You're absolutely right to question this! I had the same confusion when I first looked at married filing jointly vs separately. The standard deduction doubling isn't really a "benefit" per se - it's just accounting for two people instead of one. The real advantages of filing jointly come from other factors: **Tax Bracket Differences**: This is the big one. For 2025, the 22% tax bracket starts at $47,150 for single filers but doesn't kick in until $94,300 for joint filers. So if you're making $75k and your fiancée makes $40k, more of your combined income gets taxed at lower rates. **Access to Credits**: Many tax credits are either unavailable or have lower income limits when filing separately. The Child Tax Credit, education credits, and even the student loan interest deduction can be lost or reduced. **Income Averaging Effect**: When one spouse earns significantly more, filing jointly can push the higher earner's income into lower brackets by "averaging" it with the lower earner's income. With your income levels ($75k and $40k), you'll likely save money filing jointly because you're avoiding the higher tax brackets that would hit if you filed separately. It's not about the standard deduction - it's about how your income gets taxed overall. The marriage "bonus" is real for couples with different income levels, but you're right that the standard deduction itself isn't the reason why.

You're definitely not missing anything obvious - this is actually a really common source of confusion! The way the standard deduction is marketed does make it sound like some magical married benefit when it's really just proportional. The key insight you're missing is that the real advantage isn't in the standard deduction itself, but in how your combined income gets taxed. Think of it this way: when you file separately, each person's income gets pushed through the tax brackets independently. When you file jointly, your combined income gets spread across much wider tax brackets. Here's a concrete example with your situation ($75k + $40k): **Filing Separately**: Your $75k income would push you well into the 22% bracket, while your fiancée's $40k stays mostly in the 12% bracket. **Filing Jointly**: Your combined $115k gets treated as one unit, and much more of it stays in the lower brackets because the joint brackets are wider (not just doubled). Plus, you'll likely qualify for credits and deductions that get phased out at lower income levels when filing separately. The standard deduction equality is just the government's way of not penalizing married couples - the real benefits come from everything else in the tax code that favors joint filers. Run your numbers both ways before you get married - I bet you'll find joint filing saves you money despite the "same" standard deduction per person.

Did you file the original 6 year old return electronically or on paper? If on paper, I'd recommend calling the IRS to confirm they've fully processed it before filing an amendment. In my experience, if you file an amendment too soon after a paper return, things can get really messed up in their system.

Just went through something very similar! Filed a 2018 return late last year and then realized I'd forgotten about estimated payments I'd made. The good news is you can definitely still amend since you just filed the original return. One thing I learned the hard way - make sure you have solid documentation of those estimated payments before you amend. I thought I remembered making four quarterly payments but when I dug through my old bank records, I'd only made three. The IRS will want to see proof like canceled checks or bank statements showing the payments went to the Treasury. Also, don't stress too much about the timing. Since you just filed the original return, you have plenty of time to get the amendment right. Take a few weeks to gather all your documentation and double-check everything before sending in the 1040-X. Better to be thorough than to have to amend your amendment!

Something nobody's mentioned yet - if you've already filed your 2024 taxes using FIFO, you could potentially file an amended return (Form 1040-X) if it would be significantly better for you. You'd need to do this within 3 years of your original filing date. HOWEVER, just know that changing accounting methods on an amended return might raise flags for the IRS. You'd need to include a detailed explanation and might want to consult with a tax professional first to see if it's worth it in your situation.

Just wanted to add some perspective as someone who went through a similar situation last year. The good news is that you're not stuck with FIFO forever - you can absolutely switch to specific identification for your future sales in 2025. One thing to keep in mind is that the IRS Publication 550 specifically addresses this scenario. You can change your accounting method for future transactions, but you need to be consistent within each tax year. So for all your 2025 crypto sales, you'd need to use the same method throughout that year. I'd strongly recommend starting to track your cost basis now before you make any 2025 sales. Create a detailed spreadsheet with purchase dates, amounts, and prices for all your remaining holdings. When you're ready to sell in August, you'll be able to strategically choose which lots to sell to optimize for long-term capital gains. Also consider consulting with a tax professional who specializes in crypto before making your major sales. The potential tax savings from proper planning could easily justify the consultation fee, especially if you're dealing with significant amounts.

23 Has anyone tried contacting the IRS through their website? I lost some tax documents too and read that they have an online messaging system now?? Trying to avoid calling them if possible...

I went through this exact same situation last year! Don't stress too much - you have several good options. The IRS Get Transcript online tool is definitely your best bet. Log into your IRS online account and request an "Account Transcript" for 2020. It will show your Economic Impact Payment amount clearly. If you can't access it online (sometimes the identity verification is tricky), you can call the IRS and request they mail you the transcript. Yes, the wait times are brutal, but it's the official documentation you need. Your phone photo of the deposited check is actually great backup documentation to keep with your tax records. While the transcript is the "official" source, having that photo shows you're not just guessing at the amount. One tip: if you use tax software, most programs will ask you about stimulus payments received and help calculate if you're owed additional credit. Even without the notice, as long as you have the correct amount, you should be fine.

Whatever you do, DON'T fall for any scams promising to get your refund faster. Stick to official IRS channels only!

This exact thing happened to me last year! Here's what worked for me: First, definitely check the "Where's My Refund" tool like Samantha mentioned - it might give you specific info about what went wrong. Then when you call the IRS (and yes, the wait times are brutal), have these ready: - Your SSN - The exact routing number you entered (even though it's wrong) - The correct routing number for your account - Your tax return confirmation number if you have it The agent will likely need to issue a "refund trace" which can take 6-8 weeks like Megan mentioned. But the good news is you WILL get your money eventually! The IRS doesn't just keep it. Stay patient and document everything - dates you called, reference numbers, etc. Good luck Connor! 🤞