Mac user with an S-Corp here! I went through this same frustration last year and ended up finding a workflow that works really well. After trying various solutions mentioned here, I settled on using TaxAct Online for both my personal and business returns. What I love about their online platform is that it's genuinely Mac-native through the browser, and their 1120S module is surprisingly comprehensive. The interface is clean and modern, unlike some of the clunkier web-based solutions. They also have excellent import capabilities for QuickBooks Mac data, which saved me tons of manual entry time. The real game-changer for me was their audit support feature - they provide representation if you get selected for an audit, which gave me peace of mind since S-Corps do get more scrutiny. Their pricing is also very reasonable compared to TurboTax Business. One tip for fellow Mac users: I use 1Password to store all my tax login credentials since you'll be working across multiple online platforms (payroll provider, accounting software, tax prep, etc.). Makes the whole process much more seamless when everything is browser-based.

Mac user and CPA here - wanted to share my professional perspective on this. The shift away from Mac desktop tax software isn't really a conspiracy, it's economics. The development and maintenance costs for native Mac applications are significant, and the tax software market is highly seasonal with most revenue concentrated in just a few months. For S-Corp returns specifically, I'd strongly recommend against trying to DIY this on any platform unless your situation is extremely simple. The compliance requirements have gotten much more complex over the past few years, especially around reasonable compensation determination and basis tracking. A mistake on your 1120S can trigger cascading issues on your personal return. If you're determined to self-prepare, the online versions of the major platforms (TurboTax Business, H&R Block Premium & Business) are actually quite robust now. But honestly, for most S-Corp owners, the cost of professional preparation is often less than the time value of doing it yourself, plus you get the peace of mind of professional review. That said, if your S-Corp is truly straightforward (single owner, no employees besides yourself, minimal assets), then FreeTaxUSA Business or TaxAct Online are solid budget-friendly options that work great on Mac.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar boat with a $850k mortgage and paid about $8,500 in points at closing. Based on what everyone's shared, it sounds like I can deduct about 88% of those points ($750k ÷ $850k = 0.882). One question I haven't seen addressed - does the timing of when you close matter for the tax year? I closed in late December 2024, so I'm wondering if I should claim the points deduction on my 2024 return or wait until 2025. The points were definitely paid in 2024, but I'm second-guessing myself since it was so close to year-end. Also, has anyone here dealt with points on a VA loan? I'm wondering if there are any special rules that apply since it's a government-backed mortgage. My lender wasn't super clear about this during closing.

Great question about VA loans and year-end timing! Just to add to what @Liam Sullivan mentioned - I went through something very similar with an $820k VA loan where I closed in November. One thing to watch out for with VA loans is that sometimes the funding fee gets lumped together with points on certain documents, but they're treated differently for tax purposes. The VA funding fee isn't deductible as mortgage interest/points - only the actual discount points you paid to reduce your interest rate count. Make sure your closing disclosure (CD) shows the points separately from the funding fee. If it's not clear, you might want to contact your lender for a breakdown. The VA funding fee typically shows up as a separate line item, but I've seen some confusing closing documents where everything got grouped together. Also, since you mentioned you're second-guessing the timing - the IRS is pretty clear that it's based on the payment date, not the loan start date or when you file. Your December 2024 closing means it goes on your 2024 return, period. Don't overthink it! Your 88% calculation is spot on. Just remember to keep that closing disclosure safe - VA loan audits tend to focus heavily on the points vs. funding fee distinction.

Friendly reminder that wash sale rules don't technically apply to crypto (yet) since the IRS classifies crypto as property, not securities. This is actually one advantage for crypto traders. If you have any losses, you can sell and rebuy immediately to harvest the tax loss without waiting 30 days like you would with stocks. Could help offset those gains. Just make sure you're using crypto tax software that handles this correctly, as many general tax programs incorrectly apply wash sale rules to crypto.

I was in almost the exact same situation as you last year - made about $2,800 in crypto profits and was tempted to not report it. But after reading all these horror stories about IRS letters and penalties, I decided to just bite the bullet and report everything. Honestly, it wasn't as bad as I thought. The actual tax I owed on the $2,700 was only around $600 (depending on your tax bracket), but the peace of mind was worth it. I used one of the crypto tax software tools mentioned here and it made the whole process pretty straightforward. The way I see it, $2,700 might seem small to us, but it's exactly the kind of amount the IRS targets because they know most people think it's "too small to matter." Don't give them an easy win - just report it properly and sleep well at night.

I'd also suggest keeping detailed records of all your attempts to get your W-2. Screenshot any emails you send to your former employer requesting it, and keep copies of their responses (or lack thereof). This documentation becomes really important if you need to file Form 4852 or contact the IRS for help. One thing I learned the hard way - don't assume your employer will automatically send your W-2 to a new address. Even if you updated your address with HR before leaving, definitely send them a written request (email is fine) with your current mailing address specifically for tax documents. I've seen too many people miss their W-2s simply because of address mix-ups. Also, check if your employer uses a third-party payroll service like ADP or Paychex. Sometimes you can access your W-2 through their online portals even after termination. Worth looking into before going through the IRS process.

Just to add another perspective - if you're dealing with a particularly difficult former employer, you might want to consider reaching out to your state's Department of Labor as well. While the W-2 issue is primarily an IRS matter, some states have additional protections for workers regarding final pay and documentation. They can sometimes put pressure on employers who are being uncooperative. Also, don't forget that you can estimate your taxes and file even without the W-2 if you have your final pay stub. You'd use Form 4852 (Substitute for Form W-2) which asks for the same information. The key is to be as accurate as possible with your wage and withholding amounts. Keep your final pay stub safe - it's going to be your best friend if your employer tries to play games with your W-2. One last tip: if you do end up having to contact the IRS, try calling early in the morning (around 7-8 AM) when the phone lines open. You'll have much better luck getting through than if you call during peak hours.

Code 570 is basically the IRS saying "hold up, we need to take a closer look at something." Since you have both 570 and 971 codes, you'll definitely get a notice in the mail explaining what they need from you. Common reasons for HOH filers include verifying dependents, income matching, or identity verification. The good news is your refund amount is still showing correctly at -$6,042, so they're not disputing the amount. Just hang tight for that notice - it should arrive within 2-3 weeks and will tell you exactly what to do next.

I had the exact same situation last year - filed HOH with EIC and got hit with code 570. Turned out they just needed to verify my qualifying child for HOH status. Had to send in birth certificate and school records. Took about 5 weeks total but once I provided the docs they released my refund pretty quick. The waiting is the worst part but at least your refund amount looks solid!