How to handle my accountant refusing to file Form 7202 for COVID self-employment credits?

Can you really just do an amended return for something like this? And how much does filing an amended return typically cost if you go to an accountant? I'm worried about spending more on accountant fees than I'd get back from the credit.

Yes, you can absolutely file an amended return to claim additional credits you were entitled to but didn't initially claim. The cost varies widely depending on the accountant, but many charge $150-300 for a straightforward amended return. For the Form 7202 specifically, the credit could be substantial depending on how many qualifying days you're claiming, so it's often worth pursuing even with the additional cost. You have up to three years from the original filing deadline to submit an amended return for this credit.

Does it work with other tax forms too? I'm self-employed and my tax situation gets complicated with multiple income streams and expenses.

I'm skeptical about these online tools. How does taxr.ai actually verify your eligibility for these credits? The IRS has strict documentation requirements for COVID relief.

It absolutely works with other self-employment tax forms! I used it for my Schedule C and business expense documentation too. It helped organize everything by category and flagged potential audit triggers I wouldn't have caught. For verifying COVID credit eligibility, it asks you specific questions about your situation (days unable to work, reason, documentation you have, etc.) and tells you exactly what the IRS requires for substantiation. It doesn't just say you qualify - it helps you document WHY you qualify, which is crucial if you're ever audited. It's not just filling out forms, it's making sure you have the backup to support your claims.

How does this service actually work? I thought it was impossible to get through to the IRS these days. Are you saying they somehow get you to the front of the phone queue?

This sounds like a scam. There's no way to "skip the line" with a government agency. They probably just keep autodialing and charge you for the privilege. Has anyone actually verified this works?

It's not about skipping the line - they use an automated system that continually redials until it gets through, then calls you when a connection is established. You don't have to sit there redialing for hours yourself. It's basically doing the frustrating part for you. The IRS wait times can be 2+ hours these days, and many people just can't stay on hold that long. With Claimyr, once they get through, you get a call saying "We have the IRS on the line, are you ready?" Then you're connected directly to the agent. It saved me so much time and frustration.

I'm confused about how to determine qualified sick days vs family leave days on Form 7202. Did you have to provide any supporting documentation to your accountant or keep records for yourself?

For qualified sick days, these are days you couldn't work because you had COVID symptoms, were quarantining, or were seeking a diagnosis. Family leave days are when you couldn't work because you were caring for someone else with COVID or a child whose school was closed due to COVID. I kept a simple calendar marking which days I couldn't work and the specific reason. You don't submit documentation with the form, but you should absolutely keep records in case of an audit. I noted dates, reasons, and any supporting info (like emails about school closures, doctor notes, test results, etc.). My accountant didn't ask for any of this, but I have it ready if the IRS ever questions the credit.

Fired him on the spot? But then you had to find someone new during tax season? How did you even manage that? Most good accountants are completely booked up by March.

Yes, I'm certain I qualify. Both my wife and I had to take significant time off from our businesses due to COVID-related school closures for our kids plus our own quarantine periods. I've tracked all the qualifying days carefully and have documentation to back it up. My accountant isn't disputing that I qualify - he's just refusing to do the paperwork, which is why I'm so frustrated.

This is an important point. A lot of people think any income loss during COVID qualifies, when the form is specifically for days you couldn't work due to very specific reasons. The IRS has been flagging suspicious 7202 claims for audit, so you definitely want to make sure you qualify and have documentation.

Thanks for clarifying! That makes more sense why you're pursuing this. Given your situation, I'd definitely push for including Form 7202. The credits can be substantial. One option not mentioned yet - some tax software programs like TurboTax or H&R Block software allow you to complete Form 7202 yourself. You could potentially use the software just for that form, print it out, and give it to your accountant to incorporate into your return. That's what a friend of mine did when her accountant was being difficult about some rental property deductions.