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.

Lemme give u a real example from my taxes this yr. Got 2 kids (6 & 8), filed HOH, made about 62k. Got exactly $4k in CTC ($2k per kid), but only $3k was refundable. The other $1k offset what I would've owed. Total refund was ~$5.8k including EITC. Same as last yr tbh. No increase at all. BTW if ur ex tries to claim them too, ur return will get flagged and delayed for MONTHS. Ask me how I know lol.

As someone who went through a similar situation two years ago, I can confirm what others have said - the Child Tax Credit is still $2,000 per qualifying child for 2023 taxes, same as last year. No increase unfortunately. However, since this is your first time filing as the custodial parent post-divorce, here are a few things to double-check: 1) Make sure your divorce decree clearly states you can claim the children (or that you have Form 8332 if needed), 2) You'll likely qualify for Head of Household status which gives you better tax brackets and a higher standard deduction, and 3) You might also qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit depending on your income level. The combination of these benefits can make a significant difference in your refund even though the CTC itself didn't increase. Good luck with your first tax season as a single parent!

Current tax attorney who went straight to law school without accounting background here. I actually sometimes wish I had started with accounting experience like you have. My colleagues who came from accounting have a significant advantage with technical tax matters and client development. One thing to consider: the type of law school matters a lot for tax law. Look for schools with strong tax LLM programs, even if you don't plan to get the LLM. Those schools typically have better tax law faculty and course offerings for JD students too. Also, many larger firms will value your accounting background more than whether you went to a top-14 law school, unlike in other legal specialties. The career ceiling is generally higher in law, but the floor is lower too - more variability in outcomes compared to accounting. Make sure you genuinely enjoy the legal approach to problem-solving before making the jump.

Something nobody has mentioned yet - consider the "in-between" option of getting an LLM in Taxation without the full JD. Many programs accept qualified CPAs, and it's only a 1-year program versus 3 years for a JD. While you won't be able to practice as an attorney, it can significantly boost your career in tax consulting and planning. I took this route after 10 years in accounting, and it dramatically changed my career trajectory. Now I work in a law firm's tax consulting group alongside attorneys, handling complex planning while the attorneys handle litigation and controversy work. My compensation is comparable to junior tax attorneys but I avoided the full law school investment.

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.