This is exactly why I always recommend going directly through the IRS Free File website first before using any tax software's main site. The marketing tactics these companies use are deliberately confusing - they advertise "free" filing everywhere but then hit you with fees once you're invested in the process. For your situation with a $48k AGI and simple W-2, you should definitely qualify for multiple free options through the IRS program. The threshold is much higher than what you're earning. It's frustrating that Tax Slayer's customer service couldn't give you a straight answer about the "service tier" changes. If you want to stick with Tax Slayer, definitely try accessing them through the official IRS Free File portal as others have suggested. Otherwise, there are several other free options available through that same portal that might work better for you going forward.

I went through this exact same situation last year! Tax Slayer changed their criteria and started treating HSA contributions and certain other "standard" items as requiring their paid version, even though they're still covered under the IRS Free File program. The key is definitely accessing Tax Slayer through the official IRS Free File portal at irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free rather than going directly to their website. When you go through the IRS portal, you'll get their actual Free File version which has much more generous limits and fewer restrictions. I had to create a new account through the IRS portal (couldn't use my existing Tax Slayer login), but it was worth it to avoid the $40+ fees they were trying to charge me. The interface looks slightly different but functions the same way. Just make sure you access it through the IRS site and not Tax Slayer's main website - that's the crucial difference!

As a Canadian who went through this exact situation during my PhD, I can confirm that the 14% withholding is standard but you'll likely get a significant portion back when you file. The key is understanding that Canada and the US have different definitions of what constitutes taxable income for students. In my case, I was able to recover about 70% of the withholding because my actual US tax liability was much lower. The US-Canada tax treaty Article XX provides specific exemptions for students, and portions of your stipend may qualify for reduced taxation. Here's my practical advice: 1) Keep detailed records of exactly what your stipend covers (tuition remission vs. living expenses vs. research work) as this affects taxation, 2) File Form 1040NR (not 1040) to maintain non-resident status and access treaty benefits, 3) When filing in Canada, you'll report the US income but can claim foreign tax credits to avoid double taxation. The Canadian tax exemption for PhD stipends typically applies to amounts that would be considered scholarships or fellowships, not compensation for teaching/research services. Make sure you understand how your university classifies your funding as this determines your tax treatment in both countries.

I'm in a very similar situation as a Canadian PhD student who just started my program in the US this fall. The tax withholding has been a real shock to my budget planning! One thing I discovered that might help you is to check if your university has any tax treaty benefit forms you can submit prospectively. My school's international office had me fill out Form 8233 at the beginning of the year, which reduced my withholding from 14% down to about 8% based on the US-Canada tax treaty provisions for students. It's not a complete elimination, but every bit helps when you're living on a stipend. Also, I'd recommend connecting with other Canadian grad students at your university if possible - they often have practical insights about which tax preparation resources work best for your specific school's funding structure. My university's Canadian Student Association actually has a whole guide they've put together based on previous students' experiences with the tax filing process. The treaty benefits are definitely real, but as others have mentioned, the key is understanding exactly how your funding is classified and making sure you file the right forms to claim those benefits!

Clay, what a fantastic thread with incredible advice! As someone who's helped friends navigate similar situations, I can see you've received some really solid guidance here. I wanted to add one perspective that might be helpful - since you mentioned you're "really struggling with the new W-4 form style," don't feel bad about that! The new format is genuinely confusing compared to the old allowances system. Even tax professionals had to adjust when it changed. The consensus here about being conservative is absolutely right. With your $15k salary increase and mid-year start, I'd definitely go with: - Box 2(c) checked - $85-95 per paycheck in additional withholding to start - Reassess after 2-3 paychecks with real data One thing that might ease your stress - remember that underwithholding penalties only apply if you owe more than $1,000 AND didn't pay at least 90% of this year's tax or 100% of last year's tax (110% if your AGI was over $150k). The conservative approach everyone's suggesting should easily keep you in safe harbor territory. The tracking spreadsheet idea is brilliant, and I love the calendar reminder suggestion from Ava H. Those simple systems will give you so much peace of mind throughout the year. You're clearly approaching this thoughtfully, and with all this great advice, you're going to be just fine. Congratulations on the new job - that's the real victory here!

Clay, I've been reading through this incredibly helpful discussion and wanted to add a few thoughts from my own experience with mid-year job changes. The advice you've received here is excellent - everyone's really emphasized the importance of being conservative, which is absolutely the right approach for your situation. With a $15k salary increase starting mid-year, you're dealing with exactly the kind of scenario where underwithholding can sneak up on you. Here's what I'd suggest based on everything discussed: **Start with:** Box 2(c) checked + $85-90 per paycheck in additional withholding **After 2-3 paychecks:** Use the IRS calculator or one of the tools mentioned to fine-tune **Keep tracking:** Simple spreadsheet of earnings and withholding from both jobs One thing I haven't seen mentioned much is that if you're nervous about the calculations, you could also consider making estimated quarterly payments as a backup plan. It's not ideal, but it's another safety net if you're really concerned about getting the withholding exactly right. The beauty of the approach everyone's outlined is that it gives you breathing room to learn and adjust. You can always dial back the extra withholding once you see how things look with real paychecks. Much better to get a refund than scramble for tax money next April! Congratulations on the new opportunity - don't let the W-4 stress overshadow what sounds like a great career move!

Has anyone else noticed that the whole withholding system seems designed to be confusing? I make $134k, claim 0, and yet still ended up owing almost $3k this year. My friend makes LESS than me but somehow gets a refund every year!

I completely understand your frustration! I went through something very similar last year. Making around $132k and claiming 0, I was shocked when I still owed over $2,800 at tax time. After digging into this, I learned that 8% federal withholding for your income level is definitely too low. At $130k with standard deductions, you should expect closer to 16-20% in federal withholding depending on your filing status and pay frequency. A few things that could be causing this issue: 1. Your employer might be using outdated withholding tables 2. They could be incorrectly calculating your withholding method (percentage vs. wage bracket) 3. You might have pre-tax deductions that are reducing your taxable wages more than expected 4. If you get paid irregularly or have bonuses, the withholding calculations can get thrown off I'd recommend downloading your last few pay stubs and checking the year-to-date federal withholding against your gross pay. If it's consistently around 8%, there's definitely something wrong with how your payroll is calculating it. The IRS withholding estimator tool can help you figure out exactly what should be withheld and give you ammunition to take back to your HR department. Don't give up - you shouldn't have to owe money when claiming 0 allowances on a straightforward W-2 salary!

I switched to Column Tax from TurboTax this year and it's been amazing! Just got my refund back in 6 days which was way faster than the 3+ weeks I waited with TurboTax last year. The whole filing process took me maybe 20 minutes vs the hour+ I used to spend with all of TurboTax's upselling screens. Cost was only $35 compared to the $160 TurboTax was trying to charge me this year. The interface is super clean and straightforward - asks all the same deduction questions but without the annoying popups. Only thing is you'll want to have your docs organized beforehand since it moves through pretty efficiently, but honestly that made the whole experience less stressful. Highly recommend making the switch - wish I'd done it sooner!

Just wanted to add my experience - switched from TurboTax to Column Tax this year after getting fed up with their constant price hikes and upselling tactics. Filed about 10 days ago and got my refund in 7 days via direct deposit! The whole process was so much cleaner - no annoying popups every screen trying to get me to buy "audit protection" or upgrade to deluxe. Cost me $28 vs the $135 TurboTax quoted me. The interface walks you through all the standard deductions (charitable donations, student loan interest, etc.) just like TurboTax but way more efficiently. Only advice is have your W-2s and 1099s ready since it moves pretty quick, but that's honestly refreshing after TurboTax's hand-holding turned into aggressive sales pitches. Super happy I made the switch!