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.

Thanks for bringing up the EITC! I actually don't have any dependents, it's just me. Would I still qualify? And would that be instead of the dental deduction or in addition to it?

You can still qualify for EITC without dependents, though the amount is smaller. For 2025, if you're single with no children and income around $24k, you might qualify for a small EITC (around $600-700 depending on your exact income). The EITC is completely separate from the dental deduction issue. You can claim both if you qualify for both. The EITC is a credit while the dental expense would be a deduction if you itemize. Credits directly reduce your tax bill dollar-for-dollar, while deductions just reduce your taxable income, so credits are generally more valuable.

Good point about the FSA, but it sounds like OP might not have benefits if they're making around $24k. Might be part-time or gig work. The FSA is only helpful if you have access to employer benefits.

Thanks for the heads up about Form 8283! Would I need to attach any documentation about the original price when I file, or just keep that information in case of an audit? And do you know if I need the charity to fill out part of the form?

You don't need to attach the original price documentation when you file - just keep all that info in your records in case of an audit. The IRS recommends keeping tax documentation for at least 3 years after filing. Yes, the charity needs to complete Part IV of Section A on Form 8283 to acknowledge receipt of the donated property. Make sure to get this filled out when you drop off the item or shortly after. They'll need to include their name, EIN, signature of an authorized official, and date of the donation. Some charities are familiar with this requirement, but smaller ones might need you to explain what you need.

Good point about itemizing! I made this mistake last year - went through all the trouble of documenting donations and then realized it didn't matter because we took the standard deduction anyway. Such a waste of time!