Had the exact same issue last month! Turns out I had marketplace coverage for just 3 days in January due to auto-renewal before I switched to employer insurance. The system flagged it even though I barely had any coverage. You'll definitely need to get that 1095-A form from HealthCare.gov once it's available - they're usually posted by mid-February. Pro tip: call the marketplace AND download any documentation showing your coverage dates so you can file Form 8962 correctly. Super annoying but it's the only way to get your return accepted 😅

This auto-renewal issue is so common! I work at a tax prep office and we see this constantly in January/February. The marketplace automatically renews your plan unless you explicitly cancel by December 15th of the previous year. Even if you thought you cancelled, sometimes there are glitches or the cancellation didn't process properly. I'd recommend logging into your HealthCare.gov account ASAP to check your enrollment status - look under "My Plans & Programs" for any 2024 coverage. If you see even a single day of coverage, you'll need that 1095-A form to complete Form 8962. The forms are usually available by February 15th, but sometimes earlier. Don't try to file without it or you'll just get rejected again!

Don't forget to look into state taxes too! Federal is only part of it. Some states have inheritance taxes that are separate from federal estate taxes. For example, in PA where I live, there's an inheritance tax even if the estate is below the federal threshold.

This is a complex situation that really highlights why estate planning and proper documentation are so important. Based on what you've described, it sounds like the estate should be filing Form 1041 since the mobile home was still owned by the estate at the time of sale. The arrangement where your in-laws put the property in someone else's name for the sale creates some potential complications. That person might technically be considered the seller for tax purposes, even if they're just acting as an agent. The signed contract you mentioned should specify whether they're acting on behalf of the estate or the beneficiaries. Given the $33,000 gain and the unusual sale arrangement, I'd strongly recommend consulting with a tax professional or estate attorney who can review the specific contract language and advise on the proper reporting. The IRS can be very particular about how these transactions are structured and reported, especially when there are agency relationships involved. Also, make sure the executor is aware of their filing obligations - they may need to file Form 1041 even if the estate doesn't owe any tax, depending on the gross income of the estate.

Whatever you do, DON'T ignore the levy notice. That's the point where the IRS can start taking your stuff without further notice. They can hit bank accounts, garnish wages, etc. I made that mistake and had my checking account completely emptied one morning without warning. Call the IRS right away and at minimum get a "Currently Not Collectible" status while you figure out your next steps. That'll pause collection actions.

I really feel for your situation - medical emergencies combined with business disruption can create the perfect storm for tax problems. The good news is that you're in a much better position than many people because you actually have the assets to potentially resolve this. A few thoughts based on what you've shared: 1. **Act quickly on that levy notice** - as others mentioned, this is serious. Call the IRS immediately to prevent them from seizing assets while you work out a solution. 2. **Your medical situation is a strong reasonable cause argument** - a 10+ hour surgery and brutal recovery during the height of the pandemic is exactly the kind of circumstance the IRS considers for penalty abatement. Make sure you have medical records documenting the timeline. 3. **Consider partial payment vs. full payment** - even though you could technically pay it all, wiping out your financial recovery might not be the smartest move. An installment agreement might preserve your cash flow and business stability. 4. **Professional help is probably worth it** - with $193k on the line, even if a tax attorney costs $5-10k, they could potentially save you much more than that in penalties and help structure the best payment approach. You're not an idiot - you survived a serious health crisis during an unprecedented global pandemic while trying to keep a business afloat. That takes strength. Now you're facing the problem head-on, which is exactly the right thing to do.

If you're considering an Offer In Compromise, you should also look into currently not collectible status as a temporary measure. If your financial situation shows you can't pay your living expenses AND make tax payments, the IRS might put your account in CNC status. Collection activities stop, though interest and penalties continue to accrue. This could buy you time to improve your financial situation or prepare a stronger OIC application. The IRS periodically reviews CNC accounts (usually every 1-2 years) to see if your situation has improved.

I'm in a similar boat with significant 1099 tax debt (though not quite as much as yours). One thing I learned the hard way is to make sure you're current on all your tax filings before even thinking about an OIC. The IRS won't even look at your offer if you have unfiled returns. Also, be prepared for a very detailed financial deep dive. They want to see everything - bank statements for the past 3 months, proof of all monthly expenses, asset valuations, the works. I'd strongly recommend keeping meticulous records of everything and maybe consider getting your financial house in order before submitting if possible. The anxiety is real, but remember that the IRS would rather get something than nothing, so if you truly can't pay the full amount, they're often willing to work with you. Just make sure you can actually afford whatever payment plan or settlement you propose - defaulting on an OIC agreement puts you in a much worse position.

Has anyone claimed this while e-filing with TurboTax or similar? Do they ask for specific information about the blindness certification or do you just check a box?

Great question! I went through this exact same process with my husband who has albinism. The key is getting the ophthalmologist to write a letter that specifically addresses the IRS criteria while explaining how your wife's condition functionally impairs her vision. Here's what should be included in the letter: 1. Doctor's letterhead with full name, credentials, and medical license number 2. Statement that they have examined your wife and are familiar with her condition 3. Diagnosis of ocular albinism and explanation of how it affects vision 4. Specific mention that while her corrected vision may be better than 20/200 in controlled lighting, the inability to filter light causes severe functional vision impairment equivalent to legal blindness 5. Statement that the condition is permanent 6. Clear conclusion that she qualifies as legally blind for tax purposes The IRS understands that some conditions don't fit perfectly into the standard definitions but still cause equivalent functional impairment. The doctor should emphasize how the light sensitivity makes her vision severely restricted in normal daily activities, which is the key point for qualification. Keep the original letter with your tax records - you don't submit it with your return but need it available if ever questioned.