Does this HS code thing really matter that much? I've returned stuff before just marking "gift" on the customs form and never had issues. Seems like everyone's making this more complicated than it needs to be.

Yes, the correct HS code absolutely matters, especially for higher-value items. Marking returns as "gifts" is actually customs fraud and can get you in serious trouble. Gifts still have import duty thresholds in most countries, while properly documented returns using the correct HS code are exempt from duties and taxes. I learned this the hard way when I incorrectly labeled a return shipment and had it held at customs for three weeks. They eventually released it after I provided additional documentation, but the retailer almost denied my refund due to the delay. Using the proper codes and declarations from the start saves headaches and potential legal issues.

I've used DHL for returns from Thailand to the US multiple times. They're good but you still need to tell them specifically it's a return and provide all the documentation. Don't assume they'll automatically know how to code it properly! I always fill out my own customs declaration with "RETURNED GOODS" clearly marked and the proper HS code, then make sure the DHL agent understands what I'm sending.

Did you try any others? I hear CreditKarma Tax (now Cash App Taxes) is also free?

I did try Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax) one year actually. It's completely free for both federal and state, which is amazing, but I found it less intuitive than FreeTaxUSA. The interface wasn't as polished, and I wasn't confident it was catching everything. FreeTaxUSA feels more thorough with its questionnaire and explanations. For me, the $15 state fee with FreeTaxUSA is worth the better experience, but if you're on a super tight budget, Cash App Taxes is definitely a viable option.

Yep, they've been using "dark patterns" in their design for years. They deliberately make it confusing which version you need and hide the truly free options. There have been investigations into their practices. FreeTaxUSA and others are definitely more transparent with pricing.

Won't you get flagged for an audit if you claim business expenses for such a small amount of income? I'm nervous about anything that might trigger extra IRS attention.

The amount of income doesn't determine whether deductions are valid - it's whether the expenses are legitimate and necessary for earning that income. If you have proper documentation for your expenses, there's no reason to worry. Claiming reasonable, documented business expenses against income you've properly reported actually shows you're being thorough and transparent. The IRS is much more concerned with people who don't report income at all or who claim excessive deductions without documentation. Keep your receipts, be honest about your expenses, and you'll be fine.

You don't need to report the value of meals provided during work hours on the work premises as taxable income. The IRS considers this a de minimis fringe benefit (meaning minimal value). The pizza and drinks you got during your SAT proctoring shift fall under this exception.

The company car one surprised me. My boss let me use the company truck for a weekend move and I got hit with taxes on the "fair rental value" for those days. Was not expecting that!

Yeah, the company car taxation catches many people off guard! The IRS considers personal use of company vehicles as compensation, so companies have to report it as taxable income. They usually calculate it based on either the lease value or mileage rates. Basically anything of value your employer provides can potentially be taxable unless it specifically qualifies for an exclusion. The tax code has very specific rules about each type of benefit. Companies are getting more careful about properly reporting these things to avoid IRS issues during audits.

Not all fringe benefits r taxable tho. Health insurance isn't usually taxed which is why OP is confused probably. My company gives us free snacks and coffee and we don't get taxed on those cuz they're considered "de minimis" benefits (too small to matter).

For the delivery platforms, how do you handle this in bookkeeping? My accountant wants me to record the gross sales including their fees, but then that inflates my revenue numbers even though I never see that money.

For delivery platforms, you should record the gross sale amount as revenue, then record the platform's commission as an expense. This gives you accurate gross revenue reporting while still accounting for the fees. For example, if a customer orders $100 worth of food and the platform takes $30, you'd record $100 as revenue and $30 as a commission expense. Your net is still $70, but your books properly show the full transaction. This is important for accurate sales tax reporting as well as income tax purposes.

Good point about cross-state issues. I do deliveries in a tri-state area and ended up having to register for sales tax in all three states. What a nightmare! Each has different rates and filing schedules too.