Has anyone here actually had problems filing with printed copies of W-2s instead of originals? I'm curious because I've been doing that for years (I always scan my W-2s and print copies to file) and never had an issue. I don't think the IRS actually cares as long as all the information is legible.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! I'm working in Japan and had to file by mail for the first time. One thing I learned that might help - when you print out the photos of your W-2s, make sure they're printed at full size and as high quality as possible. If the photos are blurry or the text is too small to read clearly, that could cause processing delays. Also, I'd suggest including a cover letter explaining your situation briefly - something like "I am currently working overseas and only have access to digital copies of my W-2 forms. I have completed Form 4852 as a substitute and am including printed copies of the original W-2 photographs for verification." Keep it simple and professional. One more tip - double-check that all the information from your W-2 photos matches exactly what you entered on Form 4852. Even small discrepancies in dollar amounts or employer info could trigger questions from the IRS. Good luck with your filing!

I almost paid $1,200 for a CPA to do a 1041 for my dad's estate but decided to try it myself. Best decision ever. Took about 6 hours of research and careful work, but I managed it fine. The trick is understanding that a 1041 is fundamentally about tracking income earned during estate administration. The property sale might be the most complex part, but if you have the date-of-death value documented, it's just a matter of accurately reporting the numbers.

For a relatively straightforward estate like yours, the 1041 is definitely doable yourself with some patience and research. I handled my grandmother's estate last year - similar situation with dividends, interest, and a house sale. The key things that helped me: 1) Get the property appraised as of the date of death for your stepped-up basis calculation, 2) Keep meticulous records of all estate expenses (legal fees, appraisal costs, etc. are deductible), and 3) Don't rush - take time to understand each section. The biggest "gotcha" I encountered was properly timing distributions to beneficiaries. If you distribute assets before the end of the tax year, you need to account for that differently than if you wait until after year-end. Given that your uncle passed in November, you're only dealing with about 1.5 months of 2024 estate activity, which should make it more manageable. The IRS Publication 559 (Survivors, Executors, and Administrators) walks through most of the concepts you'll need. $1,350 for what sounds like a relatively simple estate does seem excessive, especially when you'd face the same cost again next year.

Form 926 is literally the worst! I had to file one last year when I transferred some crypto to a foreign exchange and the form is insanely complicated. Took me forever to figure out.

Great question! Based on the information you've provided, you should be in the clear regarding Form 926. With only a 0.00003% ownership stake in the PTP, you're well below the 5% threshold that would trigger Form 926 filing requirements for partnership-mediated transfers to foreign corporations. The key thing to understand is that Form 926 requirements for transfers through partnerships have specific ownership thresholds precisely to avoid burdening small investors like yourself with complex reporting requirements. The partnership itself handles the heavy lifting on foreign reporting at the entity level. However, I'd echo what others have mentioned - do keep an eye on your K-1 supplemental information for any PFIC reporting requirements (Form 8621). These can apply regardless of ownership percentage and are easy to miss if you're not specifically looking for them. PTPs sometimes invest in foreign funds that qualify as PFICs, and the reporting requirements are completely separate from Form 926. Your instinct to double-check is smart though - foreign reporting penalties can be steep, so it's always better to be cautious when you're unsure!

Welcome to the e-filing anxiety club! 😅 As a first-time filer myself a few years back, I totally get that nervous feeling. The good news is that once it's accepted, you're pretty much in the clear - rejection usually happens within the first 24-48 hours due to obvious errors like wrong SSN or duplicate filing. Since you're past that window and it got accepted, you should be golden! The processing time for refunds is typically 21 days from acceptance date, but can be faster depending on your situation.

Just wanted to add that if you're using tax software like TurboTax or H&R Block, they usually send you an email confirmation once the IRS accepts your return. If you haven't gotten that email yet, check your spam folder! I almost missed mine last year because it ended up there. Also, don't stress too much - the IRS is dealing with millions of returns right now so delays are totally normal. You did everything right by e-filing! 👍

Quick question - what about internet and phone bills? Are those treated the same way as property taxes and insurance (partial based on sq footage) or can I deduct more of those since they're more directly used for business purposes?

One thing I learned the hard way - make sure you're using the space "exclusively" for business if you want to claim the home office deduction. The IRS is really strict about this. If you sometimes use that room to watch TV, store personal stuff, or let guests sleep there, you can't claim it as a business expense. I got audited a few years back because I claimed my spare bedroom as an office, but I also had a pullout couch in there for guests. The auditor disallowed the entire deduction because it wasn't exclusively business use. Now I have a dedicated office space that's only used for work - no exceptions. Also, keep detailed records of your square footage measurements and take photos showing the business use. If you get audited, they'll want proof that the space is truly dedicated to business activities only.