unpopular opinion but H&R Block's interface is actually better than TurboTax now ngl

Been using TaxAct for the past 3 years and honestly it's been solid. Way cheaper than TurboTax (like $25 vs $120+) and I've never had issues with accuracy. The interface isn't as flashy but it gets the job done. Also has good customer support if you get stuck on something. Might be worth adding to your comparison list!

When I was confused about my Box 14 last year, I actually found that my company had a tax guide on their intranet that explained all their payroll codes. Worth checking if your employer has something similar! Mine had a whole PDF explaining every weird abbreviation on our W2s.

Box 14 codes can definitely be confusing! In addition to the great suggestions already mentioned, you might want to check if your employer has a benefits summary or annual statement that came with your open enrollment materials. Sometimes these documents include explanations of the various deductions and codes that show up on your W2. Also, if you have access to your employee self-service portal or HR system online, there's often a section about payroll deductions or tax documents that might have a code reference guide. Many larger companies maintain these resources but don't always advertise them well. One thing to keep in mind is that most Box 14 items fall into a few common categories: pre-tax benefits (like parking or transit), after-tax deductions (like Roth 401k contributions), or informational items (like imputed income for life insurance). If you can figure out which category your code falls into, it can help you determine if any action is needed on your tax return.

in the same boat...been waiting 6 weeks after verification and nothing yet smh

I went through this exact same thing last year! The key is to act fast - don't wait around. I submitted my verification documents the day I got the letter and still had to wait about 3 weeks for my refund. If you delay responding, it just pushes everything back further. Also pro tip: keep copies of everything you submit in case they ask for it again. Illinois has been really strict about this stuff lately but once you get through the verification process, you should be good to go!

its so annoying how the irs cant just give us exact dates that actually mean something smh

Same thing happened to me last year! The transcript date is when the IRS sends the payment, but it can take 1-3 business days to actually show up in your account depending on your bank. Chase usually processes pretty fast, so you'll probably see it by tomorrow morning. Don't stress too much - as long as your transcript shows the deposit date, the money is on its way! 🙏

I recommend getting tax software like FreeTaxUSA or Credit Karma Tax (now Cash App Taxes) which are both free for federal filing and guide you through the process for both W-2 and 1099 income. They'll prompt you to enter your doordashing income and expenses on Schedule C and automatically calculate your self-employment tax. Even with income under the standard deduction, definitely still file a return! You might qualify for refundable credits like the Earned Income Credit depending on your situation, which could get you money back even if you don't owe income tax.

As someone who went through this exact situation last year, I can confirm what others have said - you can definitely use the standard deduction against your combined income from both sources. However, the self-employment tax part caught me off guard too! One thing I'd add is to make sure you keep track of ALL your doordashing expenses going forward, not just mileage. Things like phone accessories (car mounts, chargers), insulated bags, even a portion of your phone bill can be deductible. I wish I had known this during my first year of gig work. Also, since you're young and this might be your first time dealing with self-employment income, consider setting aside about 15-20% of your 1099 earnings for taxes throughout the year if you continue doordashing. The self-employment tax plus any income tax can add up, and you don't want to be surprised next filing season. Good luck with everything - you've got this!