That makes sense! I noticed something similar with H&R Block software. Do you think it's safer to go with what the IRS forms calculate or what the tax software says?

In my experience, I've found that tax software like TurboTax is generally correct because it's applying all the rules comprehensively. The paper worksheets sometimes require you to go back and forth between multiple forms in a specific order, which is easy to mess up when doing it manually. If there's a significant difference though, I'd recommend double-checking your entries in the software to make sure everything is correct. Tax software can only be as accurate as the information you provide. Most major tax software is regularly updated to comply with current tax laws, so it's usually reliable if you've entered everything correctly.

That's actually really helpful! I did include my tuition costs, but I wasn't sure about some of my required course materials. Do textbooks count for the Lifetime Learning Credit? I thought those were only eligible for the American Opportunity Credit.

Thanks for the suggestion. How long does it typically take to get help from the Taxpayer Advocate Service? Do they have the same backlog as regular IRS services?

The Taxpayer Advocate Service does have some backlog, but generally they can get to you within 1-2 weeks which is much faster than waiting for regular IRS correspondence. They prioritize cases with imminent deadlines, so if you explain you're trying to file before the deadline, they often expedite. When you contact them, be very clear that you've attempted all normal channels for obtaining your IP PIN with no success. They can often issue temporary PINs or provide alternative filing guidance.

Yes! This happened to my cousin. She filed paper without her IP PIN (after identity theft) and it took 14 months to resolve the issues it created. They froze her refund and she had to go through a whole identity verification process in person.

Yeah this happened to me too! I got the letter almost 3 weeks ago but still no payment. I ended up checking the Get My Payment tool and it showed my payment was scheduled for direct deposit on 3/19 but my bank has no record of it. Called my bank and they suggested I contact the IRS because they have no pending deposits for me.

Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone! I checked the Get My Payment tool again today and now it's showing they mailed a check on 3/21 even though I have direct deposit set up for my tax refunds. So weird and frustrating! I guess I'll just keep checking my mail. Hopefully it shows up soon - really counting on that money right now.

Economic Impact Payments are technically advance payments of a tax credit, but they aren't taxable income. You don't have to report them as income on your tax return. You will likely need to reconcile the amount on your 2025 tax return, especially if you were underpaid based on your circumstances. For example, if you had a child in 2025 that wasn't accounted for in your stimulus payment.

That makes a lot of sense. For the prior years, should I try to file them all at once or do them one by one? And for the stock losses, do you know how many years I can carry those forward? I lost quite a bit in 2021-2022.

You can file them all at once - that's actually better since it shows you're making a comprehensive effort to get compliant. Just make sure each year is in its own separate envelope if mailing them. For capital losses, you can deduct up to $3,000 per year against ordinary income, and carry forward any excess losses indefinitely until they're used up. So those 2021-2022 losses could potentially offset your income for several years to come, which might really help with your current tax situation.

This isn't entirely accurate advice. While audit rates are low for most people, failing to file returns for several years does significantly increase your chances of getting IRS attention, regardless of income level. The IRS does have automated systems that flag non-filers.

Where exactly in H&R Block do you find this? I'm looking at that section right now and I don't see anything specific about "prior Roth contributions." Is it hidden in some submenu?

It's a bit buried in the interface. After you get to the "IRA, 401(k), or Other Retirement Plans" section, you need to click on the specific Roth IRA contribution entry. Then there should be an "Advanced" or "Additional Information" button or link. Click that and you'll see additional fields, including one for your previous years' contributions or basis amount. If you're using the desktop version rather than the online version, the navigation might be slightly different, but the concept is the same - look for an advanced or additional info section related to your Roth IRA entries.

I've been using TaxAct for years and have never seen any warning about Roth IRA basis. I wonder if this is just an H&R Block thing or if I've been missing something important all along?