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If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
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An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls ā which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
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Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
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Just wanted to mention that if you're only filing a few 1099-NECs, you can file them for free directly on the IRS website through the FIRE system. No need to buy forms or pay for services if you're comfortable navigating the government website.
Andre Dupont
ā¢I tried using the IRS site but got super confused. Is there a specific tutorial you followed to figure it out?
The IRS site is definitely not the most user-friendly, I'll admit. I found their tutorial in Publication 1220, but it's pretty technical. Here's what worked for me: create an account first, then go to the "Filing Information Returns Electronically" (FIRE) section. For simpler guidance, I actually ended up watching a YouTube tutorial someone made that walked through the process step by step. Just search "how to file 1099-NEC on IRS FIRE system" and you'll find several helpful videos that are much clearer than the official instructions.
Hey I went through this exact thing last month! I only had one contractor but got the 3-up form. I just filled out the top section and left the rest blank. Mailed it in and everything was fine. Don't overthink it!
ThunderBolt7
ā¢Did you also e-file with the IRS or just mail the paper form? I'm trying to figure out the easiest way.
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StarSailor}
As a former IRS employee, I strongly recommend looking into the Taxpayer Advocate Service as mentioned above. But also consider calling the direct number for the auditor assigned to your case (should be on your audit letter). They can often work with you directly if you're upfront about your situation. Also, you might qualify for audit reconsideration if you have new information or documentation that wasn't previously considered. This can be done without representation. The key is staying organized and responding to all IRS communications promptly. Many audits get worse simply because people avoid dealing with them out of fear.
Thanks for the insider perspective! My audit letter does have a specific person's name and number. I've tried calling a few times but always get voicemail. Is it better to keep trying that direct line or go through the main IRS number?
StarSailor}
ā¢Definitely keep trying the direct line to your assigned auditor. Leave detailed but brief voicemails with your name, tax ID number (last 4 digits only for security), and the best time to reach you. Most auditors handle multiple cases and check messages regularly, even if they don't answer calls immediately. The main IRS line will just put you in the general queue and whoever answers likely won't have immediate access to your specific case details. Your assigned auditor already knows your file and has the authority to make decisions on your case. Persistence is key - try calling at different times of the day, especially early morning right when offices open.
Miguel Silva
I went through an audit last year and found that my local H&R Block office offered audit representation services for about $850, which was way less than what tax relief companies quoted me. Also check with any tax preparer who may have done your original return - they sometimes include audit protection for returns they prepared, even from previous years.
How did that work out for you? Did they manage to reduce what you owed? I've heard mixed things about H&R Block's representation services.
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Ben Cooper
Something important that nobody's mentioned yet - make sure your nephew actually responds to the levy notice! As someone who works in a tax office (different state), I can tell you that while YOU aren't liable for his debts, ignoring the notice will make his situation much worse. Most states offer payment plans or sometimes even settlement options for people in financial hardship. But these options are only available if he actually contacts them and explains his situation. The worst thing he can do is nothing. Also, check whether your state has a taxpayer advocate service. Many states have free resources to help taxpayers navigate collection issues, especially for people with limited income.
Summer Green
ā¢Thanks for bringing this up! You're absolutely right. I've been so focused on whether I could be at risk that I haven't really pushed him enough on addressing his own situation. Do these payment plans usually require some kind of initial payment? He literally has almost no money right now.
Ben Cooper
ā¢Most state tax agencies do require some initial payment to establish a payment plan, but the amount can often be negotiated based on financial circumstances. For someone with extremely limited income, some states will accept as little as $25-50 to start a plan. The key is documentation. Your nephew should gather proof of his current financial situation - bank statements showing low balances, unemployment documentation, job search records, etc. Many states have hardship programs specifically for people in dire financial situations. Some might even temporarily place the account in "currently not collectible" status if he can prove he has no ability to pay anything right now.
Naila Gordon
Is nobody going to point out that it might not be a good idea to claim someone as a dependent who has unresolved tax issues? While you're not legally liable for their state tax debts, claiming someone with tax problems can potentially increase your audit risk. The IRS and state tax authorities sometimes cross-reference dependents, especially adult dependents, and it might raise flags if someone you're claiming has outstanding tax issues. Doesn't mean you did anything wrong, but could mean more scrutiny.
Cynthia Love
ā¢This is actually a really good point that I hadn't considered. When I worked at an accounting firm, we definitely saw increased audit rates for returns with adult dependents who had their own tax compliance issues. Doesn't mean you shouldn't claim them if they legitimately qualify, but worth being aware of.
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Don't forget about HSA contributions if you have a high-deductible health plan! This is often overlooked but is one of the best AGI reducers available. For 2023, you can contribute up to $3,850 (self-only) or $7,750 (family), plus an extra $1,000 if you're 55+. The great thing is you can still make 2023 contributions until April 15, 2024. It's triple tax-advantaged: reduces your AGI now, grows tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free. Even if you didn't have an HSA-eligible plan all year, you can prorate your contribution based on how many months you were eligible.
If I open an HSA account now in 2024, can I still make a contribution that counts for 2023? My employer offered a high-deductible plan that I was enrolled in all of 2023, but I never set up the HSA. Would really help if I could still get that AGI reduction.
Yes, you absolutely can! As long as you were enrolled in a qualified high-deductible health plan (HDHP) during 2023, you can open an HSA now and make contributions for the 2023 tax year until the tax filing deadline (April 15, 2024). Since you were enrolled in the HDHP for the entire year, you can contribute the full amount - $3,850 for individual coverage or $7,750 for family coverage. Just make sure to designate it as a 2023 contribution when you make it. This will reduce your 2023 AGI by the full contribution amount. It's one of the few retroactive tax moves you can still make this year to affect last year's taxes.
Emma Wilson
Has anyone used the qualified business income deduction (Section 199A) to reduce their AGI? I have a small side business that made about $12k last year but I'm confused if this counts as an AGI reducer or if it comes after AGI is calculated.
Yara Nassar
ā¢The Qualified Business Income Deduction (Section 199A) is a bit confusing position-wise. Technically, it doesn't reduce your AGI - it's actually taken after your AGI is calculated but before your taxable income is determined. It's similar to the standard or itemized deduction in that regard. So while it's an amazing deduction that can reduce your taxable income by up to 20% of your qualified business income, it unfortunately won't help lower your AGI for things that are AGI-dependent. Focus instead on retirement contributions, HSA, and other above-the-line deductions to reduce your actual AGI.
Dylan Baskin
A big thing you need to figure out is your cost basis. Since you inherited the stock, your basis should be the fair market value on the date of death (or alternate valuation date if the executor chose that). This is called a "stepped-up basis." For a large inheritance like that, there should be estate documents that show the valuation. Make sure you have those before filing, because using the wrong basis could cost you thousands in deductions.
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Lauren Wood
ā¢What happens if you can't find documentation of the exact value on date of death? My dad left me some stocks but passed away during COVID and everything's a mess with paperwork.
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Dylan Baskin
ā¢If you can't find the documentation, you can try to reconstruct it. You'll need to determine the date of death and then research what the stock was trading for on that day - most financial websites have historical price data. Get the closing price on that date and multiply by the number of shares. If it was a significant inheritance, the estate may have filed an estate tax return (Form 706) which would have the valuation. You can request a copy from the IRS with Form 4506. Another option is to contact the broker who handled the account - they often have historical valuations on record.
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Ellie Lopez
Everyone is talking about tax benefits, but has anyone considered that some of these failed bank stocks might actually recover some value? After Washington Mutual collapsed in 2008, the worthless stock (WAMUQ) actually traded up to about 50 cents from nearly zero as speculators bet on leftover assets.
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Chad Winthrope
ā¢That's actually a good point. I was holding onto some Lehman Brothers shares after they went bankrupt thinking they might bounce back, but in the end I would have been better off just taking the tax loss. The shares did briefly spike to about 20 cents though.
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