I'm filling out my taxes right now and have the exact same question about job trial payments! If I use Schedule C, does anyone know what business code I should use? I did sample projects as a social media manager if that helps.

I'm dealing with this exact situation right now! I received about $850 total from various companies for completing coding challenges and design mockups during interviews last year. None of the companies sent me 1099s, but I kept detailed records of all the payments in a spreadsheet. Based on what I'm reading here, it sounds like Schedule C is definitely the way to go. For my situation, I think I'll use "Computer Systems Design Services" as my business code since most of the work was software development related. One thing I'm wondering about - can I deduct the time I spent on unpaid take-home assignments if they were part of the same interview processes? I probably spent 20+ hours on unpaid coding tests for every 1 hour of paid work. Obviously I can't deduct my time, but what about any resources or tools I purchased specifically for those interview processes? Also, does anyone know if there's a threshold where this stops being considered self-employment and becomes something else? Like if I only made $100 total instead of $850, would the same rules apply?

Just want to add one important thing - if you're still sharing the mortgage with your ex even though he's gone, make sure you understand how the 1098 reporting works. The form usually only lists one borrower (primary) so if it has your ex's SSN on it, the IRS computer system is expecting him to report that interest. If you're claiming the interest on your return (which you probably should if you're making the payments), you need to include a statement with your tax return explaining that you're a co-borrower responsible for the debt and made the payments, but the 1098 was issued with the other person's info.

I went through something very similar when my ex moved out suddenly and left me dealing with all the mortgage paperwork alone. Here's what worked for me: First, definitely call your mortgage company directly - as a co-borrower, you have every right to request the 1098. Have your SSN and loan number ready when you call. Most companies can email you a copy immediately once they verify your identity. If your mortgage company is being difficult or you can't get through, you have a few backup options: 1. Check if they have an online portal where you can download tax documents 2. If you paid through a bank account, your bank statements showing the mortgage payments can serve as backup documentation for the interest portion 3. For property taxes, if you paid them directly to the county (not through escrow), use those receipts One thing to be careful about - if the 1098 was issued with your ex's SSN as the primary borrower but you're claiming the deduction, include a brief statement with your return explaining that you're a co-borrower who made the payments. This helps avoid IRS matching issues later. The good news is that mortgage companies deal with these situations all the time, especially with divorces and separations. They should be able to help you get what you need for your tax filing.

Make sure you're tracking all your income properly! The IRS now requires payment apps to report transactions over $600, so Zelle, PayPal, etc will be sending 1099-K forms for your income. Even if they don't, YOU still need to report all that income. And be careful about claiming too many expenses without documentation - that's a red flag for audits. Better to have a slightly higher tax bill than deal with an audit where you can't prove your deductions.

This is a lot to take in but really helpful info! I'm definitely going to need professional help to get this sorted out. A few quick questions: 1. Should I focus on getting 2024 taxes filed first, or start with making estimated payments for 2025? 2. For business expenses, I buy a lot of equipment that I use for both client work and personal projects (like my gaming setup that I also use for game development clients). How do I handle the mixed-use situation? 3. Is there a penalty for not making quarterly payments in 2024, and if so, how much are we talking about? I'm realizing I've been way too casual about this. With the income I'm making, I can't afford to mess this up. Thanks everyone for the reality check - better late than never to get compliant!

Reason #47293 why I'm now making sure I owe a tiny amount each year instead of getting a refund. I'd rather pay them $50 than let them hold my $2000 hostage for a year with no recourse.

I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare with the IRS. Your situation sounds incredibly frustrating and unfortunately all too common. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like you have several good options to try: 1. **File Form 911 for Taxpayer Advocate Service** - This seems to be the most recommended route for cases like yours where normal channels have failed 2. **Contact your Congressional representative** - Multiple people here have had success with this approach, with some getting results in just 3 weeks 3. **Try to get the specific fax number** for the department handling your EIC case - one person mentioned this worked after 14 months of waiting The fact that you've been dealing with this since 2021 and haven't received a refund since then is absolutely unacceptable. The IRS's antiquated systems and understaffing issues don't excuse holding taxpayers' money hostage for years. I'd definitely start with the Taxpayer Advocate route and congressional contact simultaneously. Document everything - dates of calls, names of representatives, case numbers, etc. You shouldn't have to fight this hard for your own money. Hang in there and don't give up. Your refund belongs to you, not them.

Just a heads up that this is definitely one of those situations where software like TurboTax and H&R Block really mess up. They're terrible with international student situations, especially dual status years.

I went through this exact same situation two years ago as an F1 student! The confusion is totally understandable because there's so much conflicting information out there. You're absolutely right to be concerned about your filing status. When your 5-year exemption ends and you meet the substantial presence test mid-year (August 12th in your case), you ARE a dual-status alien for that tax year. Your university's software is incorrect - you're not a full-year resident. For the dual-status filing, you'll need to file Form 1040 for your resident period (Aug 12 - Dec 31) and attach a statement for your nonresident period (Jan 1 - Aug 11). You cannot take the full standard deduction - only a prorated amount based on the months you were a resident. Regarding Social Security taxes, as an F1 student you're generally exempt for your first 5 calendar years. However, once you become a resident alien for tax purposes, you'll typically become subject to FICA taxes going forward. For your scholarship, the portion exceeding tuition is generally taxable, but definitely check if your home country's tax treaty provides any exemptions - many do for students. You can claim treaty benefits for the nonresident portion of the year. Don't let the university software mislead you into filing incorrectly as a full-year resident. The IRS is pretty clear on this in Publication 519. Better to file correctly as dual-status from the start than deal with amendments later!