Just wanted to share what I learned from my accountant about this exact issue. For nearly all 1099-NECs from businesses (including Google/YouTube): 1. The Payer's Federal Tax ID is always an EIN for businesses 2. It should follow the xx-xxxxxxx format 3. Google often prints it without the dash, but it's still an EIN 4. Only individual payers (like if a person hired you directly) would use an SSN If you're making decent money on YouTube, consider getting an accountant who specializes in creator income. There are so many deductions available that most people miss! I was able to write off a portion of my internet, my editing software, equipment, and even part of my home as a studio space.

Another creator here - wanted to add that Google's EIN is actually publicly available information. Their EIN is 77-0493581, so you can verify your 1099-NEC has the right info. Most big tech companies' EINs can be found online.

You might want to consider pursuing a Request for Taxpayer Advocate Service Assistance (Form 911) rather than immediately filing an amendment. The Internal Revenue Code section 7811 provides for expedited handling when there's an IRS error causing significant hardship. The definition of "significant hardship" includes situations where IRS procedures weren't followed correctly, which seems applicable in your case. This approach could potentially resolve your issue in 4-6 weeks rather than the 20-week amendment timeline, especially since the error originated with the IRS rather than your filing.

As someone who went through a similar situation last year, I'd strongly recommend getting everything in writing before proceeding. When the IRS agent told you there was an error on their end, did they provide you with a specific explanation of what went wrong? I've found that different agents sometimes give conflicting information, so having documentation is crucial. Also, before filing the amendment, you might want to explore the Form 911 route that Zara mentioned. I initially started the amendment process but then switched to requesting Taxpayer Advocate assistance when I realized the error was clearly on the IRS side. It saved me about 12 weeks of waiting time. One more thing - if you do proceed with the amendment, make sure to include a cover letter explaining that this amendment is being filed due to an IRS processing error, not a mistake on your original return. This can sometimes help expedite the review process.

Has anyone tried just mailing in their return when this happens? I'm having the same problem but don't want to deal with the IRS phone system at all. What's the typical processing time for paper returns these days?

I went through this exact same nightmare last year with my 3-year-old daughter. After multiple rejected e-files and hours wasted on hold, I discovered the issue was that someone had incorrectly used her SSN on their return the previous year (turned out to be a data entry error at a tax prep chain). Here's what finally worked: I called the IRS Identity Protection line at 800-908-4490 early in the morning (around 7:15 AM EST) and actually got through in about 20 minutes. The agent was able to see the duplicate SSN usage in their system and issued a temporary IP PIN over the phone that was valid for 30 days. The key is having all your documentation ready - your previous year's tax return, your child's Social Security card, birth certificate, and the rejection notice from your tax software. They'll verify your identity as the parent and can resolve it in one call. If you absolutely can't get through by phone, you can also submit Form 15227 (Application for an Identity Protection PIN) by fax to 855-807-5720, but that takes 2-3 weeks to process. The phone route is definitely faster if you can get connected. Don't give up on e-filing - mailing returns is taking 3-4 months right now and you'll be waiting forever for your refund!

FYI - there's another issue ppl aren't mentioning. SBTPG sometimes has a diff processing date than the IRS. My WMR showed approved on 4/2 but SBTPG didn't receive it til 4/4. Then they take 1-2 biz days to process. So even if you get the right amt entered, the status might not show anything if you check too early. Also, if you paid for audit defense or any other add-ons, those fees get taken out too, not just the prep fees.

I went through this exact same frustration last month! You definitely need to use the full $3,247.00 amount (before fees). The SBTPG system matches against what the IRS originally approved, not what you'll actually receive. A few tips that helped me get through: make sure you're entering your SSN exactly as it appears on your return (with or without dashes - try both ways), and double-check that you're using the same ZIP code. Their system times out frequently too, so if you get an error, wait about 10 minutes before trying again. Also, since it's been 16 days and your IRS status shows approved, SBTPG should definitely have received it by now - their processing usually only takes 1-2 business days once they get it from the IRS.

I'm confused about the original post... are you talking about taxes for 2023 (filing now in 2024) or 2024 (filing in 2025)? If it's 2024 taxes, you don't need to worry yet since those aren't due until next year.

Based on your clarification that you're talking about 2023 taxes, yes - paying earlier will definitely save you money! The IRS charges interest that compounds daily from April 15th, 2024 until you pay in full, plus a 0.5% monthly penalty on unpaid amounts. For your $5,800 balance, paying now versus waiting until April 15th could save you roughly $50-75 in interest and penalties (depending on current IRS interest rates). It might not sound like a lot, but every dollar counts when you're already facing an unexpected tax bill. You can pay immediately through IRS Direct Pay without even filing your return first. Just make sure to note it's for your 2023 tax year when you make the payment. Then when you do file your return, the payment will already be credited to your account.