I've been using FreeTaxUSA Business for my S-Corp for the past two years and wanted to throw another option into the mix that nobody has mentioned yet. It's significantly cheaper than all the options discussed here (around $25 for federal business filing) while still being user-friendly for first-time S-Corp filers. The interface isn't as polished as TurboTax, but it's more intuitive than TaxAct and includes helpful explanations for S-Corp specific issues. What I really appreciate is that it doesn't try to upsell you on additional services every few screens like some of the bigger names do. That said, after reading about the document analysis services mentioned by others in this thread, I'm definitely going to try that approach this year before starting my actual filing. Finding an extra $3,000-5,000 in legitimate deductions would easily pay for itself many times over. One thing I learned from experience: whichever software you choose, don't rush through the depreciation sections. I made mistakes there in my first year that cost me money, and it's one area where the cheaper software options sometimes don't provide as much guidance. Take your time or get that professional review that Andre mentioned - it's worth it for peace of mind on your first S-Corp return. With your revenue level, any of these software options should handle your needs well, but the key is making sure you're maximizing your deductions and handling the S-Corp specific requirements correctly.

As a tax professional who's helped dozens of small business owners transition to S-Corp filing, I want to add some perspective on the software choices and emphasize a few critical points that haven't been fully addressed. First, regarding software selection: while TurboTax Business is indeed the most user-friendly, the real value isn't just in the interface - it's in their error-checking algorithms. S-Corps have specific compliance requirements that can trigger audits if handled incorrectly, and TurboTax tends to catch more of these potential issues before filing. However, I'm seeing a concerning trend in this discussion where people are focusing heavily on maximizing deductions without enough emphasis on documentation and compliance. The IRS has been increasing S-Corp audits, particularly around officer compensation and personal vs. business expense classification. For your specific situation with $87k revenue, here's what I'd strongly recommend: 1. Pay yourself a reasonable W-2 salary FIRST (probably $35-45k in your range depending on your role/industry) 2. Document everything meticulously - the software won't save you if you don't have proper backup for your deductions 3. Be extremely careful with home office, vehicle, and meal deductions - these are audit magnets The document analysis services mentioned here can be valuable, but remember: finding deductions is only half the battle. You need to be able to defend them with proper documentation if questioned. Make sure any service you use also provides guidance on documentation requirements, not just identification of potential deductions. Whatever software you choose, budget for professional review of your completed return before filing. The cost of a CPA review ($200-500) is minimal compared to potential penalties and interest from compliance mistakes.

Just wanted to add another data point for anyone reading this thread - I've been filing from Singapore for 5 years now and can confirm that foreign wages definitely go on Line 1a. One thing I learned the hard way is to make sure you're using the correct exchange rates when converting SGD to USD. The IRS requires you to use the Treasury Department's yearly average exchange rates (available on their website) rather than spot rates or your bank's conversion rates. This can make a meaningful difference in your reported income amount. Also, since you mentioned you're using tax software, double-check that it's properly handling the Singapore tax year vs US tax year difference. Singapore's tax year runs from January to December, but make sure you're reporting the right period's income on your US return. I made this mistake my first year and had to file an amended return. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion should cover your full $58k income assuming you meet the physical presence test (330 days in Singapore during any 12-month period). Keep a simple spreadsheet tracking your days in/out of Singapore - it'll save you headaches later if the IRS ever asks for documentation.

Just want to echo what everyone else has said - your Singapore wages definitely belong on Line 1a of Form 1040, not Line 1h. I went through this exact same confusion when I first moved to Hong Kong for work. One thing that might help clarify the logic: Line 1a is for ALL wages and salaries, regardless of the source country. Line 1h is specifically for miscellaneous income that doesn't fit into any of the other defined categories on the form (like gambling winnings, jury duty pay, etc.). Your regular employment income from Singapore is still wages, just foreign wages. The fact that you'll be excluding it later with Form 2555 doesn't change where you initially report it. Think of it as a two-step process: first you report ALL your worldwide income in the appropriate sections, then you apply exclusions and credits to reduce your taxable amount. Since you're earning about $58k USD equivalent and have been in Singapore for 3 years, you should easily qualify for the full Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (assuming you meet the physical presence test). Just make sure your tax software is set up to handle foreign income properly - most major programs have specific workflows for expats that will walk you through both the initial reporting and the exclusion forms.

Has anyone used TurboTax to handle this kind of situation? Do they have a good section for sorting out 1099 deductions vs employee expenses? Trying to figure out if I need to pay for a CPA this year.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation and wanted to share what I learned from my research. The key issue here isn't just the mileage deduction - it's the misclassification problem that several others have mentioned. For the mileage question specifically: No, you cannot deduct your daily commute to the carpentry shop, even as a 1099 contractor. The IRS considers travel from your home to your regular place of business as personal commuting expenses, regardless of your tax classification. However, here's what you CAN potentially deduct as a legitimate contractor: - Travel between different job sites (not from home to the first site) - Tools and equipment you purchase yourself - Work-related supplies - Portion of vehicle expenses for business use (not commuting) - Professional development/training costs But here's the bigger concern - based on your description, you're likely misclassified. If your boss controls your schedule, provides tools, and treats you like an employee, you should probably be getting a W-2. This misclassification is costing you money in additional self-employment taxes. I'd recommend tracking your actual work arrangement details (who provides tools, who sets your schedule, do you work for other companies, etc.) and consider getting professional guidance on whether to challenge your classification with the IRS.

I just went through this exact same worry last month! My W2 from my seasonal job had box D completely empty and I spent way too much time researching whether it would cause problems. Turns out it's totally fine - I filed successfully and got my refund without any issues. What really helped me was understanding that the control number is basically just like a tracking number that some employers use for their own organization. It's kind of like how some stores print reference numbers on receipts and others don't - both receipts are equally valid, just different internal systems. The key thing is making sure all your actual income and withholding amounts are correct in the other boxes. Those are what the IRS actually cares about when processing your return. Your tax software not flagging it is a good sign - these programs are pretty good at catching real problems versus optional fields. Don't let this delay your filing! Sounds like you're being thorough by checking everything, which is great, but this particular issue definitely shouldn't hold you back.

I'm new to filing taxes and was getting really nervous about a similar issue - my W2 has the control number but it looks like it might be wrong (it's just "001" which seems too simple). After reading all these responses though, I feel so much better knowing that even if it's completely missing it doesn't matter at all! This thread has been incredibly helpful for understanding what's actually important on a W2 versus what's just optional employer tracking. I've been stressing over every single box thinking they were all critical. Now I know to focus on the wages and withholding amounts instead of worrying about internal reference numbers. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and expertise - especially the tax preparer and payroll person who gave professional insights. It's amazing how supportive this community is for people navigating tax season for the first time!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I had no idea there were so many considerations beyond just the tax savings. As someone who's been through a similar situation, I wanted to share what we ultimately decided to do. After reading about all the potential complications (student loans, health insurance, etc.), my fiancé and I decided to stick with filing separately this year and just accept the higher tax bill. We realized that the $3,200 in potential savings wasn't worth the risks of committing tax fraud or the complications it could create with our other financial obligations. Instead, we're planning to get legally married in a small courthouse ceremony this December (before our big wedding next summer) so we can file jointly for next year's taxes. This way we get the legitimate tax benefits going forward without any of the legal risks. For anyone else in this situation - definitely run the numbers on how marriage would affect your student loan payments, health insurance premiums, and any other income-based benefits before making the decision. The tax savings might be offset by increases in other areas. Thanks everyone for keeping me from making a costly mistake!

Just wanted to add my perspective as someone who works in tax preparation - this thread is spot on about the legal requirements. I see this confusion come up fairly regularly, especially with younger couples who are living together and sharing expenses. One thing I always tell clients is that the IRS definition of "married" is very specific and binary - you either are legally married under state law or you're not. There's no "engaged" filing status, no "domestic partner" option for federal taxes, and no exceptions for couples who live together or share financial responsibilities. The $3,200 potential savings your tax preparer mentioned is probably real - married filing jointly often does result in significant tax benefits, especially when one partner earns substantially more than the other. But as others have mentioned, claiming that status when you're not legally married would constitute filing a false return. If you're serious about the tax savings, getting married before December 31st really is your only legitimate option. Just make sure to consider all the other financial implications (student loans, health insurance, etc.) that others have mentioned before making that decision. I'd also echo the recommendation to find a new tax preparer - anyone suggesting unmarried couples can file jointly either doesn't understand basic tax law or is encouraging fraud. Neither is someone you want handling your taxes.