Super important piece of advice: make sure you submit your 1040-X ASAP. The longer you wait, the more interest will accrue on any additional tax you owe from using the wrong W-2.

I went through almost the exact same situation last year! My accountant used an old 1099 by mistake and then basically ghosted me when I tried to get it fixed. Super frustrating when you're paying someone to handle this stuff properly. Here's what I learned: definitely file the 1040-X yourself if your accountant won't help. It's really not as scary as it seems, especially if you have tax software to guide you through it. The key things to remember are to clearly label which W-2 was incorrect, include both versions with your amendment, and write a brief explanation of what happened. Also, since you caught this relatively quickly, you're in a much better position than if the IRS had discovered it first. They tend to be more understanding when you're proactively fixing mistakes. Good luck getting this sorted out!

Has anyone here set up a retirement account and then regretted the type they chose? Im in a similar situation and worried about making the wrong choice.

I was in almost the exact same boat last year - freelancer, behind on retirement, and my CPA suddenly asking about IRA contributions right before the deadline. It felt overwhelming at first, but I'm so glad she brought it up! The key thing to understand is that you have until April 15, 2025 to make retirement contributions that count for your 2024 taxes. Your CPA is being proactive because this is literally one of the last chances to reduce your 2024 tax burden. That said, definitely explore all your options before deciding. As others mentioned, the Traditional IRA contribution limit is pretty small compared to what you could do with a SEP IRA if your income supports it. I ended up opening both - put the maximum in a Traditional IRA for 2024, then set up a SEP IRA for ongoing contributions going forward. The peace of mind from finally having a retirement strategy in place was huge. Don't let the options paralysis stop you from taking action - even the Traditional IRA is better than nothing, and you can always add other accounts later as you learn more.

anybody else notice the irs has been super weird this year?? they sent me THREE different amounts and then a letter saying i owe them money?!?!? the whole system is broken smh

This is definitely confusing but you're right to want to figure it out! I'd strongly recommend checking your IRS account transcript online first - it's free and will show you exactly what each payment is for with specific codes and descriptions. The $811.05 could be several things: interest on a delayed refund (which would be taxable next year), a correction to a credit you claimed, or an adjustment they made to your return. Sometimes they catch errors that actually work in your favor. Don't ignore it though - if it truly was sent in error, the IRS will eventually figure it out and you could face penalties for not reporting it. But if it's legitimately yours (which is often the case), then you're good to go. The transcript will give you peace of mind either way. If the transcript codes are confusing, that's when calling the IRS or using one of those services others mentioned might be worth it. But start with the free option first!

Has anyone actually tried doing volunteer tax work while employed at a public accounting firm? My firm is pretty strict about outside work during tax season and I'm worried they'd consider volunteer work a conflict of interest somehow.

Definitely agree that volunteer work is worth it! I did VITA for three years before transitioning to public accounting, and it really helped me develop client communication skills that set me apart from other new hires. One thing I'd add - consider volunteering with organizations that serve your target demographic for your future practice. If you want to work with small businesses, look for community development financial institutions (CDFIs) that offer tax prep services to entrepreneurs. If you're thinking about serving Spanish-speaking clients, many community centers have bilingual tax programs. The experience also helps you understand the pain points that everyday taxpayers face, which is invaluable when you're trying to build a client-focused practice. You'll learn to explain complex concepts in simple terms, handle stressed clients during tax season, and spot common mistakes before they become problems. Just make sure to check with your current employer about any approval requirements for volunteer work, especially during busy season!

Does anyone know if TaxSlayer Pro is any good? It's way cheaper than the others mentioned and I'm on a tight budget starting out. Also wondering about liability - should I make friends/family sign something saying they're responsible for providing accurate info?

Great discussion here! As someone who went through this exact situation a few years ago, I'd add a couple things. First, definitely get that PTIN - it's free and protects you legally. Second, consider getting Enrolled Agent (EA) credentials if you plan to do this regularly. It's not required for basic prep work, but gives you more credibility and allows you to represent clients before the IRS if issues come up. For software, I started with Drake Basic and it was perfect for handling the mix of personal, rental, and small business returns you're describing. The learning curve isn't too bad coming from an accounting background. Also, don't forget to track your own expenses for this side work - software costs, continuing education, office supplies, etc. are all deductible if you're doing this as a business activity (which the IRS might consider it to be given the service trades you mentioned). One last tip: set clear boundaries early about what you will and won't do. I learned the hard way that once you help someone, they expect you to be their permanent tax person and answer questions year-round!