Anyone else notice TurboTax charges different prices depending on what device you use? I started on my phone and it was showing $89 for the premier version, then switched to my laptop and it was $69 for the exact same version. Kinda shady imo...

Pro tip for TurboTax users: Don't pay for state filing through them. You can file directly through your state's tax website for free in most cases. I use TurboTax for federal then just manually enter the numbers on my state's site. Saved me $39 this year!

Could it be a simple error with the social security number? Sometimes people transpose digits when entering SSNs on their tax returns. Maybe someone accidentally entered your son's SSN instead of their dependent's by mistake.

I went through this exact situation last year and it was incredibly stressful. Here's what I learned from the experience: First, don't panic - you will get this resolved, but it takes time. Since you have a clear custody agreement stating it's your year to claim him, you're in a strong position. Make sure you gather ALL documentation before you paper file: - Your divorce decree showing the alternating year arrangement - School enrollment records showing your address as his residence - Medical records listing you as the responsible party - Receipts for expenses you've paid (school supplies, clothes, activities, etc.) - Any childcare documentation One thing I wish I'd done sooner was to call the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service (1-877-777-4778). They can sometimes expedite cases involving dependent disputes, especially when you have clear legal documentation like a custody agreement. Also, file as soon as possible even though it has to be by paper. The sooner you get your documentation to the IRS, the sooner they can start their investigation. And definitely keep copies of everything you send them. The waiting is the hardest part, but you'll get through this. The fact that you have a court order in your favor makes this much more straightforward than cases where there's no clear documentation.

23 Has anyone here used TurboTax to handle the PSO health insurance exclusion? I'm wondering if it has a specific input for this or if I need to somehow manually adjust my income to account for it.

12 Great discussion here! As someone who went through this exact situation a few years ago, I wanted to add that it's also worth keeping detailed records of your health insurance premium payments throughout the year, even though they're being deducted directly from your pension. The IRS could potentially ask for documentation during an audit to verify that the excluded amount was actually used for qualifying health insurance or long-term care premiums. I keep copies of my insurance statements showing the monthly premium amounts, plus documentation from my pension administrator showing how much was deducted each month. Also, don't forget that this exclusion applies to both health insurance AND qualified long-term care insurance premiums, up to the combined $3,000 limit. Some retired officers miss the long-term care piece and could be excluding more if they have both types of coverage.

Has anybody successfully claimed this credit on their taxes yet? I'm trying to figure out exactly which form to use for the used EV credit and whether I need anything besides the purchase agreement when I file. My tax software seems confused about it.

Thanks for all the helpful information everyone! Just to add one more perspective - I work as a tax preparer and I've helped several married couples navigate this exact situation. The key points that keep coming up are: 1. Each spouse can claim the used EV credit once in a 3-year period, even on a joint return 2. The vehicle must be titled in the name of the person claiming the credit 3. Keep all your documentation - the IRS has been scrutinizing these credits more closely 4. Double-check the income limits ($150k for MFJ) and vehicle requirements (under $25k, at least 2 years old, dealer sale) One thing I'd add that hasn't been mentioned - if you're planning to buy two used EVs within a short timeframe, consider the timing strategically. Since the credit is non-refundable, you can only use it to offset your actual tax liability. If you don't have enough tax liability to use both credits in one year, spacing the purchases might be more beneficial. Also, make sure your tax software is updated for the current tax year - some older versions don't handle the used EV credit properly on Form 8936.

One thing I learned from my reconsideration (approved last month!) is to include a table of contents and tab/label all supporting documents. My CPA made a cover page for each disputed item with a summary of why the original determination was incorrect and what documents were attached to support our position. Made it super easy for the reviewer to follow.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm a tax professional who's handled about a dozen audit reconsiderations over the past few years, and I want to add one crucial point that I haven't seen mentioned yet. Always include a specific timeline in your reconsideration letter showing when events occurred and when documentation was created. The IRS needs to understand why certain information wasn't available during the original audit. For example, if bank statements were requested but the taxpayer's bank had a processing delay, or if medical records weren't released until after the audit closed - spell this out clearly. I also recommend including a brief "procedural history" section that summarizes what happened during the original audit, what was requested, what was provided, and what the final determination was. This helps the reconsideration reviewer understand the full context without having to dig through the original audit file extensively. One more tip: if you're dealing with multiple tax years, submit separate reconsideration requests for each year even if the issues are similar. The IRS processes these by tax year, and combining them can actually slow things down.