Something else to consider - you might be eligible for a whistleblower reward if the IRS collects taxes based on your information. If the amount exceeds $2 million, you could get 15-30% of what they collect. Even for smaller amounts, you might still get something. Just use Form 211 instead of or in addition to Form 3949-A.

I reported my previous employer for almost the exact same thing in 2023. They were calling everyone "contractors" even though we worked regular 9-5 schedules in their building using their equipment. Make sure you document EVERYTHING before you leave - copies of schedules, emails about your duties, anything showing they controlled how/when you worked.

Don't panic yet! This time of year it could be a simple CP2000 notice if there was a minor discrepancy between what you reported and what was reported to them (like a 1099 that didn't match perfectly). Since you already got your refund, it's likely just a routine notice that needs a response. The fact that it's thin is a good sign - audit packets are usually thick. Keep us posted on what it turns out to be!

I totally get the anxiety! I've been through this exact situation multiple times. Since you already got your refund and it's a thin envelope, it's most likely just a routine notice - maybe they need to verify something minor or there was a small discrepancy they caught after processing. The IRS sends out millions of these notices and most are just informational or require a simple response. Try to breathe easy until you actually see what it says! 📬

Anyone know if this is something the BBB would handle? My grandma swears by reporting everything to them but idk if they actually do anything about tax stuff.

Just wanted to add another perspective - if you're comfortable doing so, consider documenting this with photos or video next time you shop there. Take a picture of the items you're buying, the receipt showing the incorrect tax rate, and maybe even the store's posted prices. This creates a clear paper trail that investigators can use. Also, check if your state has a "whistleblower" protection program for tax fraud reporting. Some states actually offer financial rewards if your report leads to recovered tax revenue, and they provide legal protection against retaliation. Might be worth looking into since this sounds like it could be a significant amount of money they've collected illegally over time. Keep us updated on what happens! These kinds of posts help other community members know what to watch out for.

Anybody else notice the address shows up different on different forms? Like my wage transcript shows my old address but account transcript has the new one???

Pro tip: if you're having trouble with address updates not syncing across all IRS systems, make sure you file Form 8822 AND update your address directly with your tax preparer if you use one. Also check that your address is correct on your most recent return - that's what they use as the "master" record. The different transcripts can show different addresses because they pull from different parts of their system that update at different times.

Somewhat unrelated but if you do decide to claim those miles, make sure you're using the correct mileage rate! For 2024 tax year it's 67 cents per mile which is higher than previous years. Also, use a dedicated mileage tracking app that logs your location. The IRS has been getting stricter about documentation for mileage claims, especially for gig workers. I learned this the hard way when I got audited for my Uber driving miles last year.

I've been in a similar situation with my rideshare driving and learned a lot about this from experience. The key thing the IRS looks at is whether your trip would have happened anyway without the business purpose. Since you're visiting friends monthly regardless, those 150 miles each way are personal travel. However, you're absolutely right to track all the miles you drive while actually working in that city - those are 100% deductible business miles. Don't shortchange yourself there! One thing to consider: if you can show that you're strategically choosing to visit during peak earning times (like weekends or events) and you're making substantial income there, you might have a stronger case. But honestly, given that visiting friends is your primary reason, I'd stick with your conservative approach. The IRS has been cracking down on gig worker deductions lately, so it's better to be safe than sorry. Focus on maximizing your legitimate deductions (the actual delivery miles, phone bills, car maintenance) rather than pushing the envelope on questionable ones.