Have you had any success with the fax number for ERC claim status inquiries? I tried it a few times but never got any response. Wondering if there's a trick to it or if it's just a black hole like everything else at the IRS these days.

I've had mixed results with the fax system. Out of about 15 status requests I've sent, I only received responses for 4 of them, and those took about 3 weeks to come back. The responses weren't very detailed either - just basic confirmation that the claim was "in process" with no estimated completion date. I've found that calling the IRS (when you can actually get through) gives better information, as agents can see notes in the system about where the claim is in the review process. Some practitioners in my network have reported better success by sending status inquiries through certified mail to the IRS service center where the original claim was filed, but even that's hit or miss.

Yes! I've seen this too. I think they're cracking down after all those sketchy ERC mills that were filing dubious claims. One thing that helped me was sending a detailed cover letter with each amended return that specifically outlines exactly which government orders restricted my client's operations and how those restrictions materially affected business operations. I basically create a roadmap for the IRS reviewer.

Has anyone had experience with Maryland? I filed last week and authorized a direct withdrawal but nothing has happened yet. Starting to wonder if I should contact them or just keep waiting.

Maryland typically takes 3-7 business days to process direct withdrawals, so you're still within the normal timeframe. Their processing times tend to be a bit longer than other states, especially during peak filing season. If you don't see any pending transaction by the end of next week, then I'd recommend contacting them. You can check your return status on the Maryland Comptroller's website using their "Where's My Refund?" tool (it also shows payment status) or call their taxpayer service line at 1-800-MD-TAXES.

You know what, I'm not 100% sure now that you mention it. I think I just went with whatever default date it suggested. I assumed it would be immediate but maybe I did select a specific date without realizing it. I'll need to go back and check my TurboTax submission again. That's a really good point - thanks for bringing that up!

I do get their certificates, but I never thought about them expiring. Do I need to verify them periodically? Most of these nonprofits are local organizations I know pretty well.

Yes, you absolutely need to periodically verify them. Personal relationships don't matter to auditors! In many states, exemption certificates expire after a set period (often 1-5 years depending on the state). I recommend setting up a simple tracking system - even just a spreadsheet - with each nonprofit customer, their certificate number, and expiration date. Then set calendar reminders to request updated certificates. Some states also have online verification systems where you can check if a certificate is still valid. Even in states where certificates don't technically expire, a nonprofit could lose its tax-exempt status, and you'd have no way of knowing unless you verify periodically. If that happens and you continue to make tax-free sales, you're the one who'll be responsible for that uncollected tax.

Smart business approach! We did something similar with our office supply company. The nonprofit discount program brought in so many new customers that it more than made up for the margin reduction. Plus, their ordering is often more predictable than regular retail customers.

Do you know if there's any difference in how depreciation works for foreign vs. domestic properties? And would renovations/improvements to the property be depreciated differently?

The basic depreciation rules are the same for foreign and domestic properties - residential rental real estate is depreciated over 27.5 years using the straight-line method. The property's basis for depreciation is generally your cost plus certain closing costs, minus the value of the land (which can't be depreciated). For renovations and improvements, these are handled differently than regular repairs. Major improvements that add value or extend the useful life of the property are depreciated separately based on when they're placed in service. Smaller repairs are generally just expensed in the year they occur. This is true regardless of whether the property is foreign or domestic.

Do you use any specific apps or tools to track all this currency conversion stuff? I'm about to close on a place in Japan and I'm already dreading the accounting headaches.

This is super helpful, thank you! My mom definitely provides way more than half my support. She pays the mortgage, all groceries, my cell phone, and even my car insurance. The money I made mostly went to save for college and some fun stuff.

That's perfect then - you absolutely qualify as her dependent. Just make sure when you file your return that you check the box saying someone else can claim you as a dependent. She'll get a much bigger tax benefit from claiming you than you would from claiming yourself.

This is important! My brother and I both claimed our mom one year (miscommunication) and we both got letters from the IRS within weeks. They flagged it immediately and it was a huge hassle to fix.