This has been such an enlightening discussion! I've been going back and forth on TurboTax Audit Defense for years, and reading everyone's real experiences has finally convinced me to skip it for 2025. What really sealed the deal for me was seeing the actual statistics - less than 1% audit rate for most taxpayers - combined with stories from people who actually used the service and found it underwhelming. It sounds like you're paying premium prices for what's essentially glorified document forwarding rather than true advocacy. I'm particularly impressed by how many people here have successfully handled IRS matters on their own with good documentation. My tax situation is fairly straightforward (W-2 income plus some basic investments), and I already keep organized records of everything. It seems like those fundamentals are more valuable protection than expensive annual premiums. I'm definitely going to follow the smart approach several people mentioned about creating a dedicated "tax emergency fund" with that money instead. That way I'm still being responsible about potential issues, but the money stays in my control and earns interest. If something ever does come up, I can hire a CPA who actually specializes in my specific situation. Thanks to everyone who shared honest experiences instead of just repeating marketing talking points. This kind of real-world insight from actual community members is infinitely more valuable than TurboTax's fear-based sales pitches!

This entire discussion has been incredibly helpful! As someone who's been on the fence about TurboTax Audit Defense, reading all these real-world experiences has been eye-opening. What strikes me most is how the marketing creates this fear that you'll be helpless without their protection, but the actual statistics tell a very different story. Less than 1% audit rate for most taxpayers, and even when people did use the service, it sounds like they got basic document handling rather than true advocacy. I've been keeping detailed records of my expenses and receipts for years, thinking that was just good practice. But after reading this thread, I realize that good documentation IS my real protection - not expensive annual premiums for something I'll statistically never need. I'm definitely going to skip Audit Defense this year and follow the advice about putting that money into a high-yield savings account instead. If I ever do need professional help with the IRS, I'll have funds saved specifically for that purpose and can hire someone who actually specializes in tax representation rather than whoever TurboTax assigns. Thanks to everyone who shared their honest experiences - this community discussion has been way more valuable than any marketing material I've seen!

I'm so sorry to hear about your extended wait, Mae. 20 weeks is definitely beyond the normal timeframe, and your frustration is completely understandable. After reading through all these helpful responses, I wanted to share my own experience - I waited 26 weeks for my FICA refund last year and it was absolutely maddening. What finally worked for me was a combination approach: First, I called the IRS at 800-829-1040 right when they opened (7 AM) on a Tuesday morning and specifically asked to be transferred to "Accounts Management" - this is the specialized unit that handles FICA refunds. The regular customer service reps often don't have access to the right systems. Second, I also contacted the Taxpayer Advocate Service since I was well past the 12 weeks + 30 days threshold that qualifies as an "unreasonable delay." They assigned a case worker who was able to track down exactly where my application was stuck. It turned out my refund was sitting in what they called the "correspondence review" queue because the IRS had questions about one of my supporting documents, but they never sent me a letter requesting clarification. Once the advocate's office flagged this, they expedited the review and I had my refund within 3 weeks. I'd definitely recommend trying both approaches - the direct call to get immediate information about your case status, and the Taxpayer Advocate for longer-term resolution if needed. Don't give up - these refunds do eventually come through, the system is just frustratingly slow and poorly designed for tracking. Keep all your documentation handy when you call, including your certified mail receipt if you have one. Good luck!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation and this thread has been a lifesaver! I filed my FICA refund application in February 2025 (also by mail with certified delivery) and I'm now at 25 weeks with zero communication from the IRS. Like many others here, I tried the "Where's My Refund" tool multiple times before realizing it doesn't work for FICA refunds. What's really frustrating is that the IRS website makes it sound like 12 weeks is the standard processing time, but clearly that's not realistic given everyone's experiences here. I wish they would just be upfront about the actual timeframes instead of giving false hope. Based on all the advice shared here, I'm planning to call 800-829-1040 first thing Tuesday morning and ask specifically for "Accounts Management" - thanks Dylan for that tip! I'm also going to contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service since I'm well past their delay threshold. One thing I wanted to add that might help others - I've been keeping a detailed log of every attempt I've made to contact the IRS, including dates, times, and any reference numbers. Even when I get disconnected or can't get through, I document it. I have a feeling this documentation will be helpful when I finally get someone on the phone who can actually help. Mae, I really hope you get some movement on your case soon. It's ridiculous that we have to become detective investigators just to get our own money back from the government!

This thread has been incredibly enlightening! As someone new to this community, I'm amazed at how helpful everyone has been in breaking down such a complex situation. I'm currently working as an independent contractor in a different field (IT consulting), but I've been worried about potential classification issues with one of my larger clients. Reading through all these experiences has given me a much better understanding of how to document my independent contractor status and what red flags to watch for. The advice about keeping detailed records of scheduling flexibility, rate negotiations, and communications showing behavioral/financial control applies across industries. I'm going to start being more systematic about documenting these interactions with all my clients. One thing that really stood out to me was the point about mixed income from the same company not automatically triggering audits - that's such valuable information that I hadn't seen explained clearly anywhere else. For the original poster, it sounds like you have a really strong case for maintaining your 1099 status given your multi-client setup and clear independence markers. The diplomatic "seeking clarification" approach seems like the perfect way to handle the conversation while preserving the working relationship. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and expertise. This is exactly the kind of practical, real-world guidance that makes this community so valuable!

As a newcomer to this community, I have to say this thread has been incredibly educational! I'm dealing with a similar situation as a freelance medical transcriptionist where one of my clients is considering switching me from 1099 to W2 status. What's been most valuable to me is seeing how common this issue actually is across healthcare and other professional services. The advice about documentation and taking a diplomatic approach really makes sense - I've started organizing all my communications that demonstrate my independence (declining certain projects, setting my own rates, working with multiple clients). One thing I'm curious about that I haven't seen addressed yet - has anyone dealt with a client who made the switch but then later reversed course and went back to 1099 classification? I'm wondering if it's worth mentioning during negotiations that the arrangement could be re-evaluated after a trial period if the W2 classification creates operational issues for either party. The reassurance about mixed income from the same company not automatically triggering audits has really put my mind at ease. I was genuinely worried that having both types of income would create red flags, but it sounds like this is much more routine than I realized. Thanks to everyone who has shared their experiences - this community is proving to be an invaluable resource for navigating these complex tax and employment classification issues!

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now! I got my EIN last month for a SEP-IRA and have been going back and forth on whether to switch everything over. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful. It sounds like the consensus is pretty clear: stick with SSN for tax filing (Form 1040/Schedule C) but either number works for business functions like EFTPS payments. I think I'm going to follow the advice about using my EIN for new clients going forward for privacy reasons, but not stress about the mixed 1099s I'll be getting this year. One follow-up question though - for those who have both EFTPS accounts (SSN and EIN), do you find it confusing to manage? Or is it better to just pick one and stick with it for all future payments?

This is such a common source of confusion for new business owners! I went through the exact same thing when I first got my EIN. Here's what I learned after consulting with a tax professional: The key thing to remember is that as a sole proprietor, you're not a separate business entity - you ARE the business. So your EIN is essentially just another way for the IRS to identify you, but your SSN remains your primary taxpayer ID. For your specific situation, I'd recommend: 1. Continue filing your 1040 with Schedule C using your SSN (this should never change as a sole proprietor) 2. Don't worry about the mixed 1099s - the IRS systems will connect both numbers to you 3. For quarterly payments, pick either your SSN or EIN EFTPS account and stick with it for consistency 4. Going forward, consider using your EIN exclusively with clients for privacy/professionalism The most important thing is that you report ALL your income on your tax return regardless of which number was used on the 1099s. The IRS matching systems are pretty sophisticated and will connect everything properly.

Great question about mobile living tax deductions! From what you've described, your camper trailer should absolutely qualify as a second home for mortgage interest deduction purposes. The IRS requirements are pretty straightforward - it needs sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities (which you have), and you need to use it as a residence for at least 14 days per year or 10% of rental days. Living in it 8 months definitely exceeds this threshold. A few important points to consider: Make sure your loan is secured by the camper itself, keep all documentation of interest payments (request Form 1098 from your lender or at least a year-end interest statement), and remember that personal property taxes on the camper may also be deductible. Since you're doing seasonal contracting work, you might want to explore whether any portion could qualify for business deductions depending on your employment classification. If you're an independent contractor rather than a W-2 employee, there could be additional opportunities there. Either way, keep detailed records of work-related travel versus personal use - this documentation will be crucial for supporting your deductions. The key is that your camper functions as a legitimate residence, which it clearly does given your living situation. Just make sure to itemize deductions on Schedule A to claim the mortgage interest, and consider consulting with a tax professional who understands mobile living situations if you have complex circumstances.

This is a great question that many mobile workers face! Your camper trailer should definitely qualify for the mortgage interest deduction as a second home. Since you're living in it 8 months per year and it has all the basic living facilities (sleeping, cooking, toilet), you easily meet the IRS requirements. The key things you'll need: 1) Your loan must be secured by the camper (sounds like yours is), 2) Documentation of interest paid (request Form 1098 from your lender or at least a detailed statement), and 3) You must use it as a residence for at least 14 days per year (you're way over this threshold). Don't forget about personal property taxes on the camper - those are also deductible if you itemize. Since you're doing contract work and traveling extensively, you might want to explore if any portion could qualify as business expenses too, depending on whether you're classified as an employee or independent contractor. The main thing is keeping good records. Document your usage, save all loan payment records, and consider starting a travel log showing work locations vs. personal use. This documentation will be crucial if you ever face an audit. Your situation is actually pretty straightforward compared to some mobile living tax scenarios!