Something everyone's missing in this conversation - qualified retirement plans! While Roth IRAs have that marriage penalty with the lower limits, employer plans like 401ks don't have this issue. Also, don't forget about spousal IRAs - if one of you stops working when the baby comes, the working spouse can still contribute to the non-working spouse's IRA even with no income. This is ONLY available if you're legally married. And remember, with a kid, one of you gets head of household filing status if unmarried, which is better than single filing status but not as good as MFJ in many cases. The higher standard deduction for MFJ vs HOH+Single might offset some of what you're calculating.

Has anyone mentioned the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)? At your income levels, especially if you're in a high tax state with high property taxes, AMT can kick in and eliminate some deductions when married. Also consider that many tax benefits phase out based on AGI - not just Roth contributions but also student loan interest deductions, rental loss deductions, etc. As a married couple your combined AGI could push you over these limits. Something else to consider - marriage gives you double the capital loss deduction ($6,000 vs $3,000) which matters if you have investment losses to harvest.

For what it's worth, I've had two jobs with very different pay scales for years (one $85K, one about $5K). I never check the multiple jobs box and just claim single/zero on both W-4s. This has always resulted in a refund at tax time. The withholding from my main job covers most of my tax liability, and the little bit withheld from my smaller job is just extra cushion. Simple approach but it works for me!

I made a huge mistake with my W-4 last year - checked the multiple jobs box for both my main job ($90K) and my weekend job ($7K), and they BOTH withheld as if I was making double the income at each job. Got a massive refund but my paychecks were tiny all year! Don't overthink it - with such a small second job, just make sure you're withholding enough at your main job. The IRS withholding calculator on their website can help you figure out the exact amount if you want to be precise.

I'm a tax preparer (not a CPA) and I can tell you this is completely unacceptable behavior. Every client has the absolute right to review their return before filing. In fact, we're required to get your signature on Form 8879 to authorize electronic filing, which specifically means you've reviewed and approved the return. Your CPA might be overwhelmed during tax season, but that's no excuse. Insist on seeing your return or find someone else, even if it means filing an extension. Better to file later with an accurate return than file on time with errors you never got to check.

After reading all these comments, I called my CPA's office and clearly stated "I need to review my return before it's filed as is my legal right." The receptionist put me on brief hold, then came back and scheduled a time for me to come in tomorrow. Sometimes being direct and stating it as a right rather than a request makes all the difference. Thanks everyone for the confidence to push back on this!

To directly answer your original question - $500-1000 is definitely on the high side for just filing a 990-N. That's the kind of price you might pay for a full 990 with financial statements and schedules, not the simplified e-Postcard. I'd suggest first checking if your national fraternity organization provides any tax filing assistance. Many larger Greek organizations offer support to their chapters for exactly this situation. They might have guides or even staff who can help you through the process. If you decide to go the DIY route (which is completely reasonable for a 990-N), make sure you keep all the confirmation emails/documents from your filing. You'll want proof that you've met your obligations in case questions ever come up.

Quick tip - make sure your fraternity is actually eligible for the 990-N! Some social fraternities operate under section 501(c)(7) as social clubs rather than 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, and the filing requirements can be different. Also check if your state has separate filing requirements beyond the federal 990-N. In some states, even small exempt organizations need to file additional forms or annual reports to maintain their status.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - make sure you're also filing an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) if the total of all your foreign accounts was over $10,000 at any point during the year! That's separate from your tax return and has a different deadline.

Just a quick note about physical presence test - if you're trying to qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, you need to be physically present in foreign countries for at least 330 days in a 12-month period. Some digital nomads mess this up by spending too much time back in the US. Keep good records of your entry/exit dates!