Does TaxSlayer customer service help with the free version too? Or do they only provide support for paid versions?

They'll help with any version, including the free one. I was using their "Simply Free" version and they still provided full support. The wait time might be longer during peak filing season (like early February or right before April 15), but they do answer eventually. The rep told me they get this IP PIN question constantly because the placement is so confusing. Apparently they're planning to make it more obvious in next year's version, but that doesn't help us now!

Your sister got lucky but that's not advisable. If the IRS has issued you an IP PIN, your return will almost always be rejected without it. The IRS uses the IP PIN specifically to verify your identity and prevent fraud. If someone submits without an IP PIN and gets accepted, it usually means one of two things: either they weren't actually issued an IP PIN that year (they aren't mandatory for everyone), or there's a processing delay and the rejection will come later (which can cause much bigger headaches).

Thanks for explaining that! I'll definitely make sure to include mine then. I guess she must not actually have been issued one this year and just got confused about whether she needed it or not.

This is super helpful, thanks! So if my parents claim me, what happens with my student loans? I paid about $2,500 in student loan interest last year - can I still deduct that on my taxes or does that also go to them?

Unfortunately if you're claimed as a dependent, you cannot take the student loan interest deduction - it's one of the deductions that dependents aren't eligible for. Your parents can't claim it either unless they're the ones legally responsible for the loan (like if they're the primary borrower, not just a cosigner). So that's something to consider in your situation - if that $2,500 interest deduction would save you more in taxes than what your parents would save by claiming you as a dependent, it might be worth discussing with them. But usually the dependent benefits for parents outweigh the student loan interest deduction.

This happened to me too! The IRS automatically rejected my e-filed return because my parents had already filed claiming me. Super annoying because I had to paper file an amended return.

I've torn apart every folder on both our laptops looking for it! I'm usually super organized but between the move and my wife's laptop dying (we recovered the files but they're a mess), I can't find the tax folder anywhere. Checked my email too for any confirmation from H&R Block but nothing with the actual return attached. Should have printed it...lesson learned for sure.

That's rough, moving definitely creates chaos with important documents. For future reference, I started using a digital storage system where I immediately upload tax documents to a secure cloud folder as soon as I receive them. For your current problem, if you used H&R Block online last year, try calling their customer service. Sometimes they can help you access previous returns even if you don't have your login info. Worth a shot before going the IRS route which will take longer.

The verification is the problem for many people. It often requires a credit card, loan account, or mobile phone that matches exactly what's in their system. I couldn't get in because my phone is on my partner's family plan, not in my name. Super frustrating!

Thank you for mentioning this! I wasn't aware that the collection statute gets suspended during OIC consideration. Do you know if the CNC status means they can still put liens on her property? She doesn't own a house, but does have a car that's paid off. And approximately how long does the OIC process usually take from start to finish?

Yes, the IRS can (and often does) file tax liens even when you're in CNC status. The lien protects their interest in your assets even though they're not actively collecting. For a car, they typically won't seize it if it's of modest value and needed for work/medical appointments, but the lien would come into play if she tried to sell it. The OIC process typically takes 6-9 months from submission to decision, sometimes longer if there are complications or if the IRS requests additional information. During this entire time, the collection statute is paused. If the offer is rejected and you appeal, that extends the timeline and suspension even further. This is why it's important to weigh whether an OIC makes sense versus waiting out the collection statute in CNC status, especially if your sister-in-law has limited income or assets that would make collection unlikely anyway.

Did you do the OIC yourself or hire someone? And did you end up having to give up the Netflix? I'm just curious how detailed they get...seems super invasive. Good to know about the payment thing tho.

Was there any trouble with the IRS beyond the financial penalties? Like did they treat you differently or make things harder because you skipped filing?

No actual trouble beyond the financial hit, but they did put me on a shorter leash for a few years. They processed my refunds more slowly the next couple years and seemed to scrutinize my returns more carefully. I also couldn't qualify for their streamlined payment plans for a while - had to provide more financial documentation. The biggest issue was honestly just the unnecessary stress and the fact that I ended up paying more than double what I would have if I'd just filed on time and set up a payment plan from the start. The interest and penalties stack up way faster than most credit cards.

This is actually not a terrible idea if you can qualify for a 0% intro APR card. I did this last year - got a card with 15 months at 0%, paid my taxes, then focused on paying off the card before the intro period ended. Saved me a bunch compared to the IRS installment plan interest rates.