Just my two cents, but I think you should definitely tell your tax preparer about the unfiled 2023 return during your appointment for 2024. They deal with this situation ALL THE TIME, trust me. When I worked as a server, I had a similar issue where I owed money multiple years and got overwhelmed. My tax guy handled everything - filed my back taxes, set up a payment plan, and even got some penalties reduced. It was way less painful than I expected. Don't try to handle the 2023 return yourself if you're already planning to see a professional for 2024. Let them handle both and do it right. The peace of mind is worth it, and they might save you money in the long run.

You're definitely not in as much trouble as you think! Missing one year happens more often than you'd expect, especially with multiple W-2s and website issues like you experienced. The lack of IRS notices is actually pretty normal - they're still working through backlogs and it often takes 12-18 months before they start sending letters about unfiled returns. Don't let that false sense of security fool you though - it's better to get ahead of it. Since you mentioned most of your income was from serving, there's a decent chance you might have had enough taxes withheld to cover what you owe, or you might even be due a refund. Server wages often have higher withholding rates, and if you're young, you might qualify for credits you don't know about. Definitely bring up the 2023 situation with your tax preparer at your scheduled appointment. They can handle both years efficiently and help you understand exactly where you stand. In the meantime, start gathering those 2023 W-2s - contact the employer with the website issues directly if needed, or you can request wage transcripts from the IRS. Don't stress too much about this. You're being proactive now, which is what matters. The penalties for late filing aren't pleasant, but they're manageable, especially if you file before the IRS gets around to creating a substitute return for you.

DEFINITELY in-person only for 5747C!!! I tried everything to avoid going in person last year and wasted 3 weeks trying to do it online or by phone. The IRS absolutely will not process your return until you complete the in-person verification. And don't forget to bring EVERYTHING listed on the letter - I forgot my W-2 and had to come back a second time. SO FRUSTRATING!! Make your appointment ASAP because they book up fast this time of year!

I went through this exact same process last year after amending my return. The 5747C letter is indeed in-person verification only - there's no way around it. A few tips from my experience: 1) Call the appointment line as soon as you get the letter (don't wait), 2) Have backup appointment times ready because they fill up quickly, 3) Bring original documents plus photocopies, and 4) Plan for the appointment to take 45-60 minutes. The good news is once you complete verification, processing moves pretty quickly. My refund was released within 2 weeks of my appointment. It's definitely inconvenient but the process itself is straightforward once you get there.

Called the IRS and sat on hold for 2 hours just to be told to wait 21 days... like thanks for nothing 🤮

I'm in a similar situation with cycle 05 and feeling the same anxiety! Filed early February and my transcript shows processing date of 2/26 but still no movement. The waiting is killing me too, especially when you're counting on that money. One thing I noticed from your transcript details - your refund amount is actually $3,388, not $2,388 like someone mentioned earlier. The math checks out: $2,640 withholding + $1,262 EIC - $514 tax = $3,388 total refund. Since you have EIC, the PATH Act requires them to hold refunds until at least February 15th, and with processing backlogs it can take even longer. Your cycle 05 means weekly updates, so definitely check your transcript again this Friday. Hang in there - based on what others are saying, movement should happen soon! The fact that your transcript shows all the right codes and no errors is a good sign.

Is anyone else annoyed that investment companies wait until the LAST possible minute to send these 1099 forms?? My friend already filed his taxes and then got a corrected 1099 and had to amend everything 😡

Welcome to the world of investing taxes! As someone who went through this exact same confusion when I started, I totally get how overwhelming it feels. The good news is that with $890 invested, your tax situation is going to be pretty straightforward. Here's what you need to know: You'll likely receive a 1099-DIV showing any dividends your investments earned (probably a small amount), and possibly a 1099-B if you sold any investments during the year. Even if the amounts are tiny, you still need to report them. The key thing is DON'T PANIC if you get the forms late - sometimes they don't arrive until February or even get corrected in March. Just make sure you wait to file your taxes until you have all your investment documents. Since this is your first year, I'd recommend using tax software like TurboTax, FreeTaxUSA, or H&R Block online. They all have sections specifically for investment income and will walk you through exactly where to enter the information from your 1099 forms. The software makes it much less scary than it seems! You're being smart by asking questions early. Better to understand this stuff now while your investments are small than to be scrambling later when you hopefully have much more invested!

13 The W-9 is actually super simple! I used to overthink it too. Just remember this: 1. The W-9 just gives your info to the company paying you 2. If you make over $600, they'll send you a 1099-NEC form in January/February 3. You report that income on your tax return (Schedule C) 4. You pay both income tax AND self-employment tax on profits 5. BUT you can deduct business expenses to reduce that taxable amount Don't stress too much! Start keeping good records now, and you'll be fine when tax time comes around. Most tax software can walk you through the whole process pretty easily.

Hey Danielle! I totally get the tax anxiety - I felt the same way when I started my small business. Just wanted to add a few things that helped me feel more confident: One thing that really helped was opening a separate business checking account, even though it's not required for sole proprietorships. It makes tracking income and expenses SO much easier when everything is separate from your personal spending. Also, don't forget about the home office deduction if you have a dedicated space for your jewelry making! Even if it's just a corner of a room that you use exclusively for business, you can deduct a portion of your rent/mortgage, utilities, etc. And here's something I wish someone had told me earlier - you can actually deduct mileage when you drive to buy supplies or ship packages. Keep a simple log in your car and track those trips to craft stores, post office, etc. It adds up! The most important thing is just to start tracking everything now. Even if you're not sure if something is deductible, keep the receipt and ask about it later. It's much easier to have too much documentation than not enough when tax time comes around.