Thanks for the suggestion. I tried accessing my transcript online but because I've been overseas so long, the verification system won't work for me (it needs a US phone number I've had for more than 2 years, which I don't have since moving back). I requested a mailed transcript but haven't received it yet. Seems like everything with the IRS requires workarounds when you've been an expat.

That's a common issue for expats! For the phone verification problem, you might want to use a family member's phone number temporarily if possible. Another option is to request your transcript by filing Form 4506-T instead of using the online system. For recently returned expats, sometimes the local Taxpayer Advocate Service can help navigate these authentication issues. They're separate from the regular IRS customer service and can sometimes cut through red tape when standard procedures don't work for your situation.

This is accurate - the payment method makes a huge difference. I work at a tax prep office and we've seen that international filers who used direct deposit had about 80% success rate getting stimulus automatically, while paper check people had endless problems.

The Fresh Start Program sounds promising but remember it's not a specific program you apply for directly - it's a collection of IRS initiatives with different eligibility requirements. A $200k debt might be harder to settle than an $85k one. Still worth exploring though.

That's a really good point I hadn't considered. This is in North Dakota where the beekeeping operation was based, though they also operated seasonally in California. I'll definitely look into state-specific programs. Has anyone here had experience specifically with North Dakota tax relief options?

This is really important info. My brother had an employer who "conveniently" never sent W-2s to employees who left mid-year. Turned out they weren't reporting all wages to avoid taxes. When several former employees filed using Form 4852, it triggered an IRS investigation.

I second this advice! I had to file with a 4852 last year and then got my W-2 three weeks later with slightly different numbers. I called the IRS and they said small differences weren't worth filing an amendment for, but never told me what "small" meant. Anyone know what the threshold is for needing to file an amendment?

There's no official threshold published by the IRS for when to file an amendment, but generally, tax professionals suggest amending if the difference affects your tax liability by more than $100 or changes any tax credits you claimed. The most important thing is whether the difference increases your tax liability - if you would owe more tax with the correct W-2 information, you should definitely file an amendment to avoid penalties and interest. If the difference would result in a larger refund for you, it's still worth amending to get that money back.

Are the H&R Block/Liberty courses expensive? Is it worth it compared to just using the free IRS materials someone mentioned above?

The tax courses typically run between $200-400 depending on your location. They're more comprehensive than the free IRS materials and include guided practice with an instructor who can answer questions. The VITA training mentioned above is great for basic returns, but the paid courses go deeper into things like investment income, small business issues, and rental properties. If your situation is simple (W-2 income only, standard deduction), stick with the free materials. If you have investments, freelance income, or rental property, the paid course is worth considering.

This is exactly right. I wasted $350 on a tax course only to realize 80% didn't apply to me. What software do you recommend for someone who wants to learn while doing their own taxes but with some guidance?

I used TurboTax last year for my crypto and it was ok for basic stuff, but got REALLY confusing with multiple platforms. Had to manually enter a ton of transactions. If you have more than like 10-15 trades, I'd recommend a specialized crypto tax software instead.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful to know. I probably have about 25-30 transactions so I think I'll look into one of the specialized options mentioned in this thread instead of struggling with manual entry.

Thanks for the heads up. I definitely want to report everything correctly. Better to pay what I owe than deal with an audit. Seems like I need to get organized with all my transactions before filing.

No problem! And yeah, being organized is key. Since you used Cash App, you should be able to download your full transaction history as a CSV file. Save this along with any tax forms they provide. If they don't give you detailed enough info, you can always request your account history directly. Remember that crypto exchanges are increasingly reporting to the IRS directly, so your transactions are likely already on their radar. Being proactive and thorough in your reporting is definitely the way to go.