Print your name and social security number on EVERY SINGLE PAGE of your amended return and attachments!!! I work at an accounting firm and you wouldn't believe how often pages get separated during processing. Also, secure everything with a paperclip, not staples (many state agencies specifically request no staples).

One more critical tip that saved me last year - when you're filling out the certified mail form at the post office, make sure to write "TAX DOCUMENT - AMENDED RETURN" in the description section. This helps postal workers handle it with extra care and can be useful if you ever need to reference the mailing for any reason. Also, I'd recommend going to the post office during off-peak hours (mid-morning on weekdays if possible) when the staff has more time to help you get everything filled out correctly. The certified mail process has several steps and it's easy to miss something when they're rushing during busy periods. Keep that certified mail receipt in a safe place with your tax records - the IRS and state agencies sometimes ask for proof of mailing date years later, especially if there are any questions about meeting deadlines. I scan mine and keep digital copies too, just in case!

This might be a dumb question, but is there any tax software that would help catch if I'm missing big deductions or credits? I usually use FreeTaxUSA but I'm wondering if maybe I should switch to something else?

The key thing to understand is that a refund isn't "found money" - it's just getting back your own money that you overpaid throughout the year. Those massive refunds usually mean someone had way too much withheld from their paychecks or qualify for refundable credits. If you're consistently owing money, it actually means your withholding is pretty accurate to what you actually owe. You could artificially create a big refund by having more taxes withheld from each paycheck, but then you're just giving the government an interest-free loan all year. The real question isn't "how do I get a bigger refund" but "am I paying the right amount of tax?" If you're not missing legitimate deductions and credits, owing a small amount or getting a small refund is actually the ideal situation - it means you kept your money in your pocket all year instead of lending it to the IRS.

Don't forget about Form 8938 (Statement of Foreign Financial Assets) if your foreign financial accounts exceed certain thresholds! Made this mistake my first year with overseas rental property and got a nasty letter from the IRS.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is the potential impact of tax treaties between the US and your home country. Many countries have tax treaties with the US that can affect how rental income is taxed and may provide additional benefits beyond just foreign tax credits. For example, some treaties allow you to elect to be taxed on rental income on a net basis (after deductions) rather than gross basis, which can be more favorable. Others might have specific provisions about depreciation calculations or timing differences. Also, keep in mind that if you're planning to sell the property eventually, you'll need to consider depreciation recapture rules. All that depreciation you're claiming now will be "recaptured" as ordinary income (up to 25% tax rate) when you sell, even if the sale itself qualifies for capital gains treatment. Given the complexity with foreign rental properties, passive activity rules, currency conversions, and multiple filing requirements, I'd strongly recommend consulting with a tax professional who specializes in international taxation before making the purchase. The upfront cost could save you significant headaches and potential penalties down the road.

I reached out to my congressman last tax season when my refund was stuck with those mysterious hold codes. It was like being stuck in traffic with no explanation - you can see you're not moving but have no idea why or how long it'll take! Their office was surprisingly helpful, like having a special pass to the express lane. They got me an answer within 10 days when I'd been waiting for 2 months on my own. Has your rep's office given you any timeline for when they might get back to you?

I'm dealing with the same frustrating situation right now! It's so stressful when you're counting on that money for essentials like medications. I haven't contacted my rep yet, but reading everyone's experiences here is really encouraging - it sounds like congressional inquiries actually get results much faster than going through normal IRS channels. The fact that they have a dedicated team for these inquiries makes sense. I think I'm going to follow your lead and reach out to my representative's office tomorrow. Hope you get answers soon and can get your meds refilled without any more delays!

Has anyone successfully disputed a 1099-C amount? I received one last month that seems way too high compared to what I actually borrowed.

This is such a common situation that catches people off guard! I went through something similar with my grandmother a few years back. One thing I'd strongly recommend is gathering all of your aunt's financial records from right before each debt cancellation date - bank statements, credit card statements, any other debts, and documentation of her assets (home value, car, etc.). The insolvency calculation can be tricky but it's often the key to avoiding a big tax bill. Since your aunt is 79 and on fixed income, there's a good chance her total debts exceeded her assets when the cancellations occurred. Don't forget to include things like medical bills, utility bills, or any other outstanding debts in the liability calculation. Also, definitely double-check those 1099-C amounts against your records. Debt settlement companies sometimes include their fees in the cancelled debt amount, but those fees weren't part of the original loan your aunt received, so they arguably shouldn't be taxable. It's worth questioning every dollar on those forms. Given the complexity and the potential tax savings, this might be worth consulting with a tax professional who has experience with 1099-C issues, especially if the insolvency calculation gets complicated.