One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is keeping a mileage log if you drove your own car for any gigs. Even if you took Uber most of the time, any personal vehicle use for work can be deducted at the standard mileage rate (65.5 cents per mile for 2023). Also, don't forget about smaller expenses that add up - things like phone chargers, portable batteries, or even hand sanitizer if it was required for your gigs. These might seem minor but they're legitimate business expenses if purchased specifically for work. Since you owe $7k, you might want to look into making quarterly estimated tax payments for this year to avoid owing a big chunk again. The IRS expects self-employed folks to pay as they go rather than all at once in April. You can set up payments through EFTPS or pay online to avoid penalties next year.

Something else to consider - if you're doing catering gigs and server work, you might be able to deduct meals during long shifts where you had to eat away from home. The IRS allows a deduction for meals while traveling for work or during extended work periods, typically at 50% of the cost. Also, since you mentioned JobFlex specifically - make sure you're tracking any fees they charged you. Some gig platforms charge service fees, background check fees, or equipment rental fees that are deductible business expenses. For your $7k tax bill, remember that you can set up an installment plan with the IRS if you can't pay it all at once. They typically allow payment plans with minimal setup fees, which might be better than trying to scramble for the full amount right now. Just don't ignore it - the penalties for not filing or not paying grow quickly. One last tip: start keeping a dedicated business bank account and credit card for 2024. It makes tracking expenses SO much easier when tax time comes around again, and it helps establish that you're running a legitimate business rather than just having a hobby.

One thing nobody mentioned - check if your state tax return (if you filed one) shows any updates. Sometimes state processing systems are faster than the IRS and can at least confirm they received your return, which usually means the IRS got it too since most people mail them together.

I went through this exact same situation last year! As an international student on F-1, the wait was absolutely nerve-wracking. Here's what I learned: The 7-week mark is still well within normal processing time for mailed 1040-NR forms. The "We cannot provide any information" message is frustrating but completely normal - it doesn't mean your return is lost, just that it hasn't been entered into their computer system yet. What helped me was keeping a detailed record: I made copies of everything I sent, took photos of the completed forms, and saved all my USPS tracking information. When my return finally showed up in the system (it was at the 11-week mark), everything processed smoothly and I got my refund within 2 weeks after that. The key is patience, unfortunately. The IRS processes nonresident returns at a different facility and they go through additional review because of treaty benefits and visa status verification. Your $870 refund is definitely worth the wait - just try to plan your summer finances assuming it might not arrive until late June or July. Keep checking the "Where's My Refund" tool weekly, and if you hit the 16-week mark with no updates, that's when I'd recommend calling the International Taxpayer Service line that someone mentioned above.

call the taxpayer advocate service! they helped me sort out my mess

Hey Benjamin! That IND-452 error is actually pretty straightforward - it means the IRS system detected that a return with your SSN was already accepted for 2024. This could be identity theft (someone filed using your info) or you might have accidentally submitted twice through different platforms. First step: log into your IRS online account and check if there's already an accepted return. If you see one you didn't file, that's identity theft and you'll need to file Form 14039. If you see your own return already there, you're good to go! The Virginia rejection is just a cascade effect - state returns get auto-rejected when the federal has issues. Once you sort the federal side, you can refile Virginia. Don't stress about those transcript codes right now - focus on checking your IRS account first. The "Live help" in your tax app might be useful, but honestly an AI tool like taxr.ai could analyze your whole situation faster if you want a complete breakdown of what's happening.

This is a textbook case of worker misclassification that I see all the time in my work. Your aunt is clearly an employee based on what you've described - set schedule, formal hiring process, using restaurant equipment, following their procedures. Here's what I'd recommend doing: **Start with documentation** - Have your aunt gather everything that shows employee status: the Indeed job posting, interview communications, work schedules, any training materials, uniform requirements, employee handbook if they gave her one. **Approach the restaurant first** - Many new restaurants genuinely don't understand employment classification rules. Present the facts professionally: she has set shifts, uses their equipment, follows their procedures, went through formal hiring. Reference IRS Publication 15-A which outlines the employee vs contractor tests. **If they won't correct it** - File Form SS-8 with the IRS for an official worker status determination, and when filing her taxes (still due April 15th), use Form 8919 with reason code G. This ensures she only pays employee-portion FICA taxes while the classification is being disputed. **Don't just accept the 1099** - Filing as an independent contractor when she's clearly an employee will cost her roughly double the Social Security and Medicare taxes, plus she'll lose out on potential unemployment benefits and worker protections. The restaurant is likely doing this to avoid paying employer taxes and providing benefits, but that doesn't make it legal. Stand your ground on this - the law is clearly on your aunt's side.

This is a really frustrating situation, but you're absolutely right to question it. Based on what you've described, your aunt is clearly an employee, not an independent contractor. The fact that she has set shifts, went through a formal hiring process, and follows their procedures are all strong indicators of employee status. I'd definitely recommend starting with a polite conversation with the restaurant management. Since it's a new business, this could genuinely be an honest mistake on their part. Bring documentation - the IRS guidelines are pretty clear about what constitutes employee vs. contractor status. If they refuse to correct it, don't let your aunt just file with the 1099 and eat the extra self-employment taxes. That's rewarding bad behavior and will cost her significantly more money. The Forms SS-8 and 8919 route that others have mentioned is the right way to dispute this while still meeting the April filing deadline. One thing to keep in mind - if this restaurant is doing this to your aunt, they're probably doing it to other servers too. Sometimes approaching this as a group can be more effective than going it alone. Either way, the law is on your side here, so don't let them push you around just because dealing with it seems complicated.

Has anyone had any luck with the online chat feature? I've been trying for days and can never get through.

I'm going through the FL verification process right now too and it's been a real rollercoaster! One thing that helped me was organizing all my documents in advance - I made digital copies of everything and kept them in a folder on my phone so I could access them quickly if needed. Also, if you haven't already, try creating an account on the CONNECT system early in the morning when there's less traffic. The system tends to be less glitchy then. Hang in there - we're all in this together! 💪