Ok but what about practical advice? My son (16) makes about $7,500 working part-time. Does he need to file? Will he get all that tax money back? His W-2 shows they took like $450 in federal taxes!!!

This is such a great discussion! I went through the same confusion when my 17-year-old nephew started working last summer. What really helped me understand it was looking at it from a different angle - minors DO benefit from government services that taxes fund, like public schools, infrastructure, emergency services, etc. The representation piece is tricky though. Technically, minors are "represented" through their parents/guardians who vote, and through elected officials who are supposed to consider all constituents. But you're right that it feels weird philosophically. One thing I learned is that the tax system has some built-in protections for minors - like the standard deduction Sofia mentioned, and the fact that most working teens end up getting refunds. It's not perfect, but there is some recognition that their situation is different from adult taxpayers. Have you looked into whether your sister qualifies for any of the education credits when she starts filing in future years? That might help offset some of the "taxation without representation" feeling!

This is such great news! I've been in the same situation with 810 codes just sitting there for what felt like forever. It's so reassuring to hear from multiple people that when they disappear, it usually means good things are happening. The IRS system is so confusing - I wish they would just send us a simple update like "hey, we're reviewing your return" instead of making us decode these cryptic numbers. But hearing that people are getting their refunds within 1-2 weeks after the codes clear gives me hope! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences 🙌

OP, this is actually really encouraging news! I went through the exact same thing last month - had multiple 810 codes that just vanished overnight. I was panicking thinking something went wrong, but it turned out to be the opposite. Got my refund about 10 days later. The disappearing codes basically means the IRS finished whatever review they were doing and cleared your return to move forward. I know the waiting is torture (I was refreshing my transcript like every hour lol) but try to stay patient. You should see some positive movement soon! 🤞

Has anyone dealt with the situation where someone has been denied SSDI but you still claim them as disabled for tax purposes? My sister has fibromyalgia and can't work but got denied disability benefits. I'm claiming her as a dependent but worried that the SSDI denial will cause problems.

I went through something very similar with my adult son who has autism spectrum disorder. He's high-functioning but struggles with employment due to social anxiety and sensory issues. The key thing I learned is that you need clear documentation from a medical professional stating that your brother's conditions prevent him from engaging in "substantial gainful activity." The IRS definition is actually more about functional capacity than the specific diagnosis. Even if your brother doesn't qualify for SSI, if his mental health conditions genuinely prevent him from maintaining employment, and you have medical documentation supporting this, you should be on solid ground. I'd recommend getting a letter from his treating psychiatrist or psychologist that specifically addresses his ability to work and maintain employment. The letter should use language like "unable to engage in substantial gainful activity" and mention that the condition is expected to last at least 12 months. This gives you the backup documentation you'd need if questioned. The peace of mind is worth having that conversation with his doctor, even if it feels awkward to ask.

Watch out for vesting periods with these employer student loan benefits! I learned this the hard way. My company offered $3,000/year toward student loans, but it had a 3-year vesting period. I left after 18 months and had to PAY BACK all the contributions they'd made! Always read the fine print of these programs. Some questions to ask: - Is there a vesting schedule? - Do you have to repay if you leave before a certain time? - Does the money go directly to loans or to you as taxable income? - Is there a lifetime maximum benefit?

Ruby, I completely understand your hesitation about approaching HR - I felt the same way when I was in your situation! But honestly, most HR departments are familiar with these programs now and see them as standard benefits, not a sign that you're struggling. Before you talk to HR, I'd suggest doing some homework first. Check your company's benefits portal or intranet - sometimes these programs are listed under "education assistance" or "professional development" rather than student loans specifically. You can also look at your company's career page to see if they advertise student loan assistance as a recruitment tool. When you do approach HR, frame it professionally: "I'm interested in learning more about our student loan repayment benefits and how to enroll." Don't feel like you need to share your debt amount or financial struggles - just ask about the program details. One tip: if your company doesn't currently offer this benefit, you could suggest it! Many companies are looking for low-cost ways to attract and retain talent, and with the tax advantages, these programs are relatively inexpensive for employers to implement. Good luck with your $58k debt - that's definitely manageable with the right strategy, especially if you can get employer help!

Has anyone used TurboTax for their Turo business? Do they have a specific section for car sharing income or do you just put everything under general business income? Trying to figure out the easiest way to handle this.

I've been doing Turo hosting for about 2 years now and went through the exact same concerns in my first year. The IRS absolutely recognizes legitimate car rental businesses on Schedule C, even with depreciation losses - the key is demonstrating business intent. Here's what helped me establish legitimacy: I kept detailed records of all rental activity, maintenance, and expenses; created a simple business plan showing how I intended to grow the operation; opened a separate business checking account; and documented my efforts to optimize listings and increase bookings. The depreciation losses are completely normal in the first few years of any asset-heavy business. What matters is that you're genuinely trying to make a profit and treating it like a business, not just using it as a way to write off your personal car expenses. Keep good records showing the percentage of business vs personal use, and you should be fine. Your CPA friend is right about hobby loss rules, but they mainly apply when someone clearly isn't trying to run a profitable business. If you're actively managing your Turo listings, responding to guests promptly, maintaining the vehicle for rental purposes, and generally operating like a business owner, you're well within legitimate territory.