I've been following this thread and wanted to share something that might help with the privacy concerns mentioned by the original poster. While you can't get around the name matching requirements for tax purposes, there are some legitimate ways to add layers of privacy to your business operations. One approach I've used successfully is setting up a registered agent service in a privacy-friendly state like Wyoming or Nevada, even if you're not physically located there. This keeps your personal address out of public business records while still maintaining full tax compliance. Also, for anyone worried about making mistakes with W-9 forms, I've found it helpful to create templates for different scenarios (sole proprietor, single-member LLC, S-corp election, etc.) and have them reviewed by a tax professional once. That way you have verified templates ready to go whenever your business structure changes or you need to onboard new clients. The key is understanding that tax privacy and business privacy are two different things - you have more options for the latter while still being fully compliant with IRS requirements. It's about finding the right balance for your specific situation and risk tolerance.

I went through this exact same confusion when I started freelancing last year! The privacy concerns are totally valid, but unfortunately the IRS is pretty inflexible on the name matching requirements. Here's what I learned after making some mistakes and having to clean them up: If you're currently operating as a sole proprietor, you MUST use your personal legal name on line 1 of the W-9, period. Your business name or DBA goes on line 2. This is because as a sole proprietor, you file taxes under your personal name and SSN. If you form an LLC later, it gets a bit more complex. For a single-member LLC with default tax treatment (which is most common), you still use your personal name on line 1 because it's a "disregarded entity" for tax purposes - meaning the income flows through to your personal tax return. Only if you elect S-Corp or C-Corp treatment for your LLC would you put the business name on line 1. I know it's frustrating from a privacy standpoint, but any mismatch between your W-9 and how you file taxes will trigger IRS notices. I learned this the hard way when I tried to be creative with the name formatting. For privacy protection, consider getting a separate business address (virtual mailbox, etc.) rather than trying to work around the name requirements. The name has to match your tax filing, but you have more flexibility with addresses and other business information.

I had a similar experience with FreeTaxUSA and the EIC threshold confusion! The key thing that helped me understand was realizing that the income limits vary drastically based on whether you have qualifying children. Since you're single with no kids, your EIC income threshold is actually around $17,640 for 2024 taxes - way below your $43,750 income. The $59,899 figure you saw is probably for taxpayers with multiple qualifying children. It's frustrating because tax software doesn't always make these distinctions clear upfront. You might want to look into other credits you could qualify for instead - like the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit if you contributed to an IRA or 401k, or education credits if you had any qualifying education expenses. Sometimes there are credits available that we don't even know to look for!

I totally understand your frustration! I went through the exact same thing last year and it's so confusing when the software doesn't explain WHY you don't qualify. As others have mentioned, the EIC income limits are much lower for single filers without kids - around $17,640 for 2024 taxes. At $43,750, you're unfortunately above that threshold even though you're well below the limits for people with children. What really helped me was learning about other credits I actually did qualify for. Since you mentioned medical expenses, you might want to look into whether you can itemize deductions if your medical expenses exceeded 7.5% of your income. Also check if you qualify for the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit if you contributed to any retirement accounts, or see if there are any education-related credits available to you. The silver lining is that there are often other tax benefits available that aren't as well-known as the EIC. Don't get too discouraged - you might find some other ways to reduce your tax burden!

Have u tried TurboTax's W-4 calculator? It helped me way more than the IRS one tbh. Takes like 10 min and tells u exactly what to put on each line of ur W-4. Got my refund down from like $1400 to around $300 which was perfect 4 me. Their calculator seems more user friendly than the govt one lol

Another option that worked well for me is to calculate how much extra you're getting refunded and divide that by your remaining paychecks for the year. Then add that amount to Step 4(b) as additional deductions on your W-4. For example, if you're getting $900 back and have 20 paychecks left this year, that's about $45 per paycheck that's being over-withheld. You could add roughly $180 in additional deductions (since you're probably in the 25% bracket, $180 × 0.25 = $45 less withheld per check). The key is being conservative - start with a smaller adjustment and see how it affects your paychecks. You can always submit a new W-4 if you need to fine-tune it further. Better to get a small refund than owe a bunch at tax time!

Last year I was in the same boat and learned a valuable lesson - always check both your online account AND call if something seems off. The verification letters are sent from a different facility than regular IRS correspondence and often get delayed. When I finally got through to someone, they told me my letter had been returned as undeliverable even though my address was correct in their system. The community here saved me weeks of waiting by suggesting I call directly!

I went through this exact situation earlier this year. My online account showed verification needed but no letter for over a month. I called the verification line at 800-830-5084 and they were able to verify me over the phone using questions about my prior year returns and personal information. The whole process took about 20 minutes once I got through. My refund was released within 2 weeks after that call. Don't wait for the letter - it might be sitting in a mail facility somewhere or got lost. The IRS representatives told me they're having significant delays with verification letters but can absolutely help you verify without it. Just have your prior year tax return handy when you call.

The IRS has definitely made progress, but you're right that it still feels clunky compared to modern websites. One thing that helped me navigate their site better was using the search function instead of trying to follow their menu structure - it actually works pretty well now. For what it's worth, the IRS did invest heavily in modernizing their systems over the past few years, but they're dealing with decades of legacy infrastructure. The Direct File program Sofia mentioned is actually a sign they're moving in the right direction - it has a much more intuitive interface than the main IRS site. If you do end up needing to use their tools, I'd recommend bookmarking the specific pages you need (like Where's My Refund) rather than trying to navigate there from the homepage each time. It's not perfect, but it's definitely better than the old site that looked like it was built with HTML tables!

I completely understand your frustration! I was in the exact same boat until this year. The good news is that 2025 has actually brought some major improvements to electronic filing options that weren't available before. First, definitely check out the IRS Direct File program that others mentioned - it's genuinely free and covers way more situations than the old Free File options. I was skeptical at first, but it handled my return (including some investment income) without any issues or hidden fees. For the signature issue specifically - most e-filed returns now use electronic PINs instead of physical signatures. You create a secure PIN during the filing process that serves as your legal signature. The only time you really need a wet signature anymore is for certain amended returns or very specific forms. If you do have forms that absolutely must be mailed, here's a pro tip: send them certified mail with return receipt requested. It costs a few extra dollars but you'll have proof they received it and won't be left wondering if your return got lost in the mail. The IRS processes certified mail faster too since it goes to a different queue. The whole system is definitely still more complicated than it should be, but we're finally moving away from the paper-heavy process. Don't give up on electronic options - they really have improved dramatically in just the past year!