I just called FreeTaxUSA support about this exact issue. They told me there's a way to handle multiple localities even though the interface makes it seem impossible. After you enter your W-2 with the first locality, save it and go back to your W-2 list. Then click on "Edit" for that W-2, and you should see an option at the bottom for "Add another local tax withholding." It's super easy to miss, but it's there!

Great to see this got resolved! For anyone else dealing with similar multi-city tax situations, I'd also recommend double-checking your final tax calculations before submitting. Even when you enter multiple localities correctly in FreeTaxUSA, sometimes the software doesn't automatically apply available credits for taxes paid to multiple jurisdictions. I learned this the hard way last year - I was entitled to a credit for paying duplicate local taxes but had to manually add it in the "Other Credits" section. Your city tax departments (if you can reach them) or a local tax preparer can help verify if you qualify for any credits to avoid overpaying. The multiple locality feature in FreeTaxUSA works well once you find it, but it's definitely one of those hidden features that should be more prominent in the interface!

I actually just went through a QSBS audit this past year for my 2020 return where I excluded $3.8M in gains from a fintech startup I joined in 2016. The audit took about 5 months and was quite detailed, though manageable with proper documentation. What surprised me most was how systematically the IRS approached the review. They had a clear checklist for QSBS requirements and methodically worked through each one. The auditor was actually quite knowledgeable about Section 1202, which was reassuring compared to some horror stories I'd heard about agents unfamiliar with the rules. Key areas they focused on: (1) Continuous C-corp status verification through state records and tax returns, (2) The $50M gross asset test with quarterly snapshots, not just annual, (3) Active business operations - they wanted to see we were actually providing financial services, not just holding fintech IP passively, and (4) My original stock acquisition documentation and basis calculations. The most time-consuming part was gathering historical financial statements. Fortunately, our startup had been diligent about quarterly board packages, so we had the asset progression documented. They accepted certified copies rather than originals for most items. One tip that really helped: I created a detailed timeline document showing major company milestones, funding rounds, employee growth, and business developments throughout my holding period. This helped tell the story of an active, growing business rather than just presenting disconnected financial data. My exemption was fully upheld. While stressful, having everything organized upfront made the process much smoother than I'd feared. The IRS seems to respect taxpayers who clearly qualify and have done their homework on documentation.

I went through a QSBS audit in 2023 for my 2020 return where I excluded $2.9M in gains from a healthtech startup. The audit took about 6 months and was quite thorough, but ultimately successful. What stood out to me was how the IRS approached the "active business" requirement for our healthcare technology company. Since we were developing medical devices with long regulatory approval cycles, they questioned whether our pre-revenue R&D activities constituted active business operations or were more like passive development. I had to provide extensive documentation showing: FDA submission timelines, clinical trial protocols and progress reports, patent prosecution activities, regulatory correspondence, and detailed records of our engineering and clinical teams' day-to-day work. The key was demonstrating continuous, substantial business activities rather than just periodic development milestones. They also scrutinized our asset calculations carefully, particularly how we valued our intellectual property and development costs. Having quarterly financial statements helped, but they also wanted supporting details on major asset acquisitions and disposals throughout my holding period. One thing that really helped was having our former CFO available to answer technical questions about our financial reporting and asset classifications. The continuity of having someone who understood our historical financials made the documentation process much smoother. My advice: For companies with long development cycles or complex IP assets, be prepared to tell a detailed story about your active business operations. The IRS wants to see sustained, substantial business activity, not just periodic progress updates. Having organized chronological records of business activities, not just financial snapshots, was crucial for our successful defense.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a somewhat similar situation with my consulting LLC supporting a local animal rescue nonprofit, though at a much smaller scale. Reading through all the responses, I'm realizing I need to completely rethink my approach. I was planning to claim about $35k in "donated services" but it sounds like that's not actually deductible anyway. The fiscal sponsorship model that Sofia mentioned and the contracting-at-reduced-rates approach both seem much more sustainable and audit-proof. One question I haven't seen addressed - how do you handle the nonprofit's need to report these arrangements on their Form 990? I want to make sure whatever structure we use doesn't create compliance issues on their end either. The last thing I want is to help them inadvertently jeopardize their tax-exempt status. Also, for those who have implemented the contracting approach - do you find it affects how you price your services to paying clients? I'm worried about creating an expectation that my rates should always be as low as what I charge the nonprofit. Freya, thanks for starting this discussion. Even though my situation is smaller scale, the principles everyone has shared here are going to save me from making some costly mistakes!

This thread has been a goldmine of practical advice! I'm dealing with a similar situation where my marketing LLC has been supporting a local literacy nonprofit, and I was about to make the same mistakes with trying to deduct service donations. The fiscal sponsorship approach that Sofia mentioned really resonates with me. I've been tracking about $40k in "donated time" but reading through these responses, I realize I should focus on the actual out-of-pocket expenses - probably closer to $8k in materials, printing, travel, and supplies. Much more defensible and still provides real value to the nonprofit. What I'm finding most valuable here is the emphasis on proper documentation and governance. I've been pretty informal about the relationship, but it's clear I need board resolutions, written agreements, and formal expense reimbursement processes to do this right. For anyone else reading this thread - the contracting at reduced rates approach also makes a lot of sense if your nonprofit has some budget flexibility. It creates clean business transactions while still providing significant savings compared to market rates. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially the specific suggestions about finding nonprofit-specialized CPAs. This is definitely more complex than I initially thought, but at least now I have a roadmap for handling it properly!

This is exactly why I always warn people about Sprintax! I had a similar experience two years ago where they took my money and then informed me AFTER payment that there would be a multi-day processing delay. What really got me was their customer service - they act like you're the problem for not magically knowing about their hidden delays. I ended up having to file an extension because of their incompetence, which was stressful and embarrassing. Since then, I've used FreeTaxUSA for my non-resident filing and it's been much better - forms generate immediately and their customer service actually responds helpfully when you need them. For your current situation, definitely document everything (screenshots, chat logs, emails) and file a chargeback with your credit card company. Many people have had success with this approach since Sprintax fails to deliver services as advertised. You shouldn't have to eat that $75 for their terrible service.

Wow, this is incredibly helpful information for someone like me who's been struggling with non-resident tax filing! I'm on H-1B status and have been dreading tax season because of all the complications with treaty benefits and state vs federal requirements. The suggestions about checking with your employer/university for partnerships is gold - I just looked and my company actually has a deal with a tax service I had no idea about. Could have saved me so much research time! For those dealing with Sprintax issues right now, I'd definitely recommend the chargeback route based on what others have shared. When a service promises one thing and delivers something completely different (or nothing at all), that's textbook grounds for a dispute. The key is having documentation of what they promised versus what they delivered. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread probably just saved a bunch of us from making the same expensive mistake with Sprintax!

Has anybody successfully claimed this credit on their taxes yet? I'm trying to figure out exactly which form to use for the used EV credit and whether I need anything besides the purchase agreement when I file. My tax software seems confused about it.

Thanks for all the helpful information everyone! Just to add one more perspective - I work as a tax preparer and I've helped several married couples navigate this exact situation. The key points that keep coming up are: 1. Each spouse can claim the used EV credit once in a 3-year period, even on a joint return 2. The vehicle must be titled in the name of the person claiming the credit 3. Keep all your documentation - the IRS has been scrutinizing these credits more closely 4. Double-check the income limits ($150k for MFJ) and vehicle requirements (under $25k, at least 2 years old, dealer sale) One thing I'd add that hasn't been mentioned - if you're planning to buy two used EVs within a short timeframe, consider the timing strategically. Since the credit is non-refundable, you can only use it to offset your actual tax liability. If you don't have enough tax liability to use both credits in one year, spacing the purchases might be more beneficial. Also, make sure your tax software is updated for the current tax year - some older versions don't handle the used EV credit properly on Form 8936.