The structuring point is really important - that's something you definitely need to discuss with your tax attorney. If you were making regular deposits just under $10k, that could escalate this beyond a simple underreporting issue. But here's what I want you to focus on right now: you're taking all the right steps. You're getting professional help, you're willing to be honest, and you're prepared to make things right. That puts you in a much better position than someone who tries to hide or fight it. I went through something similar a few years back (not as much money involved, but still scary). The anticipation and anxiety were honestly worse than the actual resolution. The IRS worked with me on a payment plan, and while I paid penalties, it wasn't the life-ending disaster I thought it would be. Document everything you can remember about your deposits - dates, amounts, which clients paid you. Your attorney will help you organize this properly. And try to get some sleep - I know it's hard, but you'll need to be clear-headed for your meeting.

You're in a tough spot, but try not to spiral into worst-case scenarios. Based on what you've described - deposit amounts between $200-2,000 from legitimate work - this doesn't sound like the kind of case that leads to criminal prosecution. The fact that you had a regular W-2 job and were doing honest work (just underreporting) works in your favor. The IRS sees a big difference between someone running an illegal business versus someone who did legitimate work but messed up their taxes. Your attorney meeting tomorrow is crucial. Come prepared with whatever documentation you can gather - even text messages with clients can help establish the legitimate nature of your work. Be completely honest about everything, including how disorganized you were with record-keeping. One thing that might help your case: if you can demonstrate that some of those bank deposits were business expenses being reimbursed (materials, gas, etc.) rather than pure profit, that reduces your actual unreported income. Your attorney can help you figure out what's reasonable to claim. The waiting and uncertainty are brutal, but you're handling this the right way. Most people in your situation end up with payment plans and penalties, not prison time.

Check your transcript again. Look for code 846. That's the actual release date. Sometimes differs from WMR. Might show processing delay. Could also try IRS automated phone system. Press 2-1-3-2 for refund status. Gives more updated info sometimes. Worth a try before stressing.

Langley FCU member here! Filed 2/5 and got the same 2/29 DD date on WMR. Still nothing in my account as of this morning. I called them yesterday and they said the same thing - no pending deposits visible on their end. From what I've seen in other threads, Langley tends to be slower than some of the bigger banks. My sister has USAA and got hers yesterday with the same DD date. Fingers crossed we see movement today or tomorrow! Keep us posted if yours hits - it'll give the rest of us hope! 🤞

Has anyone considered whether this transaction might also trigger Form 8865 requirements instead of Form 926? If the foreign business is structured as a partnership rather than a corporation, Form 8865 would be the correct form. OP, what's the legal structure of your foreign business?

Great question about entity classification! You're absolutely right that this is crucial. @Carmen Ortiz - you mentioned it's a "family business overseas" but the specific legal structure matters enormously for US tax purposes. If it's organized as a corporation in the foreign country, you'll likely need Form 926. But if it's a partnership, LLC, or similar pass-through entity, then Form 8865 would be the correct form instead. The tricky part is that some foreign entities can elect how they want to be treated for US tax purposes (called "check-the-box" elections), so even a foreign LLC might be treated as a corporation if an election was made. Do you know what type of entity it is under local law? And more importantly, do you know if any elections have been made for US tax treatment? This will determine which forms you need to file.

I'm dealing with something similar right now. My long-time tax preparer retired and the new firm wants me to sign what they call a "client engagement letter" but it's basically the same thing you're describing. From what I've researched, these agreements became more common after some high-profile lawsuits where clients sued preparers for issues that weren't really the preparer's fault. The agreements help clarify who's responsible for what. That said, I'd definitely read it carefully before signing. Make sure it doesn't completely absolve them of responsibility for their own errors or negligence. A fair agreement should protect them from liability when you provide wrong information, but they should still be accountable for their own mistakes. Has your tax guy given you any guidance on what changed since the sale? Might be worth asking him directly about the new policies.

I went through something very similar when my CPA of 15 years sold to a regional chain. The new firm immediately sent me a 4-page "service agreement" that felt more like legal protection than a service contract. After reading through it and doing some research, I learned these agreements became standard practice around 2018-2020, largely due to increased litigation against tax preparers. The COVID-era changes to tax laws also made preparers more cautious about liability. The key things I looked for in mine were: 1) Clear definition of what constitutes "reasonable care" on their part, 2) Specific language about correcting their own errors at no charge, 3) Audit representation clauses, and 4) Data security provisions. My advice? Don't sign anything that makes you uncomfortable, but also recognize that most reputable firms won't work without one nowadays. If the language seems too broad or one-sided, ask for modifications. I successfully negotiated two clauses in mine that were too vague about their responsibilities. The transition from small independent preparers to larger firms definitely changes the dynamic, but it doesn't necessarily mean worse service - just more formalized processes.

One more thing to consider - if your income is under $30k, check if you qualify for any tax credits related to charitable giving. Some states have credits (not deductions) for donations that apply regardless of whether you take standard deduction. The 1098-C might be needed to document eligibility for those. I took standard deduction last year but still got a small credit on my state return for my car donation.

I'd strongly recommend getting the 1098-C form, even though you're taking the standard deduction. Here's why: The IRS has specific rules for vehicle donations over $500 - they require the 1098-C for proper documentation, regardless of whether you itemize or not. Since your CR-V is worth $6,500, this puts you well into the range where the IRS expects official documentation. Also, consider that your financial situation could change. Maybe you'll have unexpected medical expenses later in the year, or other deductible expenses that could make itemizing worthwhile. Having the 1098-C gives you that option. From an audit protection standpoint, vehicle donations are one of the areas the IRS scrutinizes more closely. Having the official form filed with the IRS creates a paper trail that protects you, even if you don't claim the deduction this year. The only "cost" is sharing your SSN with a legitimate charity, which they're required to keep secure anyway. There's really no downside to getting proper documentation for such a significant donation.