Just a heads up - don't forget to consider state filing requirements too! Depending on your state, you might need to file additional self-employment forms at the state level. I learned this the hard way last year 😭

I'm in almost the exact same boat - W-2 from my day job plus a 1099-NEC from some freelance work I picked up. After reading through all these responses, I'm definitely leaning toward checking out FreeTaxUSA instead of paying the premium for TurboTax Self-Employed. One thing I'd add is to make sure you track any business expenses related to your 1099 work - things like equipment, supplies, mileage, or even a portion of your internet bill if you worked from home. These can really help offset the self-employment tax burden. I wish I had been better about tracking expenses throughout the year instead of scrambling to remember everything now at filing time. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread has been super helpful!

As someone who's dealt with questionable tax situations before, I want to echo what everyone else has said - this is absolutely a red flag situation you should avoid. I had a similar experience a few years ago with a company that claimed their employees were "independent contractors" who didn't need to worry about tax withholdings. Long story short, I ended up owing thousands in back taxes and penalties when the IRS caught up with the situation. Even though I was just following what my "employer" told me, I was still personally liable for all the unpaid taxes. The key thing to remember is that the IRS holds YOU responsible for reporting your income correctly, regardless of what anyone else tells you about special arrangements or loopholes. If it sounds too good to be true (like not having to pay income taxes on money you earn), it probably is. You're making the right choice by walking away from this opportunity. There are plenty of legitimate outdoor education programs out there that operate above board and won't put you at risk of serious tax trouble down the road.

I completely agree with everyone here - this is definitely a situation to avoid. I've seen several cases where people got involved with PMAs thinking they were legitimate tax strategies, only to face serious consequences later. What's particularly concerning about your situation is the combination of red flags: the "donation-based" payment system, claims that employees don't need to file taxes, and the vague explanations about the organizational structure. These are classic hallmarks of abusive tax schemes that the IRS actively pursues. Even if the director genuinely believes this arrangement is legal, that won't protect you if the IRS determines otherwise. I've seen cases where well-meaning business owners convinced themselves they'd found a legitimate loophole, but their employees still faced penalties for unreported income. You're absolutely making the right decision to decline this position. There are many legitimate outdoor education programs, nature schools, and environmental nonprofits that operate with proper tax compliance. These organizations typically hold 501(c)(3) status or operate as regular businesses, and they'll provide you with proper W-2s or 1099s for tax reporting. When you continue your job search, don't hesitate to ask potential employers direct questions about their tax structure and how they handle payroll reporting. Any legitimate organization should be able to clearly explain their tax status and provide proper documentation.

Wait, could this actually be a case of the Recovery Rebate Credit affecting your refund amount? The missing $1000-ish sounds suspiciously like it could be related to one of the stimulus payments. Did you get all your stimulus payments directly in 2021/2022, or were you claiming any of them on your 2023 return?

This is a really serious situation and I'm sorry you're dealing with this. The fact that she's refusing to give you copies of your own tax returns is absolutely unacceptable and highly suspicious - that's literally YOUR property that you paid for. Beyond the excellent advice already given about getting your tax transcripts and filing Form 14157-A, I'd strongly recommend documenting everything in writing. Create a timeline of all your interactions, save screenshots of any texts or emails where she refused to provide your returns, and keep records of all payments you made to her. You should also consider filing a police report for potential theft/fraud. If she did divert your refund money to another account, that's criminal behavior, not just a civil matter. Having a police report number can also strengthen your case with the IRS. One more thing - check your credit reports immediately. If she has access to your personal information and is willing to steal refund money, she might be using your identity for other fraudulent activities. You can get free credit reports from annualcreditreport.com. Don't let this slide - tax preparer fraud is unfortunately becoming more common, and the only way to stop these people is to pursue every available avenue to hold them accountable.

Check if your state has a tax preparer registry or licensing requirement. In some states you can report unlicensed preparers and they face heavy penalties. In California the CTEC can fine them $5000 per return!

This is absolutely infuriating and I'm so sorry you're going through this. Unfortunately, tax preparer fraud is way more common than people realize. A few additional things that might help: • Contact your state's Attorney General's office - many have consumer protection divisions that handle tax preparer fraud • If the preparer was using a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number), report them to the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility • Document the timeline of when you discovered the fraud vs when the refund was issued - this can be crucial for criminal charges • Consider reaching out to local news stations - they love these consumer protection stories and the public pressure sometimes gets faster results The fact that she's ghosting you now actually works in your favor for proving intent to defraud. Keep trying to contact her via text/email so you have records of her avoiding you. Don't give up! I've seen people recover their money even a year later when they stayed persistent with the legal process. The IRS takes preparer fraud seriously once you get the right person's attention.

I just went through this exact process 23 days ago! TurboTax has the amendment feature but it's weirdly hidden. Go to Tax Tools > Amend a Return (not under the regular filing section). It will walk you through creating the 1040-X but then surprise you at the end by saying you need to print and mail it. I was shocked that in 2024 we're still mailing tax forms! My amendment took exactly 19 weeks and 3 days to process last year - way longer than the 16 weeks they claim on the website.

Just wanted to share my recent experience since I literally just went through this exact situation last month! I missed reporting some freelance income and had to amend my 2023 return through TurboTax. Here's what I learned: • The amendment feature IS there but super buried - go to Tax Tools then look for "Amend a Return" • TurboTax will help you fill out Form 1040-X but you'll still need to print and mail it (so frustrating!) • I sent mine certified mail for $8.50 - totally worth it for the tracking and peace of mind • Include copies of any new forms (like that missing 1099) with your amendment The whole "electronic age but still mailing tax forms" thing is ridiculous, but at least TurboTax does pre-fill most of your original return info so you're not starting completely from scratch. Currently at week 12 of waiting for my processing, so buckle up for the long haul! Pro tip: Keep digital copies of everything and your certified mail receipt - you'll want that tracking number for your sanity during the endless waiting period.