Does the size of the portable building matter? I'm looking at something smaller (8x12) for my business. Would that have a better chance of qualifying for Section 179 since it's obviously more "portable" than larger structures?

Size can certainly help strengthen your case. An 8x12 structure is clearly more portable than larger buildings, making it easier to argue it's personal property rather than a real estate improvement. Smaller buildings are also more likely to be sold in the marketplace as movable units rather than permanent structures. However, the fundamental criteria remain the same regardless of size - lack of permanent foundation, designed to be relocated, not permanently affixed to land, etc. Even large portable buildings can qualify if they meet these criteria. The key is always proper documentation of the portable nature and 100% business use.

Did you have to file any special forms beyond the regular Section 179 form? And did you classify it as "furniture and equipment" or something else in your tax software?

No special forms were needed beyond Form 4562 (Depreciation and Amortization) where you claim Section 179 deductions. I listed it as "Portable Workshop Structure" in the property description. In terms of classification, my accountant put it under "Machinery and Equipment" rather than anything related to real estate or buildings. She said this classification further reinforces that it's personal property eligible for Section 179 rather than a building improvement that would need to be depreciated over a longer period.

Thank you for sharing this. Do you know if VITA sites can handle more complicated situations like mine with a decade of unfiled returns and mixed income types? I'm worried they might turn me away because it's too complex.

VITA sites can definitely handle your situation. They're staffed by IRS-certified volunteers who specifically help people with lower incomes navigate tax issues. Many locations have volunteers who specialize in self-employment and 1099 income situations. You're right that some VITA sites might initially seem hesitant about handling 10 years of unfiled returns all at once. What I'd suggest is going in first to get help determining which years you actually need to file for (likely not all 10), and then working on 2-3 years at a time. Most people in your situation find they only need to file 6 years back to get into compliance.

I filed 4 years of back taxes using FreeTaxUSA last year. You have to buy previous year versions separately, but it was WAY cheaper than TurboTax or H&R Block. I think I paid about $15 per year for state filing (federal was free). The downside is you have to print and mail the previous years - can't e-file them. Current year can be e-filed though.

Thanks for the tip on FreeTaxUSA! Did you have to wait for each year to process before filing the next one, or did you send them all at once? I'm worried about penalties accumulating while I'm getting everything organized.

I didn't even think about that! Do you know if I can have both a Simple IRA through my employer AND contribute to a separate Traditional IRA? Is there any impact to the deductibility of Traditional IRA contributions if you also have a workplace retirement plan?

You can definitely have both a Simple IRA and a Traditional or Roth IRA. However, being covered by a workplace retirement plan (like your Simple IRA) does affect the deductibility of Traditional IRA contributions based on your income. For 2023, if you're covered by a workplace plan, the deduction for Traditional IRA contributions starts to phase out at $73,000 for single filers and $116,000 for married filing jointly. If your income is above those thresholds, you might want to consider a Roth IRA instead (which has its own income limits) or a non-deductible Traditional IRA contribution that could potentially be converted to a Roth later (the "backdoor Roth" strategy).

My company does this too! We specifically asked about it a few years ago because several employees wanted to max out their retirement contributions, and now they just automatically process the last paycheck of the year earlier. It might be worth asking - the worst they can say is no.

That's a great idea! I just called my payroll department and asked about this. They said they normally don't change their schedule, but since there are several employees in my situation, they're going to bring it up with management to possibly process the final 2023 payroll on December 29th instead of waiting until January. Fingers crossed this works out - thanks for the suggestion!

Thanks for pointing that out about the two-year limit! I think I got the year wrong in my original post - stepdad actually passed in 2021, not 2022, so this would indeed be the final year mom could use QSS status. My brother's income is definitely over that $4,700 threshold - he works part-time and makes around $18,000. Sounds like that automatically disqualifies him as a "qualifying person" for mom's QSS status then? So she'll have to file as single?

Yes, if your brother's income is around $18,000, that unfortunately means he cannot be considered a qualifying relative for tax purposes, regardless of how much support your mom provides. The gross income test is a firm threshold. Since he can't be a qualifying person for QSS purposes, your mom will need to file as Single for her 2023 tax return. For 2024 and beyond, she'll continue filing as Single unless her circumstances change (like remarriage).

This is actually a really good point - a lot of people don't realize there's still hope for HoH status! I work at a tax prep office and see this misconception all the time. One correction though - for Head of Household, if you're trying to qualify using a relative who isn't your child, that person MUST be your dependent. So the brother still needs to meet the qualifying relative tests including the gross income test.

Wait this sounds too good to be true. You're saying I can just deduct 20% of my income automatically? Does this apply to all 1099 work or only certain types? I do freelance programming.