i know everyone hates wmr but maybe just use that for now? better than nothing

I'm dealing with the exact same issue! Filed on 1/28 and getting that same "We are not able to provide assistance to you via the identity verification tool" message. It's so annoying because I've been checking my transcripts for the past 3 years without any problems. The system worked fine when I checked it in December for prior year info, but now suddenly it won't verify my identity? Makes no sense. I even tried using different browsers and clearing my cache but nothing works. Really hoping this gets fixed soon because WMR is practically useless compared to the detailed info you get from transcripts.

I'm confused by all of this tbh. Last year I got a $120 settlement check with no 1099 at all, and the year before I got one with a 1099 that had nothing written on it about taxes. Why is there no consistency??

The inconsistency you're seeing is actually pretty normal with class action settlements. Each settlement administrator and their legal counsel make independent decisions about tax reporting based on the specific nature of that settlement. Some factors that affect whether you get a 1099: - Settlement amount (many don't issue 1099s under $600) - Type of damages being compensated - How cautious the administrator wants to be - Whether the settlement clearly falls into taxable vs non-taxable categories Your $120 settlement without a 1099 was probably either under their reporting threshold or clearly determined to be non-taxable from the start. The one with the blank 1099 sounds like they were being extra cautious but didn't have specific tax guidance to include. Bottom line: if you don't get a 1099, you generally don't need to report it. If you do get one with a note saying it's not taxable, keep the documentation and follow their guidance. The settlement administrators usually have tax attorneys making these determinations, so their guidance is typically reliable.

I was charged $580 last year for something similar, but my situation included rental property, multiple state filings, and cryptocurrency transactions. For just a Schedule C with a few 1099s, that's much steeper than what I'd expect compared to other tax scenarios I've encountered. My sister-in-law has a nearly identical tax situation to yours and pays around $350 in the Midwest. Even accounting for potential regional differences, $626 seems about $200 too high unless there are complicating factors you haven't mentioned.

I'd definitely get a second opinion on that pricing. I'm an EA and typically charge $385-425 for a 1040 with Schedule C and multiple 1099-NECs, depending on complexity. The $626 quote seems high unless there are additional factors like depreciation calculations, complex inventory accounting, or multi-state issues. A few questions that might affect pricing: Do you have significant business asset purchases requiring depreciation? Any employee-related forms like 941s? Home office deduction calculations? These can add time and complexity. But for straightforward freelance/contractor income with basic business expenses, you should be looking at $350-450 range max. I'd recommend calling 2-3 other preparers for quotes - most will give you a ballpark over the phone once you describe your situation.

Anybody know if this same rule applies to other rental expenses too? Like if I buy cleaning supplies that I use at both properties, do I need to split that cost too?

Great question! I actually had a similar situation last year with two rental units in the same building complex. After consulting with my CPA, I learned that the correct approach is definitely to split the mileage proportionally - not claim the full amount for each property. Here's what I do now: I keep a simple spreadsheet where I log each trip with the total miles, then note what percentage of time/work was spent at each property. For your example, if you spent equal time at both units, you'd allocate 7 miles to each property on their respective Schedule E forms. The IRS views this as one business trip that served multiple properties, so the expense should be divided accordingly. Claiming 14 miles on both would indeed be double-dipping and could raise red flags during an audit. I've found that being conservative and well-documented with these allocations has saved me headaches down the road. One tip: I also photograph my odometer readings and keep brief notes about what work I did at each property. Makes tax time much smoother!

Make sure you check if your US company needs to have you fill out Form W-8BEN to certify your foreign status. Many US companies require this form before they'll honor the tax treaty provisions. Without it, some will withhold 30% automatically regardless of the treaty.

As someone who's been through this exact situation as a contractor from Mexico working with US companies, I wanted to add a few practical tips that really helped me: 1. **Get organized early** - Create a folder system now for all your tax documents. You'll need your 1099, contract agreements, proof of Argentine residency, and records of any US visits. 2. **Consider quarterly estimated payments** - Even though your company isn't withholding taxes, you might still owe US taxes depending on how the treaty applies to your specific situation. Making quarterly payments can help avoid underpayment penalties. 3. **Document your work location meticulously** - I keep a simple spreadsheet tracking where I physically perform work each day. This becomes crucial evidence if the IRS ever questions your treaty position. 4. **Connect with other Argentine contractors** - There are some good expat tax groups on Facebook where people share their experiences with the US-Argentina treaty specifically. The nuances can be quite different from other countries' treaties. The learning curve is steep but totally manageable once you get the system down. Feel free to ask if you have specific questions about the filing process!