Does requesting all three types of relief make the process take longer? I'm trying to get this resolved as quickly as possible and don't want unnecessary delays.

Requesting all three types actually doesn't extend the processing time at all. The IRS evaluates your case for all types simultaneously, not sequentially. They automatically consider which type you qualify for, starting with innocent spouse relief, then separation of liability, and finally equitable relief. The biggest factors affecting processing time are completeness of documentation and current IRS backlog. Making sure you provide thorough documentation up front is the best way to avoid delays. If you only request one type and don't qualify, they'll reject your case entirely rather than considering if you might qualify under another type.

They process innocent spouse claims year-round, but there's definitely slowdown during filing season. My claim took 9 months last year, with 4 of those months being during tax season when it basically didn't move at all. You might not hear anything until May or June.

For partial work from home situations, you can only deduct the business percentage of your internet if you're self-employed. W-2 employees lost the ability to deduct unreimbursed business expenses after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, unless you're certain specific professions like armed forces reservists, qualified performing artists, or fee-basis state/local government officials.

Thank you all for the advice. I'm definitely going to file now after reading everything. I had no idea the failure-to-file penalties were so much worse than failure-to-pay. I'm going to look into both the installment plan and that Offer in Compromise program. One last question - if I get on a payment plan, will they still put liens on my property or anything like that? I'm renting right now but hoping to buy a house in the next couple years.

Generally, if you're on a payment plan and staying current with your payments, the IRS won't file a tax lien. However, this depends partly on how much you owe. For smaller debts (under $25,000) with an installment agreement, they typically don't file liens if you're compliant with the terms. For larger amounts, they might still file a lien as protection, even with a payment plan in place. The good news is that once you've made enough payments to get below a certain threshold, or if you've been in compliance with your plan for a specified period, you can request for them to withdraw the lien. This is something that changed with their Fresh Start program to help taxpayers.

This is so true. I'm in California and the Franchise Tax Board is WAY more aggressive than the IRS. They suspended my driver's license over a $2200 tax bill I didn't pay. The IRS gives you more time and options generally.

Thanks for the pricing insight. I was definitely worried about charging too much as a newcomer, but what you're saying about the perception of quality makes sense. Would you recommend gradually increasing prices as I gain more clients, or should I start higher right away?

I'd recommend starting closer to market rates right from the beginning. You can always offer an introductory discount to your first clients if you're concerned about the price, but explicitly frame it as a discount so they know the real value. Don't fall into the trap of having to raise prices significantly for existing clients later - that's much harder to do. Better to start near where you want to be. Focus your marketing on the specialized value you bring to Hispanic truckers - bilingual service, understanding their specific business challenges, and knowledge of all the deductions they're entitled to. Many will pay more for someone who truly understands their situation.

This is great advice. I do something similar but I also bring a one-page handout that shows common deductions for their industry with typical dollar amounts. Truckers can claim per diem, maintenance, phone costs, etc. Having something physical they can take with them helps too.

These are great questions I hadn't thought to ask! Do CPAs typically provide some kind of service agreement that spells all this out, or is it more informal? I definitely want to make sure we know exactly what we're getting.

Yes, reputable CPAs will provide an engagement letter that outlines exactly what services are included, their fees, and any potential additional charges. This is a formal document that protects both you and them by setting clear expectations. It's completely normal and professional to ask for this in writing before proceeding. The engagement letter should detail everything - filing which forms, for which states, what happens if you need amendments, audit support terms, and for advisory services, how many consultations you get and what specific planning areas they'll address. If they're reluctant to provide this in writing, that's actually a red flag.

This is a really good point. I've seen TurboTax struggle with multi-state income and self-employment situations. One specific issue to check: TurboTax sometimes doesn't properly allocate income between states when you've moved mid-year, which can lead to double taxation. It also sometimes misses home office deductions for self-employed people.