A lot of people don't realize that Form 8879 isn't actually sent to the IRS - it's just kept by your tax preparer for their records. It's the authorization form that allows them to e-file on your behalf. The IRS doesn't even receive it directly. So any letter you're getting isn't related to Form 8879 itself, but rather to the return that was filed or amended after you signed that form.

I can relate to your panic - getting any letter from the IRS is nerve-wracking! Based on what you've described, it sounds like your accountant filed an amended return (Form 1040-X) to correct some issues with your original filing, and the letter you're receiving is most likely just the IRS acknowledging they got it. This is totally normal procedure. When the IRS receives an amended return, they typically send an acknowledgment letter (usually a CP21B notice) within 2-3 weeks just to let you know they received it and are processing it. It's not a sign of trouble - just their standard way of confirming receipt. The Form 8879 you signed is completely separate - that's just the authorization form that allowed your accountant to electronically file your return. The IRS doesn't even receive that form directly. I'd suggest calling your accountant to confirm they filed an amendment and ask them to explain what corrections were made. They should have been clearer about this process upfront, but don't worry - acknowledgment letters for amended returns are routine!

I went through this last year and found that asking about technology was important. Some CPAs I interviewed were still doing everything on paper or using really outdated systems! Look for someone who uses secure client portals for document sharing (NOT email), electronic signatures, and has some kind of organized system to track deadlines and documents. I ended up choosing a CPA who had me upload all my docs to their secure portal and had a mobile app where I could check status, ask questions, etc. Made everything SO much easier than playing phone tag.

Great question! As someone who went through this process recently, I'd add a few more things to consider: Ask about their client-to-staff ratio and workload during tax season. Some CPAs take on too many clients and you end up getting rushed service or dealing with junior staff instead of the actual CPA you hired. Also inquire about their backup systems - what happens if they get sick or have an emergency during tax season? Do they have other qualified professionals who can step in? For your inheritance situation specifically, ask if they have experience with estate tax planning and gift/inheritance tax implications. Not all CPAs are well-versed in this area, and you want someone who can help you navigate both the immediate tax consequences and longer-term planning strategies. Finally, trust your gut during the consultation. A good CPA should make you feel confident and informed, not confused or pressured. They should be willing to explain their reasoning and help you understand your options, not just tell you what to do.

Has anyone here used a specific tax form for education expenses as a business deduction? I'm trying to figure out if these go on Schedule C or if there's another form I'm missing.

I've been dealing with similar education deduction questions for my consulting business. One thing I learned that might help - the IRS has a specific test called the "minimum education requirement" test. If the education is required to meet the minimum requirements of your current business, it's generally not deductible. For your wife's doctoral program, since she already meets the minimum requirements to practice counseling with her Masters, the additional doctorate should qualify as maintaining/improving existing skills rather than meeting minimum requirements. For your accounting degree, the key question is whether you already perform accounting functions in your detailing business. If you're already doing bookkeeping, financial planning, tax prep for the business, then the formal education could be seen as improving those existing skills. But if you're not currently doing significant accounting work, it might be viewed as qualifying you for new responsibilities. I'd recommend documenting exactly what financial/accounting tasks you currently handle for your business before starting the program. This creates a paper trail showing the education improves existing duties rather than preparing you for entirely new ones.

I believe I can share some relevant experience here. I processed taxes for a client in a similar situation last year. They had Marketplace coverage for February only, then transitioned to employer coverage. We initially filed without the 1095-A because they couldn't locate it. The return was accepted and processed. However, approximately 45 days later, they received a notice requesting verification of the Marketplace coverage. By that point, they had located their 1095-A. They submitted it, and the matter was resolved without penalties. That said, I would recommend attempting to obtain the form first if possible. The Marketplace can typically provide a replacement fairly quickly if you contact them directly.

When comparing your situation to other tax scenarios I've seen, you're in a relatively low-risk category. Unlike taxpayers with full-year Marketplace coverage claiming substantial credits, your one-month situation is much simpler. Similar to how a missing 1099-INT for small interest income rarely triggers issues, a brief Marketplace coverage period without premium tax credits typically processes smoothly. In contrast, taxpayers with complex healthcare situations involving multiple family members or significant premium credits face much higher scrutiny. Your Medicare transition is a common life event the IRS routinely processes. While getting the 1095-A is ideal, your refund timing likely won't be affected if you file without it, especially compared to those with more complex healthcare situations.

bruh why do ppl stress about stuff that dont apply to them 💀

Just to add some reassurance - I've been doing taxes for 15 years and the Form 1095-A requirement only applies if you actually received advance premium tax credits through a marketplace plan. If you never enrolled in marketplace insurance, there's literally no way for you to have received these credits, so the IRS has no reason to expect that form from you. The rejections you're seeing are from people who DID have marketplace coverage but forgot to include their 1095-A. You're completely in the clear! 🙂