I found the opposite - the tool kept giving me different answers based on how I entered basically the same information. Ended up just using TurboTax which made it much clearer.

Try using Microsoft Edge or Safari instead. I had the same issue and switching browsers fixed it. Also make sure you're not using any adblockers or privacy extensions when on the IRS site - those sometimes interfere with their tools.

Thanks for the cost breakdown! That's super helpful. Do most of these professionals offer free consultations? I'd like to chat with a few before deciding.

Most reputable tax professionals do offer free initial consultations, usually lasting 15-30 minutes. This gives you a chance to explain your situation and see if they're a good fit, while they can give you a more accurate price estimate based on your specific needs. When you schedule these consultations, come prepared with a list of questions about their experience with multi-state taxation and small business equipment deductions. Also ask about their communication style and availability throughout the year - you want someone who's accessible for questions, not just at tax time. The right professional should feel like a partner in your business, not just a once-a-year service.

I second this! I use FreshBooks for my small business and it makes everything so much cleaner. I upload receipts throughout the year and when tax time comes, I just export everything and send to my EA. She charges me less because the data is already organized.

I haven't moved in the last 5 years, so that's not the issue in my case. Did they eventually update the status in your online account, or did it stay as "received but not approved" even after resolving whatever issues they found?

My online account actually never updated to show "approved" even after everything was resolved. The IRS rep I eventually spoke with said their online system often doesn't update that status field properly, especially for returns where you owe instead of getting a refund. They focus their system updates on refund cases. What ultimately mattered was that I had confirmation from the IRS that everything was processed completely. If you haven't received any notices requesting additional information or payment, you're probably fine despite what the online status shows.

You should be fine for mortgage purposes. What lenders care about is the tax transcript itself, not the status shown in your online account. You can request your tax transcripts directly through the IRS website or through your lender, and these will show your income history accurately even if your online account shows "received but not approved.

Thanks! Is there any difference feature-wise between the download version and online version if I go with Deluxe? Also, do you know if the download version includes a state filing or is that extra?

The download version and online version have essentially the same features for each tier, but the pricing structure is different. The download is a one-time purchase that you install on your computer, while the online version is a subscription service. Most people find the online version more convenient, but the download can be cheaper. State filing is almost always an additional cost regardless of which version you choose. The download versions typically charge around $40 per state, which is separate from the federal filing cost. Some retailers occasionally offer bundle deals that include one state filing, but that's not common - always check the packaging details to confirm what's included.

I would second this. Premier is only about $20-30 more than Deluxe and well worth it if you have investments. I've used it for years and the investment import feature works much better with Premier than with Deluxe.

Thanks for the tip! Guess I'll go with Premier to be safe. I do have some crypto I forgot to mention, plus stocks across three different platforms. Don't want to get stuck with upgrade fees at the end.

We usually file ourselves using tax software. Do you think it's worth paying for a CPA just to get help with the IP PIN issue? I'm wondering if the cost would be worth it at this point.

It depends on your situation. If you have a relatively simple return that you're comfortable filing yourself, hiring a CPA just for the IP PIN might be overkill. The services others mentioned like taxr.ai or Claimyr would probably be more cost-effective in that case. However, if you have a more complex tax situation that might benefit from professional review anyway, this could be a good excuse to establish a relationship with a CPA. Many offer reasonable rates for basic returns, and the peace of mind plus PIN assistance might be worth it. Some also offer a free initial consultation where you could ask about their ability to help with the IP PIN specifically.

This is actually bad advice. Filing without your IP PIN when you've been issued one can cause serious problems. The whole point of the IP PIN program is to prevent identity theft, so the IRS will flag your return and it could trigger an audit or further identity verification steps.