I went through this exact same situation in 2022 when my divorce was finalized! The Child Tax Credit amount hasn't changed - it's still $2,000 per qualifying child for tax year 2023. What really helped me was using the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant online to confirm I qualified for Head of Household status since I have custody of my kids more than half the year. That filing status alone saved me about $1,200 compared to filing as Single. Also, don't forget to check if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit - with two kids, the income limits are pretty generous and it can add significantly to your refund. One last tip: if your ex-spouse tries to claim the kids too (happened to a friend), your return will be delayed for months while the IRS sorts it out, so make sure your divorce decree is crystal clear about who claims them. Best of luck with your first tax season as a single parent - you've got this!

Hey Isabella! I completely understand the confusion - there's so much conflicting information out there about tax credits. As others have confirmed, the Child Tax Credit is still $2,000 per qualifying child for 2023 taxes (no increase from last year). The good news is that as a newly single parent, you'll likely benefit from Head of Household filing status, which gives you better tax brackets and a higher standard deduction than filing Single. This can make a bigger difference in your overall refund than any CTC increase would have! Also worth checking if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit with two kids - the income limits are pretty generous and it can add substantial money to your refund. Since you're budgeting carefully post-divorce, I'd recommend filing ASAP if you're expecting a refund, as processing times tend to get longer as we get closer to the April deadline. Hang in there - the first tax season after a major life change is always stressful, but you've got this!

its giving me anxiety just looking at my transcripts nowadays ngl

Don't stress about it! This is totally normal. The IRS system automatically generates non-filing letters for future tax years that haven't been filed yet. Since we're still in 2023, of course there's no 2024 return on file - nobody can file 2024 taxes until next year! The system is just showing you that no 2024 return exists yet, which is exactly what should happen. Your other years showing actual return transcripts proves everything is working correctly with your account.

I'm a tax attorney who made the transition from public accounting about 5 years ago, and I can definitely relate to your situation! One thing I'd add to the excellent advice already shared is the importance of understanding the different "personalities" of various tax law specialties. Tax controversy work (my current focus) attracts people who enjoy the adversarial process and working under pressure with tight deadlines. Estate planning tends to be more relationship-focused with longer-term client development. Corporate tax law often involves complex transactions and requires strong analytical skills but less direct client counseling. Your accounting background will be invaluable regardless of which direction you choose. I've found that judges and IRS agents take me more seriously when I can speak knowledgeably about the underlying accounting treatment of transactions, not just the legal implications. One practical suggestion: before committing to law school, try to get involved in some pro bono tax work through organizations like the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program or local legal aid societies. This will give you exposure to the advocacy side of tax work and help you determine if you enjoy representing clients' interests rather than just preparing their returns. The investment is significant, but for me personally, the intellectual stimulation and variety of work has made it absolutely worthwhile. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss specific aspects of the transition!

I'm currently a CPA at a small firm considering this exact transition, and this thread has been incredibly valuable! Reading everyone's experiences has really helped clarify some of the practical considerations I hadn't fully thought through. One question that keeps coming up for me is about the financial planning aspect of making this switch. Beyond just calculating the ROI of law school tuition and lost income, I'm wondering about the transition period - how do most people handle the gap between finishing law school and building up a sustainable client base or landing a position that matches their previous accounting income? I'm also curious about whether anyone has experience with part-time or evening law programs while continuing to work in accounting. It would mean a longer timeline to graduation, but it might help with the financial transition and allow me to maintain some client relationships during the process. The specialty area breakdown that @5f4249d24ae5 mentioned really resonates with me - I think I'd be drawn to the controversy work based on my personality, but I want to make sure I understand the stress and workload implications before committing to that path. Has anyone found particular law schools that are especially strong for working professionals making this type of career transition? I'm wondering if there are programs that specifically cater to students with significant professional experience rather than traditional straight-from-undergrad students.

I'm still confused about one thing - if I can't create an online account because of the verification issues (I don't have a credit card or loan), is there any other way to get my transcripts quickly? Will calling the IRS help? And once I get the transcript, how do I know which codes to look for specifically for my amended return status?

If you can't create an online account due to verification issues, you have a few alternatives! You can request transcripts by mail using Form 4506-T (takes 5-10 business days), or call the automated transcript line at 1-800-908-9946. For phone requests, you'll need your SSN, date of birth, and filing status. For amended returns specifically, focus on these key codes on your Account Transcript: TC 971 (amended return received), TC 570 (account frozen for review - this is normal initially), TC 290/291 (adjustment made), and TC 846 (refund issued). The sequence typically goes 971 → 570 → 290 → 846. If you see 570 without movement for over 4-6 weeks, that might indicate additional review is needed. The "Where's My Amended Return" tool online can also give you basic status updates without needing full transcript access, though it's less detailed than the actual transcript codes.

Quick question for anyone who knows - does the vehicle have to be new to qualify for deductions, or can it be used? Looking at a 3-year old SUV that would be perfect for my client visits.

As someone who works in tax preparation, I want to emphasize the importance of keeping meticulous records during your 1099 contractor period. Since you're receiving mileage reimbursements that exceed the IRS standard rate, you'll need to report the excess as taxable income. Here's what I'd recommend: Start tracking ALL your vehicle expenses immediately - gas, maintenance, insurance, registration fees, etc. Also keep a detailed mileage log separating business vs personal use. This gives you the data to calculate both methods (standard mileage vs actual expenses) and choose whichever saves you more money. One thing people often miss: when you transition to W-2 employee status mid-year, your tax situation changes completely. Employee business expenses are generally no longer deductible, so make sure you're maximizing deductions during your contractor months. Given the complexity of your situation with the mid-year status change and above-standard reimbursement rates, I'd strongly suggest consulting with a tax professional before making any major vehicle purchase decisions. The wrong choice could cost you thousands in missed deductions or unexpected tax liability.