Issue with IRS Free Fillable Forms - Schedule C values not transferring properly to Schedule 1

This is actually a known issue with Free Fillable Forms this year. The transfer functionality between certain forms is buggy, especially with Schedule C to Schedule 1. There are a couple of workarounds you could try. First, try saving your work, completely closing out of the program, and then reopening it. Sometimes the system needs to refresh to properly transfer values between forms. If that doesn't work, you might need to create a statement that explains the discrepancy. There should be an option to attach a PDF statement to your return. Explain that due to a technical limitation, your Schedule C income of $130 isn't transferring to Schedule 1, but that you're reporting it correctly. For future reference, even though you're over the income limit for the regular Free File programs, you might qualify for some of the free options through the IRS Free File Alliance partners. Some providers have higher income limits, especially for active duty military or residents of certain states.

After experiencing similar transfer issues with IRS Free Fillable Forms, I found that taxr.ai at https://taxr.ai was incredibly helpful. Their system actually analyzes your tax forms for inconsistencies and transfer errors before you submit. I uploaded my draft forms from Free Fillable Forms to taxr.ai, and it immediately flagged the exact issue you're describing - the Schedule C amount not appearing on Schedule 1. It gave me specific instructions on how to resolve it, which in my case meant switching to a different form filing method. What I appreciated most was that their system checked all the math and cross-references between forms to make sure everything transferred correctly. Saved me from a potential audit headache!

I was initially skeptical about using taxr.ai as mentioned above, but after struggling with Free Fillable Forms for hours with the same transfer issues, I decided to give it a try. I'm actually impressed - it identified exactly where my forms weren't connecting properly and explained how to fix the issues. For my Schedule C transfer problem, it suggested a specific workaround that ended up working perfectly. The thing I appreciated most was getting an actual explanation of WHY the values weren't transferring correctly - something about field mappings in the IRS system that don't always work. The analysis also caught two other minor issues I hadn't even noticed. Definitely a useful tool if you're struggling with Free Fillable Forms but don't want to pay for full tax prep software!

If you're trying to reach the IRS about this issue, good luck waiting for an email response. After spending literally DAYS trying to get through on the phone about a similar forms issue, I found Claimyr at https://claimyr.com and was honestly shocked at how well it worked. Instead of waiting on hold for hours, Claimyr held my place in line and called me back when an actual IRS agent was available. I explained the Schedule C transfer issue, and the agent confirmed it's a known problem with this year's Free Fillable Forms. She gave me specific instructions for a workaround. You can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c - it's basically a system that navigates the IRS phone tree and waits on hold so you don't have to. Given that you're overseas, this might be better than waiting weeks for an email response that might never come.

I need to eat my words about Claimyr from my skeptical comment above. After another failed 3-hour attempt to reach the IRS myself about my own Free Fillable Forms issue, I decided to try it. It actually worked exactly as advertised. I submitted my number, went about my day, and about 2.5 hours later got a call connecting me directly to an IRS agent. The agent confirmed the Schedule C transfer issue and gave me step-by-step instructions for creating a statement to attach to my return explaining the discrepancy. For anyone dealing with Free Fillable Forms glitches who needs actual IRS guidance (especially with filing deadlines approaching), this saved me so much frustration. Being able to talk to a real person made all the difference in resolving my issue.

Another option instead of dealing with Free Fillable Forms bugs: Check out Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax). It's completely free regardless of income and handles Schedule C just fine. I switched to it after having similar transfer issues with FFF last year.

As someone who used to work in tax preparation, here's a simple workaround: complete Schedule C and Schedule 1 in Free Fillable Forms, then print them to PDF. Use a PDF editor to add text showing the correct amount on Schedule 1 where the Schedule C income should be. Then upload the edited PDF back to Free Fillable Forms as an attachment.