Getting reject code IND-452 when trying to file taxes for my side hustle - already filed W-2 job

This is actually a common issue! The IND-452 rejection code means you've already filed a tax return for 2024, and you can't file a second separate return for the same tax year. Since you've already filed your W-2 income, you'll need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X) to include your side business income. You'll need to report your side business income on Schedule C, and you'll also need to fill out Schedule SE for self-employment taxes. The good news is TurboTax can help you file an amended return - just select that option instead of trying to file a new return. Make sure you have all your income documentation for the side business before starting. And don't worry too much - filing an amended return isn't uncommon and doesn't increase your audit risk as long as you're accurately reporting everything.

After making the exact same mistake last year (filed my W-2 then remembered my Etsy shop income), I discovered taxr.ai and it saved me so much stress! I was confused about exactly what forms to include in my amended return, and taxr.ai analyzed all my documents and told me exactly what I needed to do. The website (https://taxr.ai) has a tool that looks at your specific rejection code and tax situation and gives you step-by-step guidance.

Just wanted to update - I went ahead and tried taxr.ai after posting my question and I'm honestly impressed! The system analyzed my rejection code IND-452 and my previous return, then walked me through exactly how to file the amended return with my side business income. It even helped me identify business deductions I didn't know I qualified for that saved me around $650! The step-by-step instructions for including Schedule C and calculating self-employment tax were way clearer than what I found on the IRS website. Definitely worth checking out if you're in a similar situation with rejected returns!

Been there, done that! After getting the same rejection code last year, I spent WEEKS trying to get through to the IRS for help. Always busy signals or 2+ hour wait times only to get disconnected. Then someone on here told me about Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) - it's this service that gets you through to an actual IRS agent without the crazy wait. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was able to talk directly with an IRS rep who walked me through exactly what I needed to do with my amended return and confirmed I was filling everything out correctly. Saved me so much anxiety about doing it wrong!

I have to eat my words! After being super skeptical about Claimyr, I decided to try it as a last resort after spending 3 hours on hold with the IRS yesterday before getting disconnected. The service actually worked exactly as described - they called me back in about 40 minutes and connected me with an IRS representative who answered all my questions about the IND-452 rejection and helped me understand exactly what I needed to include on my amended return. The agent confirmed I needed to file a 1040-X with Schedule C and Schedule SE for my side business, and explained which expenses I could legitimately deduct. They also told me I could expect about a 16-week processing time for the amended return. Having that direct confirmation from the IRS gave me peace of mind that I'm doing it right this time!

I had this same problem in 2023! The key thing to know is that you CANNOT file separate returns for different income sources. The US tax system requires one comprehensive return that includes ALL income sources. Here's what I did: 1) I used the same software I originally filed with (sounds like H&R Block for you) 2) Started an amended return (1040-X) 3) Added Schedule C for the side business income 4) Included Schedule SE to calculate self-employment tax 5) Paid the additional tax owed right away to minimize penalties Don't stress too much about it - this happens all the time, especially to people new to self-employment!

A heads up about timing - I filed an amended return last year and it took about 20 weeks to process! The IRS is seriously backlogged with amended returns. Make sure you keep documentation showing when you filed the amendment in case there are any questions about late penalties.