took like 3 weeks for my transcript to update after filing. yours should update soon

This is totally normal! Your transcript won't show your current year return info until it's fully processed, which can take 2-3 weeks for e-filed returns. The old address is just what's on file from previous years. Once they process your 2023 return, the transcript will populate with all the current info including your new address. Just be patient - if there were any issues with your return, you'd receive a rejection notice within 24-48 hours of filing.

I switched from TurboTax to TaxAct last year and honestly the $50 I saved went straight to buying pizza lol. Both got me the same refund amount. TurboTax is prettier but TaxAct works fine. Im never going back to paying turbotax prices again tbh.

I've been using TaxAct for the past 3 years after switching from TurboTax, and for what it's worth, I think you're overthinking this a bit. Both software options will calculate your taxes correctly - the IRS requirements are the same regardless of which platform you use. Given your situation (investment income, freelancing, property sale), either software can handle it. TaxAct's interface might feel a bit clunky at first if you're used to TurboTax's hand-holding, but you'll adapt quickly. The $10 savings plus getting actual audit representation (vs just guidance) seems like the smarter financial choice here. One practical tip: whichever you choose, make sure to import your investment documents electronically rather than typing them manually. Both platforms support this and it'll save you hours of data entry while reducing errors. That's probably more important for audit prevention than which audit protection plan you pick.

The IRS has a "Safe Harbor" provision (Section 530) that some small religious schools try to use as a loophole, but it doesn't apply in situations like yours. They have to meet very specific requirements including consistent treatment of all similar workers and a "reasonable basis" for classification. With you working set hours, teaching assigned curriculum, and using their facilities, there's no reasonable basis for contractor status. The school is definitely in the wrong here. If they don't fix this after you bring it up, file Form 8919 "Uncollected Social Security and Medicare Tax on Wages" with your tax return to pay only your half of these taxes instead of the full self-employment tax. Check code G in box 9: "I received a Form 1099 but I am a statutory employee.

I'm dealing with something very similar at my tutoring center! They've been giving me 1099s even though I work set hours, use their curriculum, and teach in their facility. After reading through all these responses, I'm definitely going to try the taxr.ai suggestion first to get documentation, then have a conversation with my employer. The Form 8919 option is really helpful to know about - I had no idea you could pay just the employee portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes when you're misclassified. At $21k salary, that self-employment tax difference is probably costing you around $1,600 extra per year, which is huge when you're already struggling financially. One thing I'd add - document everything about your work relationship (your schedule, any employee handbook, emails about duties, etc.) before you approach the school. Having that paper trail will be crucial whether you end up filing IRS forms or just need to convince your administration to fix the classification. Good luck with this! It's frustrating that schools think they can get away with this just because teachers are often desperate for work and don't know their rights.

Has anyone here actually done the math on SEP IRA vs 401k for an S-corp owner? I'm in a similar situation to the original poster and trying to figure out if the switch is worth it.

The transition from SEP IRA to 401k when adding employees is actually pretty common for growing S-corps, so you're definitely on the right track. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given - make sure you coordinate the timing carefully if you're planning to make a final SEP contribution for 2024. Since you can make SEP contributions up until your business tax filing deadline (including extensions), you could potentially make your final 2024 SEP contribution as late as September 2025 if you file an extension. Just make sure this doesn't overlap with when you start your 401k contributions to avoid any confusion. Also, consider whether you want to offer any matching in your new 401k plan. It's a great way to attract and retain employees, and as an S-corp owner, you'll benefit from the match too. The administrative costs are usually worth it once you have multiple employees, especially compared to having to contribute equally for everyone under a SEP.

Pro tip: take screenshots of all your important docs next time you log in. learned that the hard way

Have you tried clearing your browser cache and cookies? Sometimes that helps with login issues. Also make sure you're using the correct URL - there are some fake Spruce sites out there that look legit but aren't. The real one should be through your tax preparer's portal or the official IRS link.