This is such an important point! I once got caught up on federal but completely forgot about state taxes. Ended up with a state tax lien that was a nightmare to deal with. Some states are even more aggressive with collections than the IRS.

Do you ever worry about missing something big by just checking samples? I'm dealing with a similarly huge return and I'm paranoid I'm going to miss something that'll come back to bite me later.

Honestly, I used to worry about that constantly. But I've found that most major errors happen in the data input stage - like missing an income source or claiming an incorrect deduction amount. That's why I focus on verifying those elements instead of trying to check all the calculations. The calculation errors tend to be caught by the tax software anyway. I've had my accountant for 7 years now, and we've developed a system where he highlights any significant changes from previous years or areas where he had to make judgment calls. This approach has worked well - I've been audited once, and everything checked out fine. The peace of mind is worth the occasional risk of a small mistake.

That's actually a really smart approach. How much extra did your accountant charge for the walkthrough? Mine currently just sends me the finished return with a basic cover letter.

Just checked the full PDF and you're right! Form 8453 is actually in there on page 37, but there were no instructions about mailing it. So does this mean I DO need to send it in? Now I'm even more confused...

If the form is in your tax return PDF, then yes, you should have mailed it. Form 8453 isn't filed electronically - it's a paper form that you're supposed to mail separately after e-filing your return. Look at the form in your PDF - if it's filled out with your information and has the consolidated crypto transactions referenced, then TurboTax determined you needed to file it. You should mail it as soon as possible with a brief explanation noting that it was inadvertently omitted from your original filing. It's better to send it late than never at all.

I disagree. Form 8453 is for situations where you have signed documents or third-party issued documents that can't be e-filed. If Coinbase didn't issue you a 1099, you don't have third-party documents to attach. Sending random printouts of your transaction history isn't what Form 8453 is designed for. You're just creating confusion by sending documents the IRS isn't expecting.

That's interesting - I hadn't heard about the Dependent Care FSA option. My dad is generally independent but has mobility issues that require some help. Would occasional home health aides or transportation assistance qualify, or does it need to be full-time care?

It doesn't have to be full-time care to qualify. If your father has legitimate mobility issues that require assistance, expenses for home health aides, adult day care, or transportation to and from care facilities while you're working would generally qualify. The key requirements are that the care must be necessary for your wellbeing (allowing you to work), and your father must live with you for more than half the year and be physically unable to fully care for himself. You'll need a doctor to document his condition and care needs. Keep in mind the $5,000 annual limit applies to all dependent care expenses combined, so if you have children also using this benefit, that's the total cap.

QPRTs are typically used for estate planning, not really for current tax benefits. It's where someone puts their house in a trust but retains the right to live there for a set period. After that period ends, the house goes to the beneficiaries (like children). The main benefit is reducing estate taxes by getting the house out of the estate at a discounted value. But it's complex and probably overkill unless your dad has a very valuable home and a large overall estate that might exceed the federal estate tax exemption (currently $13.61 million).

Thanks for explaining! That makes sense - my dad's house is only worth about $220k so probably not worth the complexity. I'll focus on the more immediate tax benefits mentioned above instead.

Does this mean I should always double check if software is making the right choice between standard and itemized? I've just been accepting whatever the software recommends.

Yes, you should always verify which deduction method is better for your situation. Most software will choose correctly, but understanding why is important. The standard deduction is simple - a fixed amount based on filing status. Itemized deductions add up your qualifying expenses (state/local taxes up to $10K, mortgage interest, charitable donations, certain medical expenses, etc.). If itemized > standard, use itemized. If not, use standard. Both programs will ultimately pick the higher option, but they differ in how clearly they show you the "losing" calculation.

I used Cash App Taxes last year and liked it, but it doesn't support some forms I need this year like K-1s from partnerships. For simple returns it's great tho.