I'm really glad you posted this question because it shows you're thinking about data security in the right way. As someone who recently went through a similar situation, I can tell you that you're absolutely not overreacting. What helped me was researching the actual IRS guidelines on this topic. The IRS explicitly states in their security awareness materials that tax preparers should use secure transmission methods for client documents. When I brought this up with my accountant along with specific publication numbers, it completely changed the tone of the conversation from "don't worry about it" to "let me look into secure options." I also found it helpful to frame the conversation around professional liability. I asked my accountant directly: "If my personal information gets compromised because documents were sent via unsecured email, what's your plan for helping me resolve any resulting issues?" That question really made them think about the potential consequences in a concrete way. The good news is there are so many simple solutions available now - encrypted file sharing, secure client portals, even password-protected files sent with passwords via a different channel. Any of these would be a huge improvement over plain email. If your accountant still won't budge after you present the official guidance and liability concerns, that tells you a lot about how they approach other aspects of their professional responsibilities. Trust your instincts on this one. Data security isn't paranoia - it's common sense in 2025.

Your concerns are completely justified and you should absolutely stand your ground on this. I work in IT and deal with data security daily - sending tax documents through regular email is genuinely risky and unprofessional in 2025. What really bothers me about your situation is the dismissive response you got. A competent tax professional should be able to explain their security measures and work with you to find a solution that protects your sensitive information. The fact that they brushed off your legitimate concerns with "this is how we always do things" is a red flag about their professionalism overall. Here's what I'd suggest: Give them one more chance by explaining that secure document transmission is a non-negotiable requirement for you. Reference the IRS Publication 4557 that another commenter mentioned, which specifically addresses safeguarding taxpayer data. Ask them directly what their liability coverage includes if your information gets compromised due to their transmission methods. If they still won't budge or continue to dismiss your concerns, seriously consider finding a new accountant. There are plenty of tax professionals who understand that data security is part of their professional responsibility. Tax expertise is important, but not if it comes at the cost of putting your financial identity at risk. Your instincts are right on this one - trust them and don't let anyone make you feel like you're being overly cautious about protecting your personal information.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Got my 60-day letter back in December and here we are in February with still no movement. It's so frustrating especially when you're counting on that money. I've been checking my transcript weekly but it just shows the same review status. Really hoping we all get some good news soon 🤞

I'm in a similar situation - got my 60 day letter back in late December and still waiting. What's really helped me is setting up text alerts through the IRS2Go app so I get notified immediately if there are any updates to my refund status. Also been checking my account transcript every Friday just to see if anything changes. It's definitely nerve-wracking when you're depending on that money, but from what I've read here and other places, most people do eventually get their refunds, it just takes way longer than the initial 60 days they quote. Hang in there! 💪

Just wanted to add some clarity here since I see some great discussion but also some confusion. The key IRS rule is that AOTC is available for the "first four years of post-secondary education." What matters is whether you've completed four academic years at the START of the tax year, not when you finish your degree. So yes, if you graduate from undergrad in May 2025 but were still in your 4th year (or earlier) when January 1, 2025 began, you can claim AOTC for qualified expenses throughout 2025 - including both your spring undergrad costs AND fall graduate school expenses. One important note that hasn't been mentioned: make sure your graduate program qualifies! The student must be enrolled at least half-time in a program leading to a degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential at an eligible institution. Most traditional graduate programs qualify, but it's worth double-checking if you're in an unusual program. Keep excellent records - enrollment verification letters from both institutions showing your status, receipts for all qualified expenses, and Form 1098-T from each school if provided.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation and want to share what I learned from my tax preparer. One thing to be extra careful about is the income limits for AOTC - the credit phases out between $80,000-$90,000 for single filers ($160,000-$180,000 for married filing jointly) based on your modified adjusted gross income. If you're working while in grad school or have fellowship income, you might get pushed into the phase-out range. Also, don't forget that you can only claim AOTC for a maximum of 4 tax years per student, regardless of how the academic years fall. So if you've already claimed it for 3 previous tax years, this would be your final year of eligibility even if you continue in graduate school. The documentation everyone mentioned is crucial - I keep a folder with enrollment letters from both schools showing my status on January 1st, plus all my 1098-T forms and receipts for books/supplies. Better to over-document than scramble during an audit!

I went through this exact same situation last year with my Cash App 1099-B! The key thing to understand is that the form shows your gross proceeds (what you received when you sold), but you're only taxed on the actual gain or loss. For your $3,500 in transactions, you'll need to gather records of what you originally paid for each Bitcoin purchase. Cash App's transaction history in the app should have most of this info. When you file, you'll report each sale on Form 8949, showing both the sale price (from the 1099-B) and your cost basis (what you paid). The difference is your actual taxable gain or loss. Don't panic about the disclaimer - it just means Cash App doesn't have complete cost basis info for some transactions, which is totally normal. The IRS expects you to provide the missing pieces. Keep good records and you'll be fine!

I just went through this exact same situation! Got my first 1099-B from Cash App last month and was totally confused by all the disclaimers and missing cost basis info. Here's what I learned after doing a ton of research and talking to a tax professional: The 1099-B is just Cash App reporting your sales proceeds to the IRS - it doesn't mean you owe taxes on the full amount. You only pay taxes on your actual gains (or can deduct losses). Since you did $3,500 in transactions with mostly small buys and a couple sells, you'll likely have some gains and some losses that will offset each other. The key is gathering your purchase records. Cash App keeps pretty good transaction history in the app - go to your Activity tab and look for a "Download" or "Export" option to get a CSV file with all your trades. This will show you exactly what you paid for each Bitcoin purchase, which becomes your cost basis. When you file your taxes, you'll use Form 8949 to list each sale individually, showing both the sale amount (from the 1099-B) and what you originally paid for those specific coins. The difference goes on Schedule D as your capital gain or loss. Don't stress too much about the disclaimer - it's standard because Cash App can't always track coins you might have transferred in from other platforms. As long as you have records of your actual purchase prices, you're good to go!

Congrats on finally getting your 846 code! 🎉 I totally understand the paranoia after such a long wait. From my experience and what I've seen here, once that 846 code appears with a specific date, it's pretty much locked in. The IRS has already processed your return and scheduled the refund - that 3/13 date should be solid! I got mine last year and it hit my account exactly when the transcript said it would. You're basically at the finish line now, so try to relax and enjoy knowing your refund is finally on its way!

Rita, congrats on finally getting your 846 code! 🎉 I totally get the paranoia after waiting so long - we've all been there this tax season. From everything I've seen in this community and my own experience, once that 846 code shows up with a date, you can breathe easy. The IRS has already processed your return and locked in that refund date. Your 3/13 should be solid! I got mine last year and it deposited exactly when the transcript said it would. You're basically at the finish line now, so try to relax and enjoy knowing your money is finally coming! The waiting game is brutal but you made it through 💪