I haven't had anyone look at the QBI angle for my business specifically. Could you explain a bit more about what makes a SaaS qualify as non-service vs service? My platform is completely automated with very little direct customer support or customization.

For SaaS businesses, the distinction between service and non-service for QBI purposes comes down to whether your business relies on the reputation or skill of its owners/employees. Fully automated platforms with minimal human intervention tend to have a stronger case for non-service classification. Key factors that help qualify as non-service: if your software operates with minimal customization, if customers use it without your direct involvement, if it's standardized rather than tailored to specific clients, and if the value comes from the technology itself rather than your expertise. Your description of an automated platform with little customer support actually sounds promising for non-service classification. I'd recommend getting a tax professional to document these aspects of your business carefully, as qualifying for QBI at your income level could mean an additional $140k deduction (20% of your profit), which is substantial.

I've been using TaxSlayer for my S-corp for 3 years now (solo consultant). It's actually not that bad once you get used to it. The first year I had an accountant set everything up, then I just copied the structure for following years. Way cheaper than paying an accountant $2k+ annually.

Don't you need to be married to open a joint account though? OP said they're engaged but not married yet.

You definitely don't need to be married to open a joint checking account! Many banks offer joint accounts for any two adults - roommates, partners, family members, etc. My now-wife and I opened ours about 2 years before we got married. Most banks just need both people to come in with IDs to set it up. Some online banks might have different requirements, but traditional banks and credit unions generally allow non-married people to open joint accounts without any issues.

Does Splitwise integrate directly with Venmo or do you still have to manually send the payment?

How long did that process take? I'm concerned about waiting too long and missing deadlines for filing if the company drags their feet on making corrections.

In my case, it took about 8 weeks from my initial contact until I received the corrected form. This was with a large multinational corporation that had established processes for handling these issues. If you're working with a smaller company or one that doesn't regularly deal with international payments, it might take longer or they might not know how to make the correction. I'd recommend giving them a 2-month timeline - if they haven't resolved it by then, proceed with the refund claim process to ensure you don't miss any deadlines.

Wouldn't you need a US taxpayer identification number to file these forms? I thought that was part of the complexity.

Yes, you do need either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you don't already have one, you'll need to apply for an ITIN using Form W-7 which you would submit simultaneously with your 1040NR. That's probably what the accounting firm meant by "US tax registration" in their quote. Getting an ITIN can be tricky as you need to provide certified copies of identification documents (passport usually). You can either mail certified copies (certified by the issuing agency) or use an IRS-authorized Acceptance Agent who can verify your original documents.

Wow so you're suggesting they sell out their entire family for cash? That's cold. This is their father and sister we're talking about. They could go to PRISON. The niece's life would be ruined before it even starts.

How do we handle the expenses for equipment and software? We've been sharing the costs pretty informally. Do we need to track every single purchase?

You absolutely need to track every single purchase related to your YouTube work. Keep all receipts (digital or physical) and note which partner paid for what. The partnership should track all these expenses, even if they came from personal funds. For equipment and software, these are legitimate business expenses that can offset your income. Just make sure you're only deducting the business portion (if you also use things personally). You'll need to decide if certain equipment should be depreciated over time rather than expensed immediately - this depends on cost and expected useful life.

That's actually tax fraud and could get both of them in serious trouble. The IRS isn't stupid - they know people try these "creative" approaches. What you're describing is trying to avoid paying self-employment taxes and income taxes by mischaracterizing business income as gifts. The company clearly views them as a single business entity, which is why they're asking for one W-9. The proper way to handle this is exactly what the top comments suggest - file as a partnership, get an EIN, and each partner reports their share of income on their personal returns.