Just FYI for anyone else in this situation - if you're filing an extension, you don't actually NEED to use the online system. You can mail in Form 4868 or even have your tax preparer e-file the extension for you. Don't stress if you can't access the online system!

I'm glad to see you got some good solutions here! Just wanted to add that if you're still having trouble with identity verification, you can also try calling the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center at 844-545-5640. They have specific protocols for helping people who can't access their online accounts due to identity verification issues. Another quick tip - if you remember roughly what year you filed (even if you're not 100% sure), you can try different years when the system asks for previous return information. Sometimes people forget they filed a simple return years ago, maybe when they were a student or had a part-time job. Also, don't forget that you might have received IRS correspondence in the mail over the years that could help jog your memory about when you last filed. Check any old mail or documents you might have kept - sometimes there are clues there about your tax filing history.

18 Has anyone tried bunching their donations? My tax guy suggested I donate 2 years worth in one year so I could itemize, then take the standard deduction the next year. Seems like a hassle but might be worth it if you're donating substantial amounts.

14 Another strategy worth considering is using a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) if you're planning to donate regularly over several years. You can contribute a larger lump sum in a year when you itemize (getting the full tax deduction), then distribute grants to your favorite charities over multiple years from the fund. For example, if you normally donate $1,300 annually, you could contribute $2,600-$3,900 to a DAF in one year, itemize that year, then make your charitable grants from the fund over the next 2-3 years while taking the standard deduction. Fidelity, Schwab, and Vanguard all offer DAFs with relatively low minimums ($5,000 or less). This gives you more flexibility than the bunching strategy since you're not locked into a rigid every-other-year pattern.

Just got off the phone with RITA after seeing this thread - they confirmed they're doing a massive data reconciliation project right now! Apparently they got access to updated employer reporting systems and are cross-checking everything from 2020-2022. The rep told me that about 80% of these notices end up being resolved without any additional tax owed, it's mostly just mismatched reporting between employers and individuals. She said the key thing is to respond within the 30 days even if you're still gathering documents - you can always submit additional paperwork later. Also PSA: if you moved during those years or worked in multiple municipalities, definitely double check which RITA office is handling your case because that can cause delays too.

This is so helpful to read everyone's experiences! I just got my RITA letters yesterday for the same years (2020-2022) and was totally freaking out. It's such a relief to know this is happening to so many people and that most of these turn out to be just paperwork issues. I'm in Cincinnati and my situation sounds similar - I had a job change in 2021 and I'm pretty sure there were some reporting mix-ups with the local taxes. Going to start gathering all my old documents this weekend and get my response together. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories and advice, this community is a lifesaver! 🙏

Don't overlook your state tax agency too. Most states have their own tax fraud reporting systems, and sometimes they're more responsive than the IRS for smaller cases. Just google "[your state] report tax fraud" and you'll usually find a form or hotline.

Just want to add that timing can be important when filing these reports. If you know the person is currently preparing their taxes or just filed, that might be a good time to submit your report since the IRS will have fresh information to compare against. Also, keep records of when you submit your report - I've heard the IRS sometimes takes months or even years to follow up, so having documentation of when you first reported can be helpful if they ever contact you for additional information. One more thing - if this person is a business owner, the IRS might be more interested since business tax fraud often involves larger amounts than individual income tax issues. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

I've been lurking in tax forums for a while and finally decided to jump in! This thread has been incredibly helpful - I'm in a similar situation where I want to handle my own taxes better and maybe help some family members. The progression that Lola described really appeals to me - starting with free/cheap resources and building up knowledge gradually. I like the idea of not committing thousands of dollars upfront when I'm not even sure how deep into tax prep I want to go. One question for those who've gone the self-study route: how do you stay current with tax law changes? That seems like it could be challenging without formal coursework that gets updated each year. Do you just rely on IRS publications and news sources, or are there other resources you'd recommend for keeping up with annual changes? Also curious about the seasonal H&R Block approach - do they typically hire people with zero experience, or do you need some basic knowledge first? That could be a great way to bridge the gap between self-study and real-world application.

This has been such an informative thread! As someone who's been preparing taxes professionally for about 10 years, I wanted to add a few thoughts that might help with your decision-making process. First, regarding the original question about Universal Accounting vs Surgent - Emily Jackson's assessment earlier was spot-on. Universal Accounting is comprehensive but includes a lot of accounting theory that won't be directly applicable to family tax prep. Surgent's CTP program is more focused and would definitely cover what you need for personal and small business returns. However, after reading through all these responses, I'm really impressed by the alternative approaches people have shared. The community college route is excellent - many CC programs are taught by practicing CPAs and EAs, so you get quality instruction at a fraction of the cost. The AI tool (taxr.ai) that several people mentioned is intriguing. I've been hearing more about AI tax tools from colleagues, and the educational aspect sounds compelling. Being able to learn tax concepts in the context of your actual tax situations rather than abstract examples could be really effective. One thing I'd add: whatever route you choose, consider getting an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) even if you're just doing family taxes. It's inexpensive and gives you access to IRS training materials and resources that aren't available to the general public. Plus, if you ever decide to prepare returns for non-family members, you'll need it anyway. The seasonal H&R Block strategy that Lola mentioned is genuinely brilliant - I wish I'd thought of that when I was starting out!