeline** - The ERC has statute of limitations (typically 3 years from the original quarterly return due date). Don't let them run out the clock on you. 3. **File complaints** - Report them to your state attorney general, IRS fraud division, and FTC. Even if it doesn't directly help your case, it creates a paper trail for other victims. 4. **Consider your options** - You may still be able to file the 941X yourself or through a legitimate tax professional if you're within the statute of limitations. Three years with zero actual work done is unacceptable. Don't let them waste any more of your time with empty promises.

One thing nobody has mentioned - make sure you're not deducting anything the organization reimbursed you for! Our soccer club has a process where coaches can submit receipts for equipment purchases and get reimbursed up to $150 per season. You can only deduct unreimbursed expenses, so track what you paid for personally vs what the organization covered. Also, take photos of the equipment being used at practices as additional documentation that it was for team use. The IRS loves documentation if you ever get audited!

Great question! I've been coaching youth hockey for several years and have navigated these same deduction issues. A few additional points that might help: The equipment you bought (cones, practice jerseys, pucks) is definitely deductible as charitable contributions since it's for a 501c3. Just make sure you have receipts and get written acknowledgment from the league if your total contributions exceed $250. For mileage, you can deduct trips that are specifically for coaching duties beyond normal parent activities - like equipment runs, coach meetings, or early arrival for setup. Keep a separate log for these coaching-specific miles at 14 cents per mile for 2025. The $300 volunteer credit does reduce your deductible amount - it's considered a "quid pro quo" benefit. So if you spent $400 on equipment but saved $300 in fees, you can only deduct $100. Regarding personal equipment like skates and helmets - unless they're required specifically for coaching and you wouldn't need them as a regular parent spectator, they're generally not deductible. The "primary purpose" test is key here. One tip: consider formally donating the team equipment to the organization rather than just lending it. This makes the deduction cleaner and removes any question about personal vs. charitable use. Get a donation receipt that lists the items and their fair market value.

One thing to keep in mind - if you're making decent money from the YouTuber and not having taxes withheld, you might get hit with an "underpayment penalty" if you wait until tax time to pay it all. Happened to me last year and it was an extra $175 I wasn't expecting.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact situation a couple years ago! You're right to be thinking about this early - it shows you're being responsible about your taxes. A few practical tips that helped me when I had multiple income sources: 1. Open a separate savings account just for tax money from your YouTube editing work. Every time you get paid, immediately transfer 25-30% into that account and pretend it doesn't exist until tax time. 2. Keep a simple spreadsheet tracking all your YouTube payments - date, amount, client name. This makes tax filing so much easier later. 3. Since you mentioned moving expenses, don't forget that some of those might be deductible if the move was work-related (though the rules changed in recent years, so double-check). 4. Consider asking your coffee shop employer to withhold a bit extra from your paychecks to help cover the taxes on your freelance income. You can do this by filling out a new W-4 and requesting additional withholding. The good news is that since you're in a no-income-tax state, you only need to worry about federal taxes. And yes, all your income does stack together, but having taxes already withheld from your coffee shop job will help reduce what you owe at the end of the year. You're definitely on the right track by thinking about this now rather than getting surprised in April!

Check your tax transcript. Online. Might show what the original issue was. Could give you clues. Worth a look. Faster than waiting.

Ana, I understand your concern about receiving Notice 1462! As others have mentioned, this notice is essentially the IRS saying "we received your response and are working on it." Since you mentioned being recently retired, I'm curious - do you recall what the original notice was about? Given that you're dealing with new retirement income sources like pension and Social Security, the original issue might have been related to income reporting discrepancies. The good news is that Notice 1462 means they're actively reviewing your case, not that there's a new problem. Since you're so well-organized with your tax documents (love the color-coded folders!), you're already ahead of the game. I'd recommend checking your online IRS account or requesting a tax transcript as Kendrick suggested - this might give you more insight into what triggered the original notice. The waiting period can be nerve-wracking, but try not to stress. The IRS is just extremely backlogged right now. Keep doing what you're doing with your tax preparer, and you should be fine!

I completely understand your frustration with this situation! The 4-hour drive requirement is really unreasonable, especially after you've already been waiting 14 weeks past their promised timeline. Here's what I'd recommend based on what others have shared: 1. **Document the hardship**: When you call the IRS, be very specific about why the 8-hour round trip creates a genuine hardship (not just inconvenience). Mention job constraints, transportation costs, or any other factors that make this particularly difficult. 2. **Try multiple approaches**: Don't just call the identity verification hotline - try the main customer service line and ask for a manager. Also consider submitting a written hardship request via certified mail to create a paper trail. 3. **Contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service**: They specifically help with cases where IRS processes are causing hardship. The extended delay plus the travel requirement could qualify you for their assistance. 4. **Get everything in writing**: If you do have to make the trip, call ahead to confirm your appointment and get a detailed list of required documents. Ask them to email or mail you the list to avoid any miscommunication. The fact that you're already 5 weeks past their promised timeline gives you additional leverage when requesting hardship accommodations. Don't give up on finding alternatives before making that long drive!

I've been through a similar identity verification ordeal and totally feel your pain on that 4-hour drive requirement! One thing that worked for me was calling the IRS and asking to escalate my case to what they call a "hardship review." When I explained that the travel distance would cause genuine financial hardship (I had to take unpaid time off work plus gas/hotel costs), they were able to arrange for me to verify at a different location that was closer. The key was being very specific about the hardship - not just saying "it's inconvenient" but explaining the actual financial impact. Also, since you're already 5 weeks past their 9-week promise, that delay itself strengthens your case for special accommodation. If the regular customer service reps can't help, ask specifically to speak with someone about "hardship accommodations" or request to have your case reviewed by a manager. Sometimes the front-line agents don't know about all the available options. Don't give up - there are often more flexible solutions available than what they initially tell you!