Has anyone used H&R Block's expat tax service? I'm in a similar situation (US citizen in Auckland) and wondering if they're any good for international situations. Their regular service messed up my taxes before I left the States so I'm hesitant, but they advertise an expat specialty service.

I went through this exact same situation last year! The key thing to remember is that the US tax year mismatch with NZ isn't as complicated as it seems - you just report your NZ income earned during the US tax year (Jan-Dec 2023) on your US return. A couple of practical tips from my experience: 1. Keep detailed records of your income from both countries with dates - this makes everything easier 2. The Foreign Tax Credit can be really valuable, but you'll want to calculate whether that or the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion gives you better tax savings 3. Don't forget about potentially reporting any NZ bank accounts on your FBAR if the total exceeds $10,000 at any point during the year One thing I wish I'd known earlier - make sure you understand NZ's tax residency rules too. Since you qualify as a tax resident there, you'll need to report your US income on your NZ return as well. The timing can get tricky since you might file your US return in April but your NZ return isn't due until July. If you're comfortable with TurboTax, their Premier version handles foreign income reporting pretty well. Just make sure you have all your NZ pay slips converted to USD using the proper exchange rates for when you earned the income.

Based on all the discussion here, I'd definitely echo getting professional help given the IRS scrutiny on conservation easements. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is making sure your land trust is a qualified organization under IRC 501(c)(3) - the IRS has been challenging deductions where the receiving organization didn't meet all requirements. Also, Diego, regarding your valuation concern - if your property is near a growing suburb, you might want to look into whether any zoning changes or development plans are in the works for your area. Sometimes local planning departments have information about future growth that could significantly impact your property's development value. An appraiser experienced with conservation easements in your region would know to research these factors. Don't rush the amendment - better to take time now to get everything right than deal with an audit later. The three-year window gives you plenty of breathing room to do this properly.

Diego, I'd definitely recommend getting that second appraisal opinion before filing your amended return. Given that your property is near a growing suburb, $78k for 45 acres with development potential does seem potentially undervalued. I've seen similar situations where the initial appraiser didn't fully account for future development rights or subdivision potential. The key is finding an appraiser who specifically specializes in conservation easement valuations - they understand the "before and after" methodology required by the IRS and know how to properly research zoning, future land use plans, and comparable sales of development rights in your area. Since you have three years to amend, I'd suggest this order: 1) Get a consultation with a tax attorney who handles conservation easements, 2) If they recommend it, get that second appraisal, 3) Review all your documentation against IRS requirements, then 4) File the amended return with confidence. Your situation sounds completely legitimate since it's genuine family land preservation, but the IRS scrutiny means the documentation has to be perfect. Taking the time to get professional guidance upfront will likely save you significant stress and potential audit issues later.

Pro Series crashes CONSTANTLY during peak season!!! Don't believe the hype. I lose at least an hour of productive time every day dealing with software glitches. Look at ATX instead if ur doing mostly simple returns.

I'm a CPA who switched to Pro Series two years ago and have mixed feelings. The software itself is solid for basic to moderately complex returns - handles most situations you'll encounter with individual and small business clients well. The interface is intuitive once you get used to it, and the diagnostic tools are helpful for catching errors. However, I have to echo some concerns about stability during peak season. I've experienced crashes during high-volume periods, though not as frequently as Katherine mentioned. The key is saving your work frequently and having good backup procedures. For 25 returns, the pay-per-return pricing Connor mentioned could definitely work in your favor. Just factor in the potential learning curve time if you're switching from another platform - plan to start early in the season to get comfortable with the workflow before things get hectic. One tip: if you do go with Pro Series, invest in a solid internet connection and consider having Claimyr or similar service ready for tech support issues during busy periods. The combination can make the experience much smoother.

am i the only 1 who thinks its crazy we gotta jump thru all these hoops just to get OUR money back??? 🤡 system is broken af

I've been dealing with this exact same issue! What finally worked for me was calling the practitioner priority line at 1-866-860-4259 instead of the main number. Even though it's technically for tax professionals, they sometimes transfer you to the right department and the wait times are way shorter. Also, if you press 2-1-3-2 in the phone menu, it usually gets you to a human faster than going through the automated system. Don't give up - I know it's frustrating but you'll get through eventually!

Don't panic! I went through this exact same thing last year. Code 424 showed up on my transcript in March and I was terrified it meant audit. Turns out they were just verifying my employer's W-2 info because there was a small discrepancy in the system. The whole thing resolved in about 6 weeks without me having to do anything. The IRS will send you a letter if they actually need documents from you. Until then, just keep checking your transcript weekly and try not to stress. I know it's easier said than done when your refund is tied up, but in most cases these examination codes clear up on their own. Hang in there!

I went through this exact same panic last year! Code 424 appeared on my transcript in April and I was convinced I was getting audited. Turns out it was just the IRS cross-referencing my 1099s with what my employers reported. The whole thing cleared up in about 5 weeks without me having to do anything at all. The hardest part is the waiting and not knowing, but from everything I've read and experienced, 424 is usually just a routine verification process. They're probably just making sure all your income sources match up in their system. If they actually needed documents or had serious concerns, they'd send you a letter requesting specific information. My advice: check your transcript once a week (not daily - it'll drive you crazy), and try to stay patient. The 6 month wait for your refund sucks, but the 424 code doesn't necessarily mean it's going to take much longer. Most people I know who got this code had it resolve within 4-8 weeks. You got this! 💪