Thanks for this suggestion! I actually tried asking if they would accept proof of application but they were pretty firm about needing the actual ITIN before finalizing the lease. I didn't think about the occupant vs. lease-holder distinction though - that's a really good idea. I'll check if my income alone meets their requirements. The only concern is that many places have rules about all adults living in the unit being on the lease. I'll definitely bring this up with them tomorrow. Really appreciate the suggestion!

They use it for identity verification and for potential collections if you break the lease. Without an ITIN or SSN, they have no way to report to credit bureaus or track you down if you skip out on rent. Some places will accept a larger security deposit instead.

That makes sense, thank you. I hadn't considered the collections angle. I wonder if offering an additional security deposit might work in the original poster's case. Seems like that would address their concern about potential risk.

Thanks for the advice! Do you have any idea how long it typically takes for the IRS to process a 1040-X? I'm worried this might impact my refund for next year or something.

Amended returns typically take 16 weeks or more to process, though the timeframe can vary significantly depending on IRS backlog. Sometimes it takes up to 6 months, so patience is key here. This shouldn't impact next year's refund unless you leave it uncorrected. The IRS processes tax years separately, so fixing this 2023 issue now means your 2024 return (which you'll file next year) won't be affected. Just make sure to keep copies of everything you submit for your records, including proof of mailing if you send it physically rather than e-filing.

Absolutely right. And don't forget you can e-file a 1040-X now! The IRS started accepting electronic amended returns a few years ago. Way faster than paper filing.

That's really helpful - I was so focused on figuring out the correct amount that I hadn't thought about the deadline. The notice says I have 30 days to respond. If I request more time, does that stop any collection actions they might take?

Requesting more time usually pauses collection actions while your case is being reviewed, but it's not guaranteed. Make sure you get confirmation (ask for a transaction ID or confirmation number) when you request the extension. The safest approach is to send a written response by certified mail before the deadline stating that you're disputing the amount and gathering documentation to support your position. This officially stops the collections process while your case is reviewed. Then follow up with your complete documentation once you have everything organized.

If the error was the IRS's fault, you can request interest abatement using Form 843. I did this last year after they misapplied a payment, and they approved it and removed all the interest charges. Make sure you clearly explain how the error was caused by the IRS and not by anything you did.

Where is this "notes section" you mentioned? Is that something in TurboTax or the actual IRS forms? I'm having a similar issue and want to make sure I do this right.

Sorry, I should have been more clear! In most tax software (I used TaxAct), there's a section where you can add miscellaneous information or notes when you're entering 1099 information. In the actual IRS forms, you can attach a statement labeled "Form 1099-K Name Discrepancy Explanation" that briefly explains the situation. If you're using TurboTax, look for the section where you enter your 1099-K information - there should be an option for "Notes" or "Add Additional Information." If you don't see it, you can always create a separate document explaining the discrepancy and attach it to your return as a PDF if filing electronically, or as a physical attachment if filing by mail.

Thanks for the inside info! So the rejection thing the IRS person told OP was just to scare them? I've been worried because my PayPal 1099-K has my username not my legal name lol

The IRS agent was being overly dramatic. The system won't automatically reject an e-filed return just because of a name mismatch on a 1099-K when the SSN matches. What likely happens is they were trying to motivate you to get it corrected because it makes their matching process easier. For your PayPal situation, that's super common! As long as your SSN is correct on the 1099-K, you should file using your legal name. The IRS matching program will flag it, but then verify the SSN and process it. You might get that CP2000 letter I mentioned asking you to confirm it's your income, but just respond promptly and you'll be fine.

Wait really? I had no idea about quarterly payments! So even though I'm filing for 2024 now, I'm supposed to already be making payments for 2025? How do I even calculate how much to send if I don't know exactly what I'll make this year?

That's right! For 2025 income, you need to make four payments throughout the year. You have a couple of options for calculating how much to pay. The simplest is to take your total expected tax for the year and divide by 4. You can base this on what you expect to earn this year. Alternatively, you can use the "safe harbor" provision - if you pay either 90% of this year's tax or 100% of last year's tax (whichever is smaller) through withholding and estimated payments, you won't face penalties. So once you file your 2024 taxes, you could use that amount as your guide for 2025 payments. The IRS Form 1040-ES has worksheets to help calculate this. It seems complicated at first, but it gets easier after your first year!

Seconding FreeTaxUSA! The self-employment section is really straightforward. Plus it's way cheaper than TurboTax. They have good explanations about what counts as a business expense too. I was able to deduct part of my phone bill, internet, computer, camera equipment, editing software, and even some travel costs related to content I was making.