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Quick practical tip - when you contact the client, ask them to also provide you with a letter acknowledging the error for your records. I keep a file of these correction letters just in case the IRS ever questions why a reported 1099 didn't show up on our corporate return. Better to have documentation ready than to explain it during an audit!
Great advice! But what exactly should this letter include? Just a general "we sent this 1099-NEC by mistake" or should it have specific details?
The letter should include specific details like the tax year, the amount reported on the incorrect 1099-NEC, your corporation's name and EIN, and a clear statement that the form was issued in error because payments to corporations don't require 1099-NEC reporting. Something like "We acknowledge that the 1099-NEC issued to [Corporation Name], EIN [number] for tax year 2024 reporting $X in Box 1 was issued in error as corporations are not subject to 1099-NEC reporting requirements under IRS regulations." Having the client sign and date it makes it even more official for your records.
Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I just wanted to add that timing matters here too. If your client has already filed the 1099-NEC with the IRS (the deadline was January 31st), they'll need to submit a corrected form showing $0 rather than just voiding it in their system. Also, don't panic if they can't or won't correct it immediately. As long as you're properly reporting your corporate income on Form 1120, the IRS computer matching system will eventually sort it out. The key is having documentation that you attempted to get it corrected - keep copies of your emails or letters to the client requesting the correction. One more tip: if this client regularly pays your corporation significant amounts, it might be worth having a conversation about updating their vendor files to properly classify you as a corporation to prevent this from happening again next year.
Don't forget about state taxes! While the federal government generally doesn't tax foreign inheritances, some states do have inheritance taxes. What state do you live in? That could make a difference too.
Only 6 states have inheritance taxes now - Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. And even then, most exempt close relatives. But definitely worth checking depending on where OP lives.
I went through something similar when my grandmother in France passed away and left me some money. One thing I learned that might help you - make sure you keep detailed records of EVERYTHING from the moment you're notified about the inheritance. I'd recommend creating a file with: the original will (and English translation), all correspondence with the Italian lawyer, bank transfer documents showing the source of funds, any Italian tax documents, and records of the exchange rate on the day you receive the money. The IRS loves documentation, and having this paper trail ready will save you headaches if they ever have questions. Also, don't rush to transfer the money immediately. Take time to understand all the requirements first - both the Form 3520 reporting and any potential FBAR obligations if the money sits in Italy for a while. I made the mistake of moving too quickly and had to reconstruct some of the documentation later. The ā¬120,000 is a significant amount, so even though you won't owe income tax on it, getting professional help for at least the first year's filing is probably worth the cost to make sure everything is done correctly.
This is really comprehensive advice, thank you! I'm definitely learning that documentation is key with international inheritance. One question - when you say "records of the exchange rate on the day you receive the money," do you mean the day the inheritance is officially transferred to me, or the day I actually move it from Italy to my US bank account? I want to make sure I'm using the right date for reporting purposes. Also, did you end up needing to provide proof that your grandmother actually passed away and that the inheritance was legitimate? I'm wondering if I should get an official death certificate translation or other documentation beyond just the will.
I've been through this exact scenario with multiple S-corps over the years. The practical reality is that basis-only corrections rarely trigger IRS scrutiny when there's no tax liability change. However, I'd strongly recommend creating a paper trail regardless of which route you choose. Here's what I typically advise clients: Issue the corrected K-1 marked "AMENDED" and create a detailed memo explaining the error, the correction, and confirming zero tax impact. Keep this with your corporate records. If you're really concerned about potential matching issues, you could file a superseding 1120-S if you're still within the original filing deadline (including extensions), which avoids the formal amendment process. The $800 your accountant wants seems excessive for what should be straightforward paperwork. As a sole shareholder, you have more flexibility here than multi-owner entities. Just make sure whatever you do is well-documented in case questions arise later.
This is really helpful context! The superseding return option is something I hadn't considered. Quick question though - if I'm past the original filing deadline (which I am), would filing an amended 1120-S be treated differently by the IRS than just keeping the corrected K-1 with documentation? I'm trying to weigh the risk of drawing attention with a formal amendment versus potential issues if they later discover the discrepancy during matching.
Since you're past the original deadline, a superseding return isn't an option anymore - that window has closed. At this point, you're looking at either filing a formal 1120S-X (amended return) or taking the documentation-only approach. Honestly, filing the amended return doesn't necessarily draw more attention than you think. The IRS processes thousands of these, and most are routine corrections. The key difference is that with a formal amendment, you're proactively addressing any potential discrepancy rather than waiting to see if they notice it during matching. That said, given that you're the sole shareholder with zero tax impact, the documentation approach has worked well for many taxpayers in similar situations. The risk of IRS matching catching this type of basis-only discrepancy is relatively low, especially compared to income/deduction mismatches that actually affect tax liability. If you do go the documentation route, make sure your memo is thorough and references the specific line items that were corrected. This shows due diligence if questions ever arise.
As someone who's dealt with similar K-1 corrections, I'd recommend taking a middle-ground approach that balances compliance with practicality. Since you're the sole shareholder and there's no tax liability impact, you have more flexibility than most. Here's what I'd suggest: First, create a comprehensive correction memo documenting the original error, the corrected amounts, and explicitly stating there's no change to tax liability. Include calculations showing your correct stock basis before and after. Then issue yourself an amended K-1 clearly marked "AMENDED" and reference the memo. For the 1120-S question - if you're really concerned about potential IRS matching issues down the road, consider calling them directly to ask about your specific situation. Sometimes getting their guidance on record can provide peace of mind and documentation that you acted in good faith. The reality is that basis-tracking corrections rarely trigger enforcement action when there's no revenue impact, but having solid documentation is what protects you regardless. Your $800 accounting fee seems steep for what's essentially a paperwork correction with no tax consequences.
This is exactly the balanced approach I was looking for! The idea of calling the IRS directly for guidance on my specific situation is brilliant - having their input on record would definitely give me peace of mind. Quick question about the correction memo - should I include the actual dollar amounts that were incorrect, or is it sufficient to just state the nature of the error (e.g., "distribution amount was overstated") and reference the amended K-1 for the specific figures? I want to make sure the documentation is thorough enough without creating unnecessary complexity. Also, has anyone had success getting through to the IRS business line recently? I know wait times can be brutal, but if there are any tips for the best times to call or which number works best, I'd really appreciate it!
Definitely include the actual dollar amounts in your memo - specificity is key for good documentation. I'd structure it as: "Original K-1 showed distribution of $X, corrected amount should be $Y, resulting in basis adjustment from $A to $B." This level of detail shows you've done the math properly and makes it clear to anyone reviewing later exactly what was wrong and how it was fixed. For calling the IRS, I've had the best luck calling the business line (1-800-829-4933) right when they open at 7 AM local time, or interestingly, right around lunch time (12-1 PM) when call volume sometimes dips. Avoid Mondays and the day after holidays at all costs. Also, have your EIN and all relevant tax year info ready before you call - they'll ask for it immediately. If you get disconnected or can't get through after a reasonable attempt, that's actually when services like Claimyr that others mentioned might be worth considering, since they can automate the repetitive calling process while you focus on other things.
9 Just adding another suggestion: call your employer's payroll department directly (not your manager). I work in HR and we can generate duplicate W-2s instantly with our payroll system at no charge. It's ridiculous they're trying to charge you $75! If it's a larger company, go above your boss's head and contact corporate payroll. By law, employers must provide W-2s to employees, and most companies don't charge for replacements.
As a tax preparer, I want to emphasize that you have several legitimate free options before paying your employer anything. The IRS wage and income transcript is your best bet - it's official, free, and most financial aid offices accept it. You can get it instantly online at irs.gov if you can verify your identity, or request it by phone. Also, definitely try calling your employer's corporate HR or payroll department if it's a larger company. Many employers don't charge for duplicate W-2s, and your manager might not be following company policy. The $75 fee sounds excessive and potentially against company guidelines. If all else fails and you're still within the tax filing deadline, you can actually file your taxes without the W-2 using Form 4852 (Substitute for Form W-2) based on your final pay stub, but check with a tax professional first since you're a dependent.
Mei Chen
The solo 401k contribution calculation errors would be my last straw. That's a pretty straightforward calculation with clear limits, and getting it wrong multiple years shows either incompetence or carelessness.
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Liam Sullivan
ā¢100% agree. I had a CPA make this mistake once and I gave them another chance, but twice? No way. Those contribution limits are literally published by the IRS with clear formulas.
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Henrietta Beasley
These are absolutely red flags, not normal CPA behavior. I've been through tax season with several different CPAs over the years, and what you're describing shows a fundamental lack of attention to your account. The estimated tax payment issue alone should have you looking elsewhere. When you explicitly notify your CPA about a significant revenue increase, recalculating quarterly payments should be automatic - that's Tax Planning 101. The fact that he acknowledged your email but didn't act on it is inexcusable, especially when you're facing an $82k surprise bill. The repeated solo 401k errors are particularly telling because these calculations follow straightforward IRS guidelines. Making the same mistake twice suggests he's not learning from his errors or possibly not dedicating enough time to your file. You're not being unreasonable - you deserve a CPA who is proactive, organized, and responsive to your communications. Start interviewing new candidates now, and make sure to ask them specifically how they handle mid-year revenue changes and client communications. A good CPA should have systems in place to prevent exactly what you're experiencing.
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Anderson Prospero
ā¢This is exactly what I needed to hear. I've been second-guessing myself wondering if I'm being too demanding, but you're right - these aren't unreasonable expectations. The $82k surprise really opened my eyes to how costly these "oversights" can be. I'm definitely going to start interviewing new CPAs and will ask those specific questions about handling mid-year changes. Thank you for validating that this isn't normal!
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