I double-checked and I definitely selected "Head of Household" as my filing status. And I made sure to answer that nobody else can claim my kids as dependents. I'm starting to think it might be related to those advance payments I received throughout the year, as someone mentioned above. I'm going to look for a letter the IRS should have sent (Letter 6419) that supposedly shows how much I received in advance. That might explain why it's showing as $0 now - I might have already received the full amount!

Yes, that's likely the answer then! The advance payments can definitely explain it. The Letter 6419 will show exactly how much you received in advance payments. Many people are surprised at tax time because they forget those monthly deposits were essentially "pre-refunding" the Child Tax Credit that would normally come at tax time. If you can't find the letter, you can also check your IRS online account which should show the total advance payments. Just to be sure everything is calculating correctly in your return.

The phase-out for Child Tax Credit starts at $200,000 for single/head of household filers in 2025. OP mentioned making around $75K, so that shouldn't be the issue here. More likely it's the advance payment situation others have mentioned.

Wouldn't that be tax fraud though? You can't just choose to be a contractor vs employee based on what's better for taxes. The IRS has specific rules about who qualifies as an employee vs contractor, right?

You're absolutely right to bring that up. Converting from employee to contractor isn't just a choice for tax benefits - it has to reflect a genuine change in your working relationship with the company. The IRS looks at factors like control (how, when and where you work), financial aspects (who provides equipment, how you're paid), and relationship factors (benefits, permanency). If nothing changes except your tax classification, that would indeed raise red flags with the IRS. My situation involved a legitimate restructuring of my role and responsibilities with much more independence in how I complete projects.

Which states still allow the home office deduction for employees? I'm in California and would love to know if that's an option.

What about the Robinhood stuff? I heard investment income makes things more complicated?

The Robinhood with only $1 in earnings would be reported on a 1099-B and possibly a 1099-DIV, but it's extremely simple to incorporate. Most tax software and preparers just input the numbers directly from these forms. It literally adds maybe 5 minutes to the preparation process. Investment income only becomes significantly complicated when you have multiple transactions throughout the year, complex basis calculations, or substantial amounts that might trigger additional taxes like NIIT (Net Investment Income Tax). A single stock with minimal earnings wouldn't justify any meaningful price increase.

Does FreeTaxUSA handle the EV tax credit stuff properly? I'm buying a Tesla next month and worried about screwing that up.

Thank you so much for mentioning the Dependent Care FSA! I didn't even think to check if my hospital offers this benefit, but I just looked through my benefits package and they do! This would be so helpful for next year. Do you know if there's any way to still sign up for 2024 or is it too late now?

Unfortunately, FSA enrollment typically happens during your employer's open enrollment period, which is usually at the end of the year for the following year's benefits. Most plans don't allow mid-year enrollment unless you have a qualifying life event (like the birth of a child, marriage, divorce, etc.). I'd recommend talking to your HR department to confirm your specific plan rules, but definitely plan to sign up during the next open enrollment period. In the meantime, keep track of all your childcare expenses for the Child and Dependent Care Credit on your tax return, which you can still claim even without an FSA.

I've used both and honestly found them pretty similar for my single mom situation. The key is making sure you answer all the questions thoroughly regardless of which software you use. They ask slightly different questions but cover the same credits and deductions. One tip though - I found TaxSlayer was actually cheaper than both and got me the same refund amount. They all use the same IRS forms in the end!

You make a good point. I was so focused on getting the refund that I hadn't even thought about addressing the CPA's behavior. Would it be reasonable to ask for a partial refund of their fee? And what documentation specifically should I request beyond copies of both returns?

Requesting a partial refund of their fee is absolutely reasonable given the circumstances. A professional who makes an error and then compounds it by taking unauthorized action should be willing to make amends. For documentation, I would request: copies of both the original and amended returns (all forms/schedules), the written explanation of what error occurred and why, confirmation of all submission and acceptance dates from their e-filing platform, and any communications they've had with the IRS about your case. Also ask for their professional recommendation on handling potential IRS notices you might receive as a result of this situation.

The regular WMR tool doesn't track amended returns at all. You need to use the "Where's My Amended Return" tool instead: https://www.irs.gov/filing/wheres-my-amended-return But even that one only updates every 3 weeks and is notoriously behind the actual processing status. Calling is honestly the only reliable way to get accurate status info on amendments.

Thanks for the link! I had no idea there was a separate tool for amended returns. I just checked and at least it's showing my amendment in the system now, though still processing. Definitely better than the black hole I thought it was in!