Don't overlook the fact that the CP3219A means the IRS has officially rejected the explanation you provided for the CP2000. The automatic generation theory might be true, but you need to treat this seriously. I recommend sending a formal protest letter along with your response. Include a timeline of all communications, copies of everything you've sent before, and specifically request abatement of any penalties since you responded timely to the CP2000. Also specify that you're contesting their determination on the basis that you properly reported your crypto transactions and actually incurred losses, not gains.

I dealt with this exact situation last year with my 2020 crypto taxes. The key thing to understand is that the IRS computer systems don't talk to each other very well. Your CP3219A was likely auto-generated before your amended return response was processed - this is incredibly common. Here's what worked for me: I immediately called the IRS using the number on the CP3219A notice and asked them to check if they had received my previous response to the CP2000. The agent confirmed they had it but it was sitting in a different department's queue. She was able to put a "hold" code on my account to stop any further automated notices while my case was being reviewed. The most important thing is NOT to ignore the CP3219A deadline. Even though you already responded once, treat this as a separate notice that requires a response within 90 days. Send copies of everything you sent before, but also include a cover letter that references both notice numbers and explains the timeline of your responses. One more tip - make sure you're sending your response to the correct address listed on the CP3219A notice, as it's often different from the CP2000 response address. Good luck!

Just curious - has anyone here used an installment sale for foreign property? The buyer of my land in Mexico wants to pay me over 3 years instead of all at once, and I'm not sure how to report this on US taxes.

This is a complex situation that definitely requires careful attention to US tax obligations. Since you're a US taxpayer, you'll need to report this foreign property sale regardless of where the proceeds are deposited - the location of the bank account doesn't change your tax liability. A few key points to consider beyond what others have mentioned: 1. **Timing of recognition**: The sale will be taxable in the year it closes, not necessarily when you receive all the money (unless you structure it as an installment sale). 2. **State tax implications**: Don't forget to check if your state has any additional reporting requirements for foreign asset sales. 3. **Record keeping**: Start gathering all documentation now - original purchase/inheritance records, any improvements made to the property, foreign taxes paid, and currency exchange rates on relevant dates. 4. **Professional help**: Given the complexity with inheritance basis, potential foreign tax credits, and various reporting forms (8938, FBAR, etc.), I'd strongly echo the advice to work with a tax professional experienced in international transactions. The cost of professional help is usually much less than the penalties for getting these filings wrong. The fact that payment is coming directly to your US account might actually simplify some aspects, but it doesn't reduce your reporting obligations. Make sure you have a clear paper trail of the entire transaction.

Has anyone used FreeTaxUSA to compare the two filing options? TurboTax wanted to charge me extra to run both scenarios but FreeTaxUSA seems to let you do it for free.

Sarah, based on your income levels ($82k + $65k), filing jointly will almost certainly be better for you. The "marriage penalty" mainly hits couples where both spouses earn high six-figure incomes - not your situation. Here's what you'll likely gain by filing jointly: - Higher standard deduction ($29,200 vs $14,600 each separately) - Student loan interest deduction (up to $2,500 total) - Access to various credits that aren't available when filing separately - Better tax brackets for your combined income The main exception would be if either of you is on an income-driven student loan repayment plan, since those payments would increase based on your combined income when filing jointly. If that's the case, you'll need to calculate whether the tax savings outweigh the increased loan payments. With your new house, you'll have mortgage interest and property taxes to consider too. These deductions work better combined on a joint return in most cases. My advice: use tax software to run both scenarios with your actual numbers. Don't stress too much though - for most couples in your income range, joint filing saves significant money compared to separate filing.

Has anyone looked into whether you can amend previous years' tax returns to file separately instead of jointly? My wife and I already filed our 2023 taxes jointly a few weeks ago, but now we're considering buying an EV and using our 2023 income to qualify.

This is a really smart strategy that more people should know about! I work as a tax preparer and I've helped several clients navigate this exact situation this year. One additional consideration I haven't seen mentioned: make sure you understand the "place of assembly" requirements for the EV credit. Not all electric vehicles qualify for the full $7,500 credit - some only qualify for $3,750 or nothing at all, depending on where the battery components and critical minerals are sourced from. The IRS has a searchable database of qualifying vehicles that gets updated regularly. Also, since you mentioned you're in Colorado, you might want to look into state-level EV incentives too. Colorado has its own EV tax credit of up to $5,000 that stacks on top of the federal credit. The income limits and requirements are different from the federal credit, so you could potentially get even more benefit. Your math looks solid overall - paying $3,800 more in taxes to get a $7,500 credit is definitely worth it. Just make sure to run the numbers one more time closer to your purchase date since tax laws can change, and double-check that your specific vehicle model qualifies for the full credit amount.

22 Has anyone used FreeTaxUSA for reporting gig income without 1099s? I'm in the same situation (made about $550 each on UberEats and Doordash) and wondering if that software handles it well?

Great question! I was in a similar situation last year. Yes, you absolutely need to report ALL income even without 1099s - the IRS expects you to report every dollar earned regardless of the forms you receive. Here's what I learned: You'll file a Schedule C for self-employment income and report your combined $1,640. The good news is you can deduct business expenses like mileage (67 cents per mile for 2025), phone usage, delivery bags, etc. These deductions can significantly reduce your tax liability. Don't forget you'll also need to file Schedule SE for self-employment tax (about 15.3% on your net earnings). One tip: Keep detailed records of everything - your app payment summaries, mileage logs, and receipts for any business expenses. The IRS may not require 1099s from the companies, but they still expect accurate reporting from you. Most tax software can handle this, but make sure to select the self-employment/business income sections when filing. You've got this!