Something nobody has mentioned yet - you should really consider setting up an LLC before starting this job. It's not that expensive (usually under $200 depending on your state) and it gives you personal liability protection. Without an LLC, if someone gets hurt on the job or something goes wrong with the concrete work, your personal assets could be at risk. Plus it makes the tax situation cleaner since you can get an EIN and use that instead of your SSN for all the paperwork. Just my two cents after learning this lesson the hard way on a roofing project last year.

What tax software are you guys using for filing once the project is done? I did some contracting work last year and TurboTax completely messed up my Schedule C and I ended up owing penalties.

Another option is to check if your W2 is available electronically! A lot of employers use services like ADP, Paychex, or Workday where you can log in and download your tax forms, even if you don't work there anymore. Do you remember if you ever set up an online account for viewing paystubs? Try logging in there or call and specifically ask if they use an online system for tax documents. Sometimes the managers don't even think to mention this option.

Something similar happened to my son last year. We found that reporting them to the state labor department was actually faster than going through the IRS! Different states have different rules, but many have penalties for employers who don't provide wage statements. It might be worth checking your state's department of labor website to see if you can file a complaint there too. In our case, they contacted the employer within 3 days and we had the W2 by the end of the week.

Check your transcript!!! I waited for 4 months and finally checked my transcript online and saw code 570 (additional account action pending) followed by 971 (notice issued). A week later I got a letter saying they adjusted my refund amount by $320 because I had calculated a credit wrong. 2 weeks after that I finally got my refund. The "Where's My Refund" tool was useless the entire time.

I'm having the exact same issue! Filed in February and STILL waiting for my $3,450 refund. Called the IRS twice and both times they just said "it's still processing, be patient." Like HOW much more patient can I be?! This money was supposed to help pay for my daughter's braces months ago.

Something nobody's mentioned yet - have you checked if your company has an accountable plan? Some employers have a formal process where they don't "reimburse" expenses but will pay you for them if you follow their documentation procedure. If they do, that might be your best option. Also, see if your manager will at least provide a letter stating that the laptop is required for your job but isn't provided by the company. While it won't make it deductible, it's good documentation to have if your tax situation changes or if you're ever questioned about the purchase.

Has anyone considered just making your employer pay for it? Instead of asking nicely, try framing it as "I need a laptop for the Johnson client visit next Tuesday." Then when they say there aren't enough, say "OK so you're telling me to cancel on the client?" Put it back on them to solve the problem they created.

Something nobody's mentioned yet - single member LLCs can be great if you want to buy real estate as an investment. I have rental properties in separate single member LLCs, and while it doesn't change the tax treatment, it DOES provide liability separation between properties. If something catastrophic happens at one property and exceeds insurance coverage, my other properties and personal assets have protection. Just make sure you actually operate them as separate entities - separate bank accounts, separate records, etc. My accountant charges a bit more to handle the extra bookkeeping but it's worth it for the peace of mind.

Does anyone know if turbo tax or h&r block handles single member llc taxes? Im thinking about forming one but tax filing looks complicated.