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Has anyone had issues with FreeTaxUSA not calculating the correct deduction even after entering both 1098 forms? I did this last year and somehow my deduction was like $2000 less than it should have been. Wondering if there's a glitch or if I missed something.
Double check that you didn't accidentally enter one of the 1098s in the wrong section. One common mistake is entering the second mortgage interest statement in the "Points" section or vice versa. Also verify that you entered the full year's worth of property taxes from both lenders if that was also included on your 1098s.
I went through this exact same situation when I refinanced in August! The key thing that tripped me up initially was making sure I understood the timing correctly. When you have two 1098 forms from the same year due to refinancing, you want to make sure you're not double-counting any interest or missing any deductions. Here's what I learned: 1. The original lender's 1098 will show interest paid from January through the payoff date 2. The new lender's 1098 will show interest from the loan start date through December 3. Any prepaid interest or points from the refinance may be partially deductible in the current year Ryan's advice about using the "Add another mortgage interest statement" feature is spot on. But also double-check that the total interest amounts make sense when you add them up - it should roughly match what you'd expect to pay for the full year on your mortgage amount. One thing to watch out for: if you paid any loan origination fees or discount points on the refinance, those might be spread over the life of the loan for tax purposes rather than fully deductible in year one. FreeTaxUSA should handle this automatically, but it's worth verifying the calculation matches IRS rules.
This is really helpful information! I'm actually in a similar situation but with a twist - I refinanced twice in the same year (once in March and again in September to take advantage of dropping rates). So now I have THREE different 1098 forms. I'm assuming the same principle applies and I just keep adding additional mortgage interest statements in FreeTaxUSA? Also, you mentioned prepaid interest - where exactly does that show up on the 1098 form? I think I might have paid some when I closed on the September refi but I'm not sure how to identify it on the form or if it's automatically included in the interest amount reported.
This is exactly the kind of situation where having clear documentation from the start makes all the difference. I've handled several similar cases where clients filled out their own forms before bringing them to me, and the corrected 2553 approach has worked well every time. One thing I'd emphasize that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure to keep detailed records of your client's business activities from day one. Bank account opening dates, first transactions, employee records, etc. The IRS may ask for documentation showing the client genuinely intended to operate as an S-corp from the business start date, especially if there's any significant gap between state registration and the original 2553 filing. Also, consider having your client sign an affidavit stating that the incorrect effective date on the original form was an inadvertent error and that they intended S-corp treatment from inception. This can be helpful supporting documentation if the IRS has any questions about the timeline or intent.
This is excellent advice about documentation! I'm actually dealing with my first S-corp amendment case and hadn't thought about the affidavit approach. That makes a lot of sense to have something in writing from the client confirming their intent. Quick question about the supporting documentation - when you mention bank account opening dates and first transactions, are you suggesting to include copies of these with the corrected 2553 submission, or just keep them on file in case the IRS requests them later? I don't want to overwhelm them with paperwork, but I also want to be thorough. Also, do you have any specific language you typically use for that client affidavit, or is it pretty straightforward? I want to make sure I get the wording right the first time.
For the supporting documentation, I typically keep everything on file but don't submit it with the initial corrected 2553 unless specifically requested. The IRS prefers a clean submission initially - just the corrected form, explanation letter, and maybe the client affidavit if you want to include it upfront. For the affidavit language, I keep it simple: "I [client name], as [title] of [company name], hereby affirm that the incorrect effective date listed on the original Form 2553 filed on [date] was an inadvertent error. It was always my intention to elect S-corporation status effective [correct date], which was the date business operations commenced. This correction is not being made for tax avoidance purposes but solely to accurately reflect the intended election date." Having the bank records, articles of incorporation, and early business activity documentation ready to go gives you confidence when writing your explanation letter, and you can reference their existence without actually including copies unless asked.
Based on all the excellent advice shared here, I wanted to add one more consideration that's been helpful in my practice - timing the submission strategically around IRS processing cycles. If you're filing a corrected 2553, try to avoid submitting during peak filing season (January through April) when processing centers are swamped with individual returns. I've found that submissions made in late spring or early summer tend to get processed more quickly and with fewer follow-up questions. Also, when writing your explanation letter, be very specific about dates. Instead of saying "about a month later," include the exact dates: "The business commenced operations on October 15, 2022, but Form 2553 was inadvertently filed on November 18, 2022, with an effective date of November 18, 2022, rather than the intended effective date of October 15, 2022." The more precise you are with dates and documentation, the less likely you are to get requests for additional information that can delay the process. Good luck with your client's situation - sounds like you're handling it exactly right!
This is really helpful advice about timing the submission strategically! I hadn't considered the seasonal processing delays at the IRS. As someone new to handling S-corp elections, I'm learning there are so many nuances beyond just filling out the form correctly. Your point about being precise with dates is spot on. I've been guilty of using vague language like "approximately" in my explanation letters, but you're right that exact dates probably make the IRS reviewer's job easier and reduce the chance of follow-up requests. One question - when you mention avoiding peak filing season, does this apply even for business entity forms like the 2553, or is that advice more relevant for individual tax matters? I would think business entity processing might be on a different timeline, but I'm not sure how integrated their processing systems are. Thanks for sharing your experience - it's exactly this kind of practical insight that helps newer practitioners avoid common pitfalls!
I'm experiencing the exact same situation with my 1040-NR! Filed on February 24th and just got this delayed processing message yesterday. My transcript shows code 570 as well, no 971 notice. I was getting really anxious about it until I found this thread - it's such a relief to see that literally every non-resident filer here is going through the identical process. This is clearly just the IRS's standard additional verification procedure for international returns rather than an indication we made errors on our filings. I've been guilty of checking WMR obsessively multiple times daily (definitely counterproductive for my stress levels!), but seeing everyone's consistent 6-8 week timelines helps me understand that's just adding unnecessary anxiety. I'm definitely switching to the weekly transcript check approach everyone recommends instead of constant WMR refreshing. This community discussion has been infinitely more helpful than anything on the official IRS website - thank you all for sharing your experiences and making this uncertain waiting period feel so much more normal! It's incredible to know we're all navigating the same verification process together.
I just joined this community after finding this thread through a Google search - I'm dealing with the exact same situation! Filed my 1040-NR on February 26th and got the delayed processing message two days ago. My transcript also shows code 570 with no 971 notice, and I was honestly starting to freak out thinking I'd made some critical mistake on my return. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been such a lifesaver - it's clear that this is just the standard additional verification process the IRS uses for all non-resident returns rather than anything being wrong with our paperwork. I've been obsessively checking WMR probably 6-7 times a day (definitely not good for my mental health!), but seeing the consistent 6-8 week timeline from literally everyone here helps me set realistic expectations and stop panicking. I'm absolutely going to follow the community wisdom and switch to weekly transcript checks instead of driving myself crazy with constant WMR refreshing. This discussion has been more informative and reassuring than weeks of trying to decode the IRS website - thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and making this stressful process feel completely normal! It's such a relief to know we're all going through the identical verification process together.
I'm experiencing the exact same situation with my 1040-NR! Filed on February 27th and just got this delayed processing message today. My transcript shows code 570 as well, no 971 notice. I was honestly getting pretty worried until I found this thread - it's incredibly reassuring to see that literally every non-resident filer here is going through the identical process. This is clearly just the IRS's standard additional verification procedure for international returns rather than an indication we made mistakes on our filings. I've been guilty of checking WMR obsessively several times a day (definitely not helping my anxiety levels!), but reading everyone's consistent 6-8 week timelines helps me understand that's just adding unnecessary stress to an already uncertain situation. I'm definitely going to follow the community advice here and switch to weekly transcript checks instead of constant WMR refreshing. This discussion has been infinitely more helpful than anything I could find on the official IRS website - thank you all for sharing your experiences and making this stressful waiting period feel so much more normal and manageable! It's such a comfort to know we're all navigating the same verification process together.
I went through almost the exact same situation last year! Accidentally sent my entire tax payment (federal + state) to the IRS instead of splitting it. Here's what worked for me: 1. File Form 843 immediately - don't wait. The sooner you submit it, the sooner they can process your refund. 2. Include a detailed explanation letter with your form explaining exactly what happened, including the date of payment, amount, and payment method (pay1040.com in your case). 3. Keep copies of EVERYTHING - your payment confirmation from pay1040.com, bank statements showing the transaction, etc. 4. You can also try calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, but be prepared for long hold times. Sometimes they can process overpayment refunds over the phone if it's straightforward. The good news is that this is actually a pretty common mistake, so the IRS is used to handling these situations. I got my overpayment back in about 6 weeks. And definitely pay your state taxes ASAP even if you have to put it on a credit card temporarily - the interest on a card will be way less than state penalties and interest.
This is really helpful advice! I'm curious about the timing - when you say you got your refund back in 6 weeks, was that from when you mailed Form 843 or from when the IRS received it? I'm trying to figure out if I should pay for certified mail to make sure they get it quickly, or if regular mail is fine. Also, did you have to follow up with them at all during those 6 weeks, or did the refund just show up automatically?
That was 6 weeks from when I mailed the form (I used regular mail). I did send it certified mail for peace of mind - only cost like $6 extra and gave me a tracking number to confirm delivery. The IRS actually has pretty good processing once they receive forms, it's just the mail delivery that can be unpredictable. I didn't have to follow up at all. I got a letter about 3 weeks after mailing confirming they received my claim, and then the refund direct deposit showed up about 3 weeks after that. You can also check the status online using "Where's My Refund" once they start processing it. Definitely worth the small cost of certified mail given how much money you're waiting to get back!
I've been through this exact situation! The most important thing is to act quickly on both fronts - getting your IRS refund AND paying your state taxes to avoid penalties. For the IRS overpayment, Form 843 is definitely the right form (not 8849 as someone mentioned earlier). Make sure to include: - Exact payment date and amount - Clear explanation that you accidentally paid state taxes to the IRS - Payment confirmation from pay1040.com - Your contact information Pro tip: You can actually request expedited processing if you're experiencing financial hardship due to the overpayment. Include a brief hardship letter explaining your situation. While you're waiting for the refund (typically 4-8 weeks), definitely pay your state taxes immediately even if you have to borrow the money temporarily. State penalties and interest rates are usually much higher than what you'd pay on a short-term loan or credit card. You can also try calling the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service at 1-877-777-4778 if you're experiencing significant financial hardship. They sometimes can expedite overpayment refunds in genuine hardship cases. Good luck - this mistake happens more often than you'd think, so the IRS is used to processing these requests!
This is really comprehensive advice! I'm especially interested in the expedited processing option you mentioned. How exactly do you request that? Do you just write "REQUEST EXPEDITED PROCESSING" at the top of Form 843, or is there a separate form or process? I'm in a similar situation where the overpayment is causing real financial strain while I wait for the refund. Also, when you mention the Taxpayer Advocate Service, do they actually have the power to speed up refund processing, or do they just help you navigate the system? I've never heard of them before but it sounds like it could be worth trying.
Geoff Richards
Been doing 1099s for years and here's my simple advice: if you don't withhold state taxes (most people don't for contractors), leave Box 6 blank. For Box 7, use your state tax ID number for the state you're filing in. If your contractor works remotely in another state, you might need to file with their state too, using your ID number for that state if you have one. If you don't have a tax ID in their state, some states want you to use your FEIN instead, while others have specific requirements. The tricky part is knowing WHICH states require separate filings. This changes sometimes, and that's the real value of using a service like TaxGenius - they keep track of the requirements for all 50 states so you don't have to.
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Simon White
ā¢What if I'm filing in a state where I don't have a state tax ID because I don't have nexus there, but my contractor lives in that state? What goes in Box 7 then?
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Geoff Richards
ā¢In that case, many states will accept your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) in Box 7. Some states have specific instructions for out-of-state payers - for example, they might want you to enter "NONE" or leave it blank. This is one of those situations where the requirements vary significantly by state. If you're using a tax filing service, they should be able to guide you on the specific requirements for each state where you're filing. If you're filing directly, you'll want to check the specific state's department of revenue website for their 1099 filing instructions.
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Evelyn Kim
Just wanted to add my experience as someone who handles 1099-NECs for a medium-sized business with contractors across 12 states. The confusion around Box 6 and Box 7 is totally understandable because these boxes are specifically for state reporting, but they appear on the federal form. Here's what I've learned through trial and error: Box 6 is almost always blank unless you have a specific state withholding arrangement (which is rare for independent contractors). Box 7 gets your state identification number, but here's the key - it's YOUR state ID for the state where YOU'RE filing, not the contractor's state. The real complexity comes when you have contractors in multiple states. You might end up filing the same 1099-NEC information with several different states, each time using your identification number for that specific state (if you have one). Some states want your FEIN if you don't have a state-specific ID. One tip that's saved me headaches: keep a spreadsheet tracking which states require separate filings and what ID numbers they want from you. State requirements change periodically, and what worked last year might not work this year. TaxGenius and similar services are definitely worth the extra cost for the peace of mind - they handle all these nuances automatically.
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StarStrider
ā¢This is incredibly helpful! I'm just starting out with my first few contractors and the multi-state aspect has been overwhelming me. Your spreadsheet idea is brilliant - I was trying to keep track of everything in my head which obviously wasn't working. Quick question: when you say "YOUR state ID for the state where YOU'RE filing" - does that mean if I'm based in Texas but have a contractor in California, I would need to get a California state tax ID to properly file there? Or would I use my Texas ID when filing the California state form? I'm trying to avoid registering in states where I don't actually have business nexus if possible.
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