This is exactly why I still do paper returns. Everyone thinks I'm crazy but computers fail, software glitches, systems crash, and suddenly hours of work vanish. With paper, what you write stays written.

I feel your pain - losing hours of tax work is absolutely maddening! I had a similar experience with different software a few years back and it taught me to be paranoid about backups. Beyond what others have suggested about contacting TaxAct support, I'd recommend checking if your browser has any cached data that might help. Sometimes going to your browser history and finding the TaxAct pages you were on can reveal temporary files or cached forms that might have some of your data. Also, if you used any browser autofill features while entering information, check your browser's saved form data - you might be able to recover some of the basic info like names, addresses, and employer information that way. For next time (with any software), I learned to take a screenshot after completing each major section AND save a PDF of the return in progress every 30 minutes or so. It's a bit tedious but saves so much heartache when things go wrong. The tax software companies really need to do better with their autosave and recovery features - this shouldn't be something taxpayers have to worry about!

Has anyone used TurboTax for filing with both 1042-S and W-2? Wondering if it handles this situation correctly or if I need to go to a professional?

Just want to add some clarity on the estimated tax payment timing since there's been some confusion in the thread. You absolutely should make that Q4 estimated payment by January 15th, 2026 - this is separate from your actual tax return filing. However, there's a potential strategy you might consider: if your W-2 withholdings from January-April were substantial enough to cover 90% of your total 2025 tax liability (including the fellowship income), you might not owe penalties at all. You can calculate this roughly by estimating your total tax for the year and seeing if your W-2 withholdings hit that 90% threshold. Also, since you mentioned you're a foreign resident considered a US tax resident - make sure you understand which test made you a tax resident (substantial presence test vs green card test). This affects how certain treaty benefits apply and whether you need to file Form 8840 or other forms. Given the complexity with multi-state filing (FL and CA), treaty considerations, and mixed income types, I'd honestly recommend getting professional help for this first year. Once you understand the process, future years will be much easier to handle yourself.

Welcome to the working world, Alexander! I remember being just as confused when I got my first job at 17. The tax withholdings you're seeing are completely normal, but there are definitely ways to optimize them for your situation. Since you're only 16 and working part-time, you'll likely qualify to claim exempt from federal income tax withholding if your total earnings for the year stay under the standard deduction (around $14,600 for 2025). This would stop the $32.18 federal withholding but you'd still pay Social Security and Medicare taxes - those are required for everyone. Here's what I'd recommend: Keep detailed records of your hours and pay, and use that to estimate your total yearly income. If it looks like you'll stay well under $14,000, go ahead and update your W-4 to claim exempt. You can always change it back if your hours increase significantly during summer break. Also, even though your parents will likely claim you as a dependent, you should still file your own tax return to get back any federal taxes that were withheld. Most online tax software is free for simple returns like yours. Good luck with your first job - you're asking all the right questions!

Great question, Alexander! I went through the same confusion when I started my first job at 16. Your withholdings look completely normal - those are the standard deductions everyone pays. Here's a quick breakdown: Federal, state, and city taxes go to different government levels, while Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) are mandatory for all workers regardless of age. The good news is that as a part-time student worker making around $5,000 annually, you'll likely get most of that federal tax back when you file your return next year. I'd definitely recommend talking to HR about updating your W-4 to claim "exempt" from federal withholding. Since your yearly income will probably be well under the standard deduction (~$14,600), you won't owe federal income tax anyway. This would put that $32.18 back in your pocket each paycheck while you'd still pay the required Social Security and Medicare taxes. And yes, you can absolutely file your own tax return even at 16! Your parents can still claim you as a dependent on their return, but you should file your own to get back any over-withheld federal taxes. Keep all your pay stubs - you'll need them to verify the W-2 form your employer sends you in January. You're being really smart by asking these questions early. Most people don't think about optimizing their withholdings until they've been working for years!

Anyone use any good apps for tracking these kinds of receipts from private sellers? I'm terrible at keeping paper and my phone is always with me.

Great question! I run a small cabinetry business and deal with this all the time. The IRS doesn't require formal receipts from businesses for every expense, but you do need "adequate records" to substantiate your deductions. For private seller purchases, I create simple handwritten receipts that include: date, seller's name and contact info, detailed description of materials, quantity, price paid, and business purpose. I have the seller sign it and keep a copy. For smaller purchases under $75, the IRS is generally more lenient on documentation requirements. A few other tips: Take photos of what you bought, pay by check or electronic transfer when possible (creates a paper trail), and keep a purchase log in your truck. I also recommend getting a simple receipt book from an office supply store - makes the whole process look more professional and sellers don't mind filling them out. The key is consistency. Pick a system and stick with it for all your purchases, whether from Home Depot or your neighbor's barn. Your future self (and accountant) will thank you!

This has been such an enlightening thread! As a newcomer to this community, I'm incredibly grateful for all the detailed explanations about gift tax rules. The clarity everyone has provided about the recipient not owing income tax on true gifts while the giver handles the gift tax implications is exactly what I needed to understand. What's particularly valuable is how this discussion has gone beyond just the basic tax rules to cover all the practical considerations - banking compliance, documentation requirements, international reporting, and even the relationship dynamics that can come with large gifts. It really shows how receiving a significant gift, while obviously wonderful, requires careful handling to avoid complications. The emphasis on proper documentation throughout this thread is something I'll definitely remember. Having gift letters, maintaining clear records, and being proactive with banks seems crucial for avoiding problems down the road. It's also reassuring to know that there are professionals who specialize in these situations for anyone dealing with substantial amounts. Thanks to everyone who has shared their knowledge and experiences here - this community is amazing for breaking down complex tax topics in such an accessible way!

This thread has been absolutely fascinating to read through as someone new to this community! I had no idea that gift tax rules were so complex yet actually favorable to recipients. The fact that you don't owe income tax on genuine gifts while the burden falls on the giver is completely counterintuitive to what I would have expected. What really stands out to me is how much the IRS focuses on intent and documentation rather than just dollar amounts. Having proper gift letters and clear records seems absolutely crucial for avoiding complications later. The banking compliance aspects are also something I never would have considered - the idea that you need to proactively communicate with your bank about large incoming deposits to avoid account freezes is such practical advice. I'm curious about one scenario - what happens if you receive a large gift but then use that money to make your own gifts to other people? Like if someone gives you $500K and you decide to give $50K each to several family members. Would that affect how the original gift is treated for tax purposes, or are these completely separate transactions? It seems like understanding the rules could be valuable in both directions if you ever become wealthy enough to be a giver rather than just a recipient. Thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed knowledge - this community is amazing for breaking down complex topics like this in such an accessible way!