If anyone's still stuck with this issue, there's a workaround in TurboTax. If you click on "See more help" when it gives you the error, there's actually an "override" button that lets you continue with Box 18 blank. It's not super obvious, but it is there. I just finished my taxes with the same exact situation (Box 19 filled, Box 18 empty) using this method.

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who works in payroll - this Box 18/19 situation is actually more common than people realize. Many municipalities require employers to report local wages (Box 19) for statistical and economic development purposes, even when they don't impose a local income tax (hence the blank Box 18). This is completely legitimate and happens frequently in areas with: - Economic development zones that track wages but don't tax them - Municipalities that have reciprocal tax agreements with neighboring areas - Local governments that collect data for federal grant applications Your employer's payroll department was correct when they said "that's how it is" - they're following proper reporting requirements. Entering $0.00 in Box 18 when your tax software requires it is the right approach and won't cause any issues with the IRS or local tax authorities. The override options mentioned in other comments are also perfectly fine to use. Don't stress about this - it's a reporting quirk, not a tax problem!

Something important nobody's mentioned: if you buy that truck, make sure it's over 6,000 lbs GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) to qualify as "heavy" equipment for better tax treatment. Most 3/4 ton and 1-ton trucks qualify, but double-check the spec sheet. At 6,000+ lbs, you get more favorable depreciation options and aren't subject to certain limitations that apply to lighter vehicles. This weight classification makes a HUGE difference in how much you can deduct each year.

One thing to consider - you mentioned you're "conservative with write-offs" but if you're legitimately using the truck for business, don't shortchange yourself! I'm a contractor too and learned this lesson. Make sure you're also tracking/deducting: - Business insurance for the vehicle - Maintenance costs (oil changes, repairs) - Business parking fees - Tolls during business travel - Even washing/detailing if it's for business purposes

One thing no one mentioned - check if your state has different rules! My son worked in New Jersey last year and even though he was exempt from federal withholding, NJ still required state income tax withholding and filing. He still got most of it back but we were surprised that the rules were different. Each state has its own minimum filing requirements that might be lower than federal.

This thread has been so helpful! I'm a CPA who works with a lot of families, and I just wanted to add one more consideration that often gets overlooked. Since your daughter is earning income from wages, she should also start thinking about opening her own savings account if she hasn't already. This is a great opportunity to teach her about setting aside money for taxes (even if she won't owe any this year), building an emergency fund, and maybe even starting to save for college. Also, make sure she keeps all her pay stubs and tax documents organized - it's a good habit to start early. Even though she likely won't owe federal taxes this year, having good records will make filing much easier and help if there are ever any questions about her earnings. The financial responsibility lessons she learns now will serve her well throughout her life!

Have you considered that your refund might actually be correct? I had a similar situation where my refund was nearly double what I expected. Freaked out, had an accountant review it, and turns out everything was right. Between earned income credit, child tax credits, education credits, and some pandemic relief stuff, the tax code was actually pretty generous for certain situations last year. Not saying don't double check, but also don't assume it's wrong just because it's bigger than expected!

I totally understand your anxiety about this! I went through something very similar last year and it turned out my large refund was actually correct, but here's what helped me verify everything: First, create a simple spreadsheet listing ALL your income sources and tax withholdings separately. Include your W-2 wages + withholding, each 1099 amount, unemployment compensation + withholding, and all your quarterly estimated payments. Sometimes seeing it laid out this way reveals if you double-entered something or missed an income source. Second, pay special attention to the refundable credits section. The Earned Income Tax Credit alone can add thousands to your refund even if you paid zero in taxes. With mixed W-2 and 1099 income plus unemployment, you might hit that sweet spot where your earned income qualifies you for maximum EITC benefits. Third, if you're still unsure after double-checking everything, consider using the IRS's own calculators on their website for EITC and other major credits. Sometimes tax software can be overly generous in its calculations. The fact that you keep detailed records and are this concerned about accuracy tells me you're probably doing everything right. Large refunds aren't always errors - sometimes they're just the tax system working as designed to help people in situations like yours!

Has anyone used TurboTax to handle this situation? My closing was in October 2024 and I got a credit for the seller's portion of 2024 taxes that will be paid in 2025, but I'm not sure how to enter this in the software.

This is a really common source of confusion for first-time homebuyers! You're absolutely right to ask about the timing. The key principle is that property taxes are deductible in the year you actually pay them, not the year they cover. Since you didn't make any actual property tax payments in 2024, you won't have a property tax deduction for your 2024 return. The credit you received at closing is considered part of the purchase transaction - it reduces your cost basis in the home rather than creating a deductible expense. When your escrow account pays the property taxes in February 2025 (for the 2024 tax year), that's when you'll be able to claim the deduction - on your 2025 tax return that you'll file in early 2026. Make sure to keep good records of when the payment is actually made, as that's what determines which tax year you can claim the deduction. One thing to double-check: contact your mortgage servicer to confirm exactly when they plan to make the property tax payment from your escrow account. Some lenders make these payments in December even when they're not due until February, which could affect your deduction timing.