Thanks for the UCB code tip! I'll definitely give it a try. And I didn't know about the VITA programs - are you sure they can handle non-resident forms like 8843 and 1040NR? I thought most free tax services only covered basic resident returns.

You're right to be cautious about VITA for non-resident returns. Not all VITA sites have volunteers certified in the Foreign Student and Scholar module. You need to specifically ask if they have volunteers trained on 1040NR and international student issues. I'd call ahead and ask if they have experience with international student taxes. Some university-based VITA programs are better equipped for this. The one at UCLA specifically mentions helping international students, so check if there's a university-hosted VITA site near you rather than a community one. Hope the code works for you!

This actually works! I just called them, explained that I'm a broke grad student and that my university used to offer a code but doesn't anymore. The customer service person was super understanding and gave me a 20% discount. They said they have some discretion for hardship cases. Thanks for the tip!!

How far back should I be looking for these adjustment notices? I had a similar situation but the deposit came nearly 18 months after I filed that year's taxes. Would they really be making adjustments that far out? And what's the best way to get my address updated with the IRS if I've moved?

The IRS can make adjustments going back several years - typically up to 3 years after you filed, but sometimes even longer in certain situations. So 18 months is definitely within their normal timeframe for making corrections or adjustments. The best way to update your address with the IRS is to file Form 8822 (Change of Address). You can also update it on your next tax return, but that doesn't help if they're sending notices now. Alternatively, you can change your address by writing a letter to the IRS that includes your full name, old and new addresses, social security number, and signature. If you've set up an online account at IRS.gov, you may also be able to view some notices electronically even if the physical copies went to an old address.

Yes, the IRS absolutely does request refund returns if they were made in error! My cousin works for a tax firm and sees this all the time. If you spend the money and then get a notice saying it was sent by mistake, you'll still be responsible for returning the full amount. They might work out a payment plan, but they WILL want their money back if it's not actually yours. You should probably start setting aside what you can now just in case.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. That's actually really reassuring. Did you file yourself or use a tax professional? I'm debating whether I should try to DIY this or if it's worth paying someone at this point.

I started trying to DIY it using one of the major tax software programs, but got stuck on how to handle some of my 1099 business expenses. I ended up hiring a CPA who specializes in late filings, which cost me about $350 but was totally worth it. She found several deductions I would have missed on my own, which saved me more than her fee. Plus she knew exactly how to request the payment plan and advised me on the penalty abatement request. If your situation involves 1099 income with business expenses, I'd definitely recommend getting professional help. If it was just W-2 income, you could probably handle it yourself.

Also worth noting that you can't e-file prior year returns (after a certain point). You'll have to print and mail them. Make sure to send it certified mail so you have proof of when you filed it!

Is there any way to separate personal payments from business ones on these apps? Like if friends pay me back for dinner through Venmo vs clients paying for services?

Yes, most payment apps now allow you to flag transactions as personal or business. PayPal and Venmo both have this feature - you should use it consistently. The personal transactions shouldn't count toward the 1099-K threshold, but the business ones definitely will. Also, I recommend having separate accounts if possible - one for personal use and one strictly for business transactions. Makes record-keeping much cleaner and helps if you ever face questions about what was business versus personal.

That's actually a really good point I hadn't considered. I've been preferring cash to "avoid the hassle" but my long-term goal is to grow my business enough to get financing for equipment upgrades.

Exactly - when I applied for financing to buy a work truck, the lender wanted to see consistent business income. My payment app history and bank statements showing regular business deposits were crucial for approval. Cash-only would have made that much harder. You should also look into a business banking account if you don't have one already. Many banks offer free business checking for small operations, and it further legitimizes your business when seeking loans or credit.

Do you just use Excel or is there a specific app you recommend for tracking? I'm terrible at keeping organized and my "system" is basically a shoebox of receipts lol.

That's a really good point! I never thought about the teaching part possibly being different from the actual woodworking hobby. So would I split it into two activities? Like report the teaching income ($1,785.90) as self-employment on Schedule C with related expenses, but still treat the $25 pen sale at the craft fair as hobby income on Schedule 1?

Yes, that's exactly right! You would treat the teaching income as self-employment on Schedule C, where you can deduct legitimate expenses related to teaching (portion of tools used in classes, materials, mileage, possibly even a home office if you prepare for classes at home). The pen sale would technically be hobby income reported on Schedule 1, Line 8. However, for such a small amount ($25), many tax professionals wouldn't be concerned if you included it with your teaching business or even omitted it entirely due to its minimal value. If you do more craft fairs in the future and start selling regularly, you might want to evaluate whether that activity could also qualify as a business.