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This is totally normal! Your transcript won't show your current year return info until it's fully processed, which can take 2-3 weeks for e-filed returns. The old address is just what's on file from previous years. Once they process your 2023 return, the transcript will populate with all the current info including your new address. Just be patient - if there were any issues with your return, you'd receive a rejection notice within 24-48 hours of filing.
I switched from TurboTax to TaxAct last year and honestly the $50 I saved went straight to buying pizza lol. Both got me the same refund amount. TurboTax is prettier but TaxAct works fine. Im never going back to paying turbotax prices again tbh.
I've been using TaxAct for the past 3 years after switching from TurboTax, and for what it's worth, I think you're overthinking this a bit. Both software options will calculate your taxes correctly - the IRS requirements are the same regardless of which platform you use. Given your situation (investment income, freelancing, property sale), either software can handle it. TaxAct's interface might feel a bit clunky at first if you're used to TurboTax's hand-holding, but you'll adapt quickly. The $10 savings plus getting actual audit representation (vs just guidance) seems like the smarter financial choice here. One practical tip: whichever you choose, make sure to import your investment documents electronically rather than typing them manually. Both platforms support this and it'll save you hours of data entry while reducing errors. That's probably more important for audit prevention than which audit protection plan you pick.
The IRS has a "Safe Harbor" provision (Section 530) that some small religious schools try to use as a loophole, but it doesn't apply in situations like yours. They have to meet very specific requirements including consistent treatment of all similar workers and a "reasonable basis" for classification. With you working set hours, teaching assigned curriculum, and using their facilities, there's no reasonable basis for contractor status. The school is definitely in the wrong here. If they don't fix this after you bring it up, file Form 8919 "Uncollected Social Security and Medicare Tax on Wages" with your tax return to pay only your half of these taxes instead of the full self-employment tax. Check code G in box 9: "I received a Form 1099 but I am a statutory employee.
Thank you for mentioning Form 8919! That's really helpful and something my tax preparer didn't bring up. One question though - will filing this form trigger an automatic audit or investigation of the school?
Filing Form 8919 doesn't automatically trigger an audit, but it does flag a discrepancy in how the school is classifying you versus how you're classifying yourself. The IRS may contact the school for clarification, which often motivates employers to fix the issue. If you want to avoid this potential conflict, you could file Form SS-8 first, which specifically requests the IRS to make a determination about your status. The downside is that SS-8 determinations can take 6+ months, but you can still file your return with Form 8919 while waiting for the determination.
I'm dealing with something very similar at my tutoring center! They've been giving me 1099s even though I work set hours, use their curriculum, and teach in their facility. After reading through all these responses, I'm definitely going to try the taxr.ai suggestion first to get documentation, then have a conversation with my employer. The Form 8919 option is really helpful to know about - I had no idea you could pay just the employee portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes when you're misclassified. At $21k salary, that self-employment tax difference is probably costing you around $1,600 extra per year, which is huge when you're already struggling financially. One thing I'd add - document everything about your work relationship (your schedule, any employee handbook, emails about duties, etc.) before you approach the school. Having that paper trail will be crucial whether you end up filing IRS forms or just need to convince your administration to fix the classification. Good luck with this! It's frustrating that schools think they can get away with this just because teachers are often desperate for work and don't know their rights.
This is such valuable advice! I'm actually dealing with a similar situation at a nonprofit where I work as a "program coordinator" but got a 1099. The documentation point is so important - I wish I had started keeping records earlier. You're absolutely right about the financial impact. When you're already making so little, that extra self-employment tax can be the difference between making rent or not. It's really predatory how some employers take advantage of workers who are just grateful to have a job. I'm curious - for your tutoring center situation, did you have any kind of written contract or employee handbook that might help establish the employment relationship? I'm trying to figure out what documentation would be most compelling when I approach my employer. Also, has anyone had success getting back-paid for the extra taxes they shouldn't have paid in previous years? I've been misclassified for almost two years now and I'm wondering if there's any way to recover those overpayments.
Pro tip: take screenshots of all your important docs next time you log in. learned that the hard way
Have you tried clearing your browser cache and cookies? Sometimes that helps with login issues. Also make sure you're using the correct URL - there are some fake Spruce sites out there that look legit but aren't. The real one should be through your tax preparer's portal or the official IRS link.
Good point about the fake sites! I almost fell for one of those last month. Always double check the URL before entering your login info. The cache clearing trick worked for me when I had similar issues with another tax site.
Elijah Knight
Has anyone received the actual letter yet and gone through the verification process? How long did it take after verification to get your refund? I'm in the same situation and wondering what timeline to expect.
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Ellie Kim
I went through this exact process last month and can share my timeline. Got the WMR message on February 15th after completing ID.me verification. Received my 5071C letter on February 28th (13 days later). Called the verification line that same day and completed the process in about 25 minutes - they asked for specific information from my current return, prior year return, and some personal details. The agent gave me a confirmation number at the end. My refund was direct deposited on March 14th (exactly 14 days after verification). The key is to call as soon as you get the letter and have both your current and prior year tax returns handy. Don't wait - the sooner you verify, the sooner your refund gets released from the hold.
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