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.

PSA: DO NOT dm random ppl offering help with your taxes!!! Even if they say they dont need personal info, its sketchy af

Wow, $1,441 in interest is actually pretty decent compensation for the wait! I'm dealing with a similar amended return situation - been stuck since March with various holds. Your timeline gives me hope that things will eventually move. Quick question: did you notice any pattern with the cycle codes? Mine shows 20243605 on my last update and I'm trying to figure out if that means anything for timing.

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.

Looking at the 2023 tax year provisions, you should be aware that the Child Tax Credit is worth up to $2,000 per qualifying child under 17, with up to $1,600 being refundable (as the Additional Child Tax Credit). Even with zero income, you can receive this refundable portion. The filing deadline this year is April 15, 2024, so you still have time to file and claim these credits yourself. Your fiancé cannot claim the children unless you're legally married, as the IRS defines a step-parent relationship only through legal marriage. The biological parent with custody (you) has priority claim rights regardless of who provides financial support.

I've been following this thread and want to add something important that hasn't been fully addressed yet. Even though your fiancé can't directly claim your children as dependents, there's still a way for your household to maximize tax benefits while staying completely within IRS rules. Since you're the custodial parent, you should definitely file your own return and claim the kids - even with minimal income from gig work. Here's why this is actually beneficial: 1. You'll likely qualify for the full refundable Child Tax Credit ($1,600 per child under 17) 2. With gig work income, you might also qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit 3. These are refundable credits, meaning you get money back even if you owe no taxes The key insight here is that it doesn't matter which person in your household files the return - the refund benefits your family either way. Your fiancé supporting you financially doesn't change who can legally claim the children, but it also doesn't reduce the tax benefits flowing to your household. One practical tip: make sure you file early in the season. If there's any confusion about who should claim the children, the IRS generally honors the first return filed with those dependents. This protects you from potential issues if the biological father changes his mind or files incorrectly.