11 Did the IRS send you a specific notice number? Like CP-2000 or something similar? That would help identify exactly what triggered this in their system. The form numbers matter a lot for resolving these issues. Also, SAVE EVERYTHING. Every letter, every notice, and document every phone call (date, time, representative name/ID, what was discussed). The deceased taxpayer issue often bounces between departments, and having a paper trail is crucial if you need to escalate.

This is such a frustrating situation, but you're definitely not alone! I went through something similar two years ago when the IRS decided I was deceased right in the middle of tax season. Here's what I learned from my experience: The "deceased" flag usually comes from the Social Security Administration's Death Master File, often due to clerical errors or mix-ups with similar names/SSNs. The key is to tackle this systematically: 1) **Start with SSA immediately** - Don't wait. Visit your local SSA office with multiple forms of ID (driver's license, passport, birth certificate, etc.). Request they correct their records and give you written confirmation. 2) **Get everything in writing** - When SSA fixes their records, ask for an official letter stating the error was corrected. You'll need this for every other agency. 3) **File a paper return** - Unfortunately, e-filing likely won't work until this is resolved. Include a cover letter explaining the situation and attach a copy of the SSA correction letter. 4) **Check your credit reports** - The deceased flag can spread to credit bureaus, so monitor all three and dispute any incorrect death records immediately. The whole process took me about 2-3 months to fully resolve, and my refund was delayed, but I did eventually get everything sorted out. Hang in there - you'll get through this bureaucratic nightmare!

Question - how does this work with AGI limitations? I know there are percentage limits on charitable deductions but they seem to vary based on the type of property and organization. Would donating art to a museum be different than donating it to something like a hospital charity auction?

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is the Form 8283 requirements and how they interact with the $5,000 threshold. If your total noncash charitable deductions for the year exceed $500, you need to file Form 8283. But the really important part is Section B - if any single item or group of similar items is valued over $5,000, you need a qualified appraisal AND the appraiser must sign Section B of the form. What caught me off guard when I donated some artwork last year is that the IRS can also request additional documentation even years later. They have the right to contact your appraiser directly to verify the appraisal, and if the appraiser can't substantiate their valuation methods or doesn't meet the IRS qualification requirements, your entire deduction could be disallowed. Also worth noting - if you're donating multiple pieces, the IRS looks at the total value of "similar items" together. So if you donate three paintings worth $4,000 each in the same tax year, that's treated as $12,000 of similar property and triggers all the higher-value requirements even though each individual piece is under $5,000.

I think people are overcomplicating this. If you're keeping the digital media, there's no sale, so there's nothing to report on Form 4797. That form is specifically for sales, exchanges, and involuntary conversions. When I closed my business last year, my accountant told me that assets without significant value don't need to be reported if you're just keeping them. Only worry about Form 4797 for assets you're actually selling or for equipment you've been depreciating.

I just went through this exact scenario! The key thing is whether you deducted or depreciated the digital assets when you got them. If you expensed them (deducted the full cost when purchased), there's no need to report anything when closing your business. If you depreciated them as capital assets, then you need Form 4797. For my graphic design business, I had purchased some expensive font packages and stock photo collections. Since I had fully expensed them under Section 179 in the year I bought them, my tax preparer said I didn't need to report them at all when closing my business.

Could someone clarify if the verification method is tied to specific credits claimed? It's like the IRS is using different levels of security - online is like the standard door lock, phone is a deadbolt, and in-person is the bank vault. I'm wondering if claiming certain credits (like EITC or CTC) automatically triggers the higher security levels.

I did some digging into this because it seemed so random (and frustrating!). Turns out the IRS uses something called the Return Review Program (RRP) which has different risk scoring models. 😂 Your "verification path" is assigned based on your risk score and available verification channels in your area. Fun fact: they actually increased in-person verifications by 25% this tax season according to the National Taxpayer Advocate report. So if you got stuck with the in-person option, you're definitely not alone!

Hey y'all, I work in financial aid (not for either company tho). The easiest way to figure this out is to just call MOHELA directly. When loans transfer, the new servicer gets all your history and account info, not just current status. If you made payments but they were all applied to principal due to the interest freeze, you probably won't get a 1098-E at all since that form is specifically for reporting interest paid of $600 or more. No interest paid = no form needed.

As someone who just went through this exact situation, I can confirm what others have said - you likely won't receive a 1098-E for 2024 if all your payments went to principal during the interest freeze. However, don't forget to check if you made any interest payments in early 2024 before the freeze ended or if there were any capitalized interest amounts when your loans transferred. One tip that saved me time: create accounts on both FedLoan AND MOHELA websites if you haven't already. Even though FedLoan transferred your loans, they might still have historical tax documents available in your old account. MOHELA should have your complete payment history now, but sometimes there are gaps during the transfer period. Also, keep detailed records of all payments you made during this transition period. Even if you don't get a 1098-E this year, having that documentation will be helpful when interest resumes and for future tax filings.