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A bit off-topic, but for future reference - if you invest through certain EU brokers that have proper tax treaty implementation processes, they'll automatically withhold at the correct treaty rate (15% for Portugal) if you have your W-8BEN on file. I switched to IBKR specifically for this reason after having the exact same problem with my previous broker. Also, for Portuguese tax filing - make sure to include the foreign income in Anexo J of your IRS declaration. The Portuguese finanΓ§as can be very picky about how foreign tax credits are claimed!
I've been looking into IBKR for investing in US stocks. Do they automatically apply the correct treaty rates for all countries? And do they provide all the documentation needed for tax time without having to make special requests?
I faced this exact situation last year as a US tax professional helping international clients. Here's what I recommend: 1. **Start with your broker first** - Request Form 1042-S and any withholding statements they can provide. This is often sufficient for most tax authorities. 2. **If you need IRS documentation directly**, you have two main options: - File Form 1040NR (even if you don't owe additional tax) to create an official record, then request a tax transcript - Submit a written request to the IRS for a "Letter of Certification" showing taxes withheld on US-source income 3. **For the written request**, include: - Copy of your broker statements showing dividends and withholding - Letter explaining you need proof of US taxes paid for foreign tax credit in Portugal - Your contact information and Portuguese tax ID 4. **Mail to**: Internal Revenue Service, Austin Service Center, International Returns Section, 3651 S Interregional Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78741 The process typically takes 30-60 days, but this documentation should satisfy the Portuguese tax authority's requirements for your foreign tax credit claim. Make sure to keep copies of everything you submit!
This is incredibly helpful! As someone new to international investing, I had no idea about Form 1040NR or the Letter of Certification option. Quick question - if I go with the written request route, do I need to include any specific forms or just the broker statements and explanation letter? Also, is there a particular format the letter should follow, or can it be a simple explanation of what I need and why? I'm in a similar situation with dividends from last year and want to make sure I get this right the first time rather than having to resubmit.
I went through this exact same situation last year! The 570/971 combo is frustrating but pretty standard - it just means they're doing some kind of verification review. Since your math is perfect and you filed early, it's likely just a random audit or income verification check. The good news is your transcript shows everything processed normally on 4/17, so you're definitely getting that $8,368 refund - it's just a matter of when. The 971 notice should arrive soon and tell you exactly what they need. In my case, it was just identity verification and took about 6 weeks total once I responded to their letter. Pro tip: keep checking your transcript weekly for updates. Once you see the 570 code reverse (showing as a negative amount), your refund should be released within a few days. Hang in there!
Thanks for sharing your experience! 6 weeks doesn't sound too bad compared to some of the horror stories I've been reading. Really hoping mine moves faster since everything looks straightforward on my transcript. Did you have to send in any additional documents or was it just the identity verification through their system?
I'm dealing with the exact same codes right now - 570 and 971 from last month. It's so stressful when you're expecting that refund! From what I've researched, the 971 notice usually arrives within 2-3 weeks of the date shown on your transcript (so you should be getting it soon if you haven't already). The waiting is the worst part, but at least your transcript shows clean numbers with no penalties or interest accruing. That's a really good sign that it's just a routine review rather than anything more serious. Have you tried setting up informed delivery with USPS so you can see when the letter is coming? It won't speed up the process but at least you'll know when to expect it in your mailbox. Keeping my fingers crossed both our refunds get released soon! π€
Better question is do you qualify for HOH? Make sure you meet all requirements - supporting someone, paying more than half household costs, unmarried etc
yep I checked all the boxes! supporting my kid and paying everything
Just to add to what others have said - the IRS cares about your actual residence, not your ID address. But definitely keep good records like lease agreements, utility bills, bank statements showing your address, etc. If you get audited, you'll need to prove you maintained the household at that address for more than half the year. The documentation is way more important than what's printed on your license!
This is super helpful advice! I was wondering about the documentation part too. Do you know if screenshots of online utility accounts count as good enough proof, or do they prefer the actual paper bills?
Has anyone used TurboTax for reporting home sales after divorce? I'm in a similar situation and wondering if it handles the quitclaim situation correctly or if I need to use a CPA this year.
I used TurboTax last year for almost this exact scenario. It asked all the right questions and had specific sections for divorce-related property transfers. Just make sure you have your original purchase documents and the divorce decree handy. It walked me through determining the correct basis step by step.
I went through a very similar situation a few years ago and can confirm what others have said about the basis calculation. The key thing to remember is that divorce-related property transfers don't create taxable events, so your cost basis remains the original $370k purchase price plus any qualifying capital improvements you made. One thing I'd add is to make sure you document everything properly on Form 8949 and Schedule D. You'll need to show the sale price ($640k), your adjusted basis (original cost plus improvements), and calculate your capital gain. Since you lived in the home as your primary residence, you should qualify for the $250k capital gains exclusion as a single filer. The payment you made to your ex ($25k based on the $420k valuation) was essentially buying out their ownership interest, but it doesn't affect your tax basis. Keep those divorce documents though - they support that the transfer was part of a divorce settlement under IRC Section 1041. If you haven't already, gather up any receipts for major home improvements during your ownership period. Things like HVAC replacements, flooring, kitchen/bathroom renovations, etc. can add up and reduce your taxable gain significantly.
This is really helpful, thank you! Just to clarify - when you mention the $25k payment to the ex, I think there might be a small calculation error. If the house was valued at $420k and they bought it for $370k, the equity would have been $50k, so half would be $25k. But if they're saying they paid "half of our equity" that would actually be more like $25k based on the $50k total equity, not based on the full $420k value. Either way, your main point stands that this payment doesn't change the tax basis calculation. I'm curious though - do you remember roughly how much documentation the IRS actually wanted when you filed? Did you have to attach all the improvement receipts or just keep them for your records?
Freya Thomsen
Quick tip from someone who works in tax prep - even if you don't receive a 1099, the IRS probably will. Financial institutions send copies of all 1099s to the IRS, even if they don't meet the threshold to send one to you. So definitely report your stock sales accurately!
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Omar Zaki
β’Wait that's confusing. So Cash App might send the info to the IRS but not to the user? How are we supposed to match their numbers exactly if we don't see what they reported?
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Paolo Conti
β’That's a great point! The reporting thresholds can be different for what gets sent to taxpayers versus what gets sent to the IRS. Generally, if you calculate your gains/losses using your actual transaction records (like the OP has with their purchase and sale confirmations), your numbers should match what the broker reports to the IRS. The key is to be as accurate as possible with your calculations. Use the exact purchase price, sale price, and dates from your account history. If there are any discrepancies later, having your original transaction records will help resolve them. The IRS understands that sometimes taxpayers need to self-report when they don't receive forms, as long as you're making a good faith effort to report accurately.
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Dylan Campbell
I went through something very similar with Cashapp last year! The $600 threshold that others mentioned is key - if your total proceeds were under that amount, they're not required to send you a 1099-B, but you're absolutely still required to report it. Since you have your purchase and sale confirmations, you're in great shape. Here's what worked for me: 1. Calculate your cost basis (what you originally paid for the shares, including any fees) 2. Note your sale proceeds (what you received when you sold) 3. The difference is your capital gain For your taxes, you'll use Form 8949 and check Box C (short-term) or Box F (long-term - sounds like yours since you held for 18 months). List "Ideanomics (IDEX)" as the description, enter your dates, cost basis, and proceeds. Don't stress about not having the official form - the IRS expects this situation and has provisions for it. Just make sure your calculations are accurate and keep those transaction records. I filed mine this way last year with no issues at all. The important thing is that you're being proactive about reporting it correctly!
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