Don't forget about the Recovery Rebate Credit too! If you didn't get the third stimulus payment in 2021 (which was $1,400 per person including dependents), you can claim that on your 2021 return as well. For you and your baby, that could be another $2,800 on top of the Child Tax Credit.

Adding to everyone's great advice here - definitely act fast since you're cutting it close to that April 18, 2025 deadline! I was in a similar situation a couple years back and the stress was real. One thing I learned the hard way: when you mail your 2021 return, send it certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the IRS received it before the deadline. Regular mail can get lost or delayed, and if it arrives after April 18th, you might lose your eligibility for that refund. Also keep copies of EVERYTHING - your return, all supporting documents, the certified mail receipt, etc. Prior year returns sometimes take longer to process and having documentation helps if there are any questions later. You've got this! That $3,600 child tax credit plus any stimulus money you might have missed could be a really nice chunk of change. Just don't wait any longer to get started on preparing that return.

Has anyone used the Schedule C form for Doordash taxes? I'm confused about which expenses go where. And do I need to register as a business to use this form?

Great question! I went through the same confusion when I started doing gig work. Your calculation isn't quite right, but you're on the right track thinking about the tax burden. Here's what you're missing: the self-employment tax and income tax don't stack the way you calculated. The SE tax is 15.3%, but you get to deduct half of it (the employer portion) when calculating your income tax. Plus, both taxes are calculated on your NET earnings after business deductions, not your gross. For a $1250 week, assuming you track your mileage and other business expenses properly, your actual tax burden will likely be closer to 18-22% of gross income, not the 25%+ you calculated. The key is maximizing your legitimate business deductions - especially mileage at 65.5 cents per mile for 2024. Also, definitely make quarterly estimated tax payments! Set aside about 25-30% of your net earnings each quarter to avoid penalties and a huge tax bill in April. The IRS form 1040-ES makes this pretty straightforward. One more tip: keep detailed records of everything. Mileage logs, receipts for delivery bags, phone bills, etc. Good record-keeping can save you hundreds or even thousands in taxes.

Has your attorney discussed an installment agreement as a backup plan? Even while disputing the CP22A, sometimes it makes sense to set up a minimal payment plan to show good faith and prevent more aggressive collection actions. You can still pursue reconsideration while making small payments. When I went through this, we set up a $50/month payment plan while my documentation was being reviewed. This kept collections off my back, and once the IRS adjusted my liability downward, they applied the payments I'd already made and recalculated the plan. Just something to consider as a strategic move.

I went through something very similar last year - CP2000 to CP22A in just three weeks because I initially tried to handle it myself without understanding the timeline. The key thing to remember is that a CP22A isn't actually the "final" notice, despite how it reads. It's the IRS's assessment, but you absolutely still have recourse. Your attorney should immediately file for audit reconsideration AND request a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing if you haven't already. The CDP hearing is crucial because it puts an automatic stay on collection activities while your case is being reviewed. This means no liens or levies while you're fighting the assessment. One thing that really helped my case was getting a transcript of my account from the IRS to see exactly what information they had versus what they were missing. Sometimes the disconnect is clearer when you see their records side-by-side with your documentation. Your attorney can request this, or you can get it yourself online. The $14,750 amount suggests they're probably treating some transaction as having zero basis when you actually have documentation showing your cost basis. This is super common with stock sales where the 1099-B doesn't include basis information that was reported separately or carried over from previous years. Stay persistent - I know it's stressful, but these cases are absolutely winnable when you have the right documentation and follow the proper procedures.

Don't forget about state taxes! Everyone's talking about the IRS, but state tax authorities can be even more aggressive about collection in some places. Make sure you're filing those missing state returns too. Also, if you've moved between states during those unfiled years, you might need to file part-year resident returns in multiple states, which gets complicated fast.

I went through almost the exact same situation last year - 3 unfiled years with a mix of W-2 and unreported cash business income. The anxiety was eating me alive, but I'm happy to report I got through it and you will too. Here's what I learned: The IRS is actually more reasonable than you'd expect when you come forward voluntarily. Since you had W-2 income with withholdings, you likely have credits that will offset some of what you owe on the unreported income. My biggest mistake was waiting so long to start. The failure-to-file penalties are brutal - 5% per month up to 25% of what you owe. But once you file, even if you can't pay immediately, those penalties stop growing. For reconstructing records, I used bank statements as my primary source. Even without perfect receipts, you can estimate business expenses reasonably - office supplies, gas, equipment, etc. The IRS accepts reasonable estimates when you can't locate exact documentation. One thing that really helped my peace of mind was calling the Taxpayer Advocate Service. They're an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers resolve problems. They can't reduce what you owe, but they can help you understand your options and rights. You're not going to face criminal charges for this situation. Tax evasion prosecution is reserved for much more serious cases involving intentional fraud or massive amounts. Your situation sounds like life got in the way, which happens to more people than you'd think. Get started on those returns ASAP. Each day you wait is costing you money in penalties and interest.

I think I might be in a similar situation as you... I got my 846 code yesterday with a 2/26 date. I'm with Chime too, but I'm not getting my hopes up too much about it coming early. Last year I had a 2/15 date and it didn't hit until exactly that day, even though others with Chime got theirs early. Maybe it depends on when in the day the IRS actually sends the file? I'm just trying to be patient and assume it'll come on the actual date so I don't drive myself crazy checking my account.

Same here with the 2/24 DDD! I've been refreshing my Chime app way too much today. From what I've seen in this community, it really seems to depend on when exactly the IRS sends out the payment batches. Some people get lucky with the early deposit, others have to wait until the exact date. I'm trying not to get my hopes up too high, but fingers crossed we see something by tomorrow or Wednesday. The 846 code is definitely a good sign though - at least we know it's actually coming this time instead of being stuck in processing limbo!