Another option is to just increase your withholding at your day job if you have one. I just filled out a new W-4 and had my employer take out an extra $100 per paycheck to cover my side gig income. Way easier than figuring out quarterlies.

I use the "profit first" method for my business and it's been a lifesaver. I automatically set aside 25-30% of every payment I receive into a separate tax savings account. Then I have the money ready for quarterly payments no matter how irregular my income is.

I'm in a similar situation - filed my extension return via mail in early May and still waiting on my refund. Reading through these experiences is both reassuring and nerve-wracking! It sounds like 4-6 months is becoming the new normal for paper returns. Has anyone had success checking their transcript through the IRS online account to get more detailed status info? I'm wondering if that shows anything beyond what the Where's My Refund tool displays. Also curious if anyone knows whether the IRS sends any kind of acknowledgment that they've actually received your mailed return, or if you just have to wait and hope it didn't get lost in the mail. The waiting game is definitely stressful when you're counting on that money!

Yes, checking your transcript through your IRS online account can definitely provide more detailed information than the Where's My Refund tool! The transcript will show if your return has been received and is in the system, plus any processing codes that might indicate what stage it's at or if there are any issues. Unfortunately, the IRS doesn't send any acknowledgment for mailed returns - they only do that for certified mail. So you really are just waiting and hoping it didn't get lost, which I know is super stressful. The transcript is your best bet to confirm they actually have it. One thing that might give you some peace of mind: if your return was going to be lost in the mail, you'd typically know by now since most mail issues happen within the first few weeks. The fact that you're just waiting likely means it's sitting in their processing queue, which is unfortunately massive right now. Hang in there - the 4-6 month timeline others mentioned seems to be pretty accurate based on what I'm seeing in the community lately.

Does anyone know if the "reasonable period" for winding up trust affairs is affected by whether the trust is revocable vs. irrevocable? My mother's irrevocable trust was terminated in December but we just found out about some stock that wasn't properly transferred and is still generating dividends.

I went through something very similar with my grandmother's trust last year. The key thing to understand is that the "reasonable period" mentioned in 26 CFR § 1.641(b) is specifically designed for situations like yours where income trickles in after the formal termination date. Your trustee is correct - the trust is still considered to exist for tax purposes during this winding-up period. The $4,600 in dividends should be reported on an amended final Form 1041 for the trust, not on your individual returns. The trustee will then need to issue supplemental K-1s to you and your siblings showing your respective shares of this additional income, which you'll report on your personal returns. The fact that the bank statement arrived months later is actually pretty common - I've seen this happen with everything from dividend payments to final interest statements. As long as the trustee is actively working to wrap up all loose ends (which discovering and reporting this income demonstrates), you're well within the reasonable timeframe. One tip: make sure the amended return clearly indicates it's for post-termination income to avoid any IRS confusion about the filing.

Has anyone used TurboTax Business to handle their final S-corp return when dissolving? I'm trying to decide if I should use software or hire someone for this final filing. Not sure if the standard software handles dissolution scenarios properly.

I went through this exact process last year when I dissolved my S-corp. For Line 10 on Form 966, you need the date when you formally adopted the resolution to dissolve the corporation. Even as a sole shareholder, you should create a simple written resolution stating your decision to dissolve the S-corp and date it. That's the date that goes on Line 10. Here's a basic template I used: "I, [Your Name], as the sole shareholder and director of [Corporation Name], hereby resolve to dissolve this corporation effective [Date]." Sign it, date it, and keep it with your corporate records. One thing to watch out for - make sure you coordinate the timing with your state filing requirements. Some states want you to file dissolution paperwork with them before submitting Form 966 to the IRS, while others are more flexible. Check your state's specific requirements to avoid any complications.

Have you considered filing through a local VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) site and then applying for a separate refund advance loan through a financial institution? Ohio has numerous VITA locations that handle self-employment income below certain thresholds, and they file for free. Then you could separately apply for a Tax Refund Express Loan through regional banks like Fifth Third or Huntington that serve Ohio/WV. This separates the filing from the advance, potentially giving you better terms on both. I've seen people get their returns filed more accurately this way while still accessing funds quickly.

I'm in a similar situation and found that TaxAct's Refund Advance program works well for Ohio residents with mixed income. They approved my advance within 24 hours even with Schedule C income, though I had to upload bank statements showing my business deposits. The key was having organized quarterly payment records to the IRS - they seem to use that as verification that your self-employment income is legitimate. One thing to watch out for: make sure you calculate your expected refund accurately because if your actual refund is less than the advance amount, you'll owe the difference immediately. Also, most providers now require you to receive your refund through their bank products, so factor that into your decision. For transportation issues, some tax prep offices offer mobile services or will work with you over video calls for the verification process. Worth asking about if you find a provider you like but can't physically visit.