1 That's a good point I hadn't considered. My brother did continue living there those 6 months before buying us out. We didn't charge him rent since we were figuring out the estate. Would that create any tax issues? The executor (my older brother) just had him pay the utilities during that time.

22 In most cases, this wouldn't create significant tax issues for you as the person selling your share. The rental value question typically affects the person living in the property (your brother) or possibly the estate during administration. Since this was a relatively short period (6 months) and you were in the process of settling the estate, the IRS is unlikely to be concerned about the lack of rental payments. The main focus for your tax reporting remains the sale of your inheritance share and ensuring you correctly report the basis as the fair market value at the date of death.

16 Most major tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct) can handle inheritance and property sales. The key is making sure you enter the correct basis information. When it asks about the sale of property and you input the 1099-S information, it should specifically ask if this was inherited property and when the person died, then calculate the stepped-up basis correctly.

This is actually really helpful! So the TIN is just the umbrella term? Are there any other types of TINs besides SSN and EIN that regular people might encounter?

Yes, TIN is exactly that - the umbrella term for various tax identification numbers. Besides SSNs and EINs, there are a few other types regular people might encounter. The most common alternative is the ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), which is used by residents who need to file taxes but aren't eligible for an SSN, like certain visa holders or non-resident aliens. Another one is the PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) which is used by professional tax preparers - you might see this on your tax return if someone else prepared it for you.

is there ever a case where a normal person (not a business) would have a different TIN than their ssn? like what if someone isn't a citizen?

Thanks for the reminder about responding by the deadline. The due date is in about 3 weeks, so I have a little time. Do you know if I'll get a separate bill for the penalties and interest, or will that be included in what I pay when I agree to the CP2000 assessment?

When you agree to the CP2000 assessment, the response form will show the total additional tax amount they're proposing. This typically includes the 10% early withdrawal penalty for the Traditional IRA portion, but it does not include interest and potential late payment penalties. Those additional amounts will be calculated and included in the actual bill you receive after you've agreed to the assessment. The IRS will send you a separate notice (usually a CP22A) with the final amount including any interest and penalties. Interest continues to accrue until the amount is paid in full. If you're concerned about the total, it's definitely worth requesting an installment agreement either with your CP2000 response or when you receive the final bill. You can use Form 9465 to request a payment plan.

This is such an important point! I did the same thing and it caused all kinds of confusion. The IRS forms change slightly from year to year, and using the wrong one can really mess things up.

Yes! Don't ignore it! I didn't correct some 1099s two years ago (was off by around $500 total) and got hit with a $270 penalty ($50 per form) for "intentional disregard" of filing requirements. Plus one of my contractors got a notice from the IRS because what I reported didn't match his return. Huge headache that could have been avoided.

Thanks for the warning! I had no idea they would actually follow up on relatively small amounts. Guess I better get those amendments filed ASAP. Did you have to pay any additional interest or just the penalty amount?

This happened to me as a contractor! My client issued a corrected 1099 reducing my income by $3k but didn't tell me. I had already filed and paid taxes on the higher amount. Found out months later and had to file an amended return to get my money back. Would have been nice to know immediately!

This is actually exactly what happened - I included some expense reimbursements in their 1099 totals that shouldn't have been counted as income. I'll definitely let them know right away so they don't overpay on their taxes. I really appreciate everyone's advice here. I'm going to start with the corrected forms and make sure I check the "CORRECTED" box, then send copies to my contractors with an explanation. I'll also look into the resources suggested to make sure I get the state filing requirements right too.

That's really helpful information! I just checked his business card and he does have a CPA license number listed. Do you remember how long the complaint process took before you got a response? I'm worried about the timing with the deadline so close.

The complaint process took about 10 days before I heard anything, but things moved quickly after that. He contacted me within 24 hours of the board reaching out to him. Since you're so close to the deadline, I'd recommend proceeding with the extension filing and document retrieval processes others suggested while simultaneously filing the complaint. It's worth mentioning that just the threat of a complaint sometimes works - send an email stating you'll be filing a complaint with the state board in 48 hours if he doesn't respond, and copy the email address of your state's CPA board. That alone worked for a friend of mine in a similar situation.

This is honestly great advice. Sometimes there's a simple explanation. My "ghosting" preparer last year had actually died suddenly, and the firm was in chaos trying to handle everything. They were grateful when I showed up because they were trying to figure out how to contact everyone.