Just to add to what others have said - you can also prepare your parts separately offline (like gathering documents, calculating deductions) and then have one person enter everything into a single TurboTax account. This gives you the convenience of working independently while ensuring you file just one joint return. The IRS matching system would definitely catch duplicate filings with the same SSNs!

Just wanted to share my experience - my husband and I tried something similar a few years back and it was a nightmare! We each started our own returns thinking we could somehow merge them later, but TurboTax doesn't work that way. We ended up having to start completely over with one account. The IRS systems are pretty sophisticated now and will definitely flag any inconsistencies or duplicates. Save yourself the trouble and just use one login from the start - you can always take turns entering your information or work on it together. Trust me, it's way less stressful than trying to fix filing errors later!

Anyone else think its ridiculous we have to go through this hassle every year? Like why can't they just standardize when all this tax stuff has to be available? And on top of that we have the stupid April 15 deadline when some companies dont even get us our forms till March!!!

I went through this exact same situation with Vanguard two years ago and here's what I learned: their customer service actually has a dedicated tax forms line that's separate from their main customer service number. The wait times are usually much shorter. You can find it by logging into your account and going to the "Contact Us" section - there should be a specific phone number for tax document inquiries. Also, if you have any foreign investments or funds that invest internationally, that can delay your forms significantly. Vanguard has to wait for final information from foreign tax authorities before they can issue complete 1099s. Check if any of your holdings fall into this category. One more tip: you can actually download a "substitute" tax statement from your account that has all the same information as the official 1099s. It's legally acceptable for filing purposes and might already be available even if the official forms aren't ready yet. Look for it under the "Tax Center" section of your account.

I went through a very similar situation with my converted van solar setup last year. After doing extensive research and consulting with a tax attorney, I claimed the credit and here's what I learned: The key factor isn't whether it's registered as a van vs RV, but whether it meets the IRS definition of a "dwelling unit" - which yours clearly does with sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities. The fact that you use it 3 months per year as actual living quarters strengthens your position significantly. I documented everything: receipts for all solar components, photos of the permanent installation, a usage log showing dates and locations where we lived in it, and proof that the solar system powers essential living systems (not just convenience items). One crucial point - make sure your solar system is permanently installed and integrated into the van's electrical system. Portable panels that can be easily removed don't qualify, but it sounds like yours is a proper permanent installation. I successfully claimed about $3,200 in credits for my setup and haven't had any issues. The 30% credit applies to the solar panels, inverters, charge controllers, and qualifying battery storage. Just make sure you're only claiming components that are part of the solar energy system itself, not general electrical work. Keep detailed records and you should be fine. The IRS guidance on "dwelling units" is actually broader than most people think when it comes to mobile residences used as actual homes.

Based on your description, you have a strong case for claiming the Residential Clean Energy Credit. Your converted van meets the IRS definition of a "dwelling unit" since it has sleeping quarters, cooking facilities, and a bathroom. The fact that you use it as actual living quarters for 3 months annually (not just occasional camping) further supports treating it as a residence. A few key points to strengthen your position: 1. Document everything thoroughly - keep all receipts, take photos showing the solar system is permanently integrated (not portable), and maintain a usage log with dates/locations where you lived in the van. 2. Your 4.8kWh battery system exceeds the 3kWh minimum requirement for qualifying storage, so that's covered. 3. The registration classification (van vs RV) doesn't matter for tax purposes - what matters is how it's equipped and used as a dwelling. 4. Make sure you're only claiming solar-specific components: panels, inverters, charge controllers, batteries, and installation costs directly related to the solar system. The IRS has generally been consistent in allowing these credits for mobile dwellings that are actually used as residences (not just recreational vehicles). Given that solar companies regularly advise customers that RV installations qualify, and you have a legitimate dwelling setup with substantial annual usage, you should be able to claim the credit with confidence. Just keep detailed documentation in case of questions later, and consider the advice others mentioned about using services like taxr.ai for additional guidance if you want extra reassurance before filing.

You'll definitely want to pause any automatic contributions before starting the transfer process. Most brokerages can't seamlessly "take over" automatic investments during a transfer - you'll need to set up new automatic investment plans with your new brokerage once the transfer is complete. For dividend reinvestment, contact your current custodian to see if you can temporarily switch to cash dividends instead of automatic reinvestment during the transfer window. This prevents any complications with partial shares or reinvestments happening mid-transfer. Regarding transfer fees - many brokerages will actually reimburse transfer fees if you're bringing over a substantial amount like $27k. Call your new brokerage and ask if they have a "transfer fee reimbursement" program. Fidelity, Schwab, and Vanguard often waive these fees for accounts over $25k. Don't be afraid to negotiate - they want your business! Also, consider timing your transfer right after dividend payment dates to avoid any dividends getting caught in limbo during the transfer process. Most brokerages have transfer specialists who can walk you through the optimal timing for your specific holdings.

One important thing to keep in mind is that even if you successfully transfer the assets to your personal account, you'll still need to be prepared for the ongoing tax responsibilities. Since UGMA accounts often have investments that have been growing for years, you might be inheriting some significant unrealized gains. Make sure you get detailed records of the purchase dates and cost basis for every single holding before the transfer. Your custodian should be able to provide this information, but sometimes it can be incomplete, especially for older investments or if there have been stock splits or mergers over the years. Also, consider whether transferring everything at once is the best strategy. If you don't need access to all $27k immediately, you might want to transfer smaller amounts over time to better manage any potential tax implications and to test the process before moving your entire portfolio. Some brokerages are more efficient with partial transfers, and it gives you a chance to work out any kinks in the process before transferring everything.

Former rideshare driver here. The key distinction for the mileage deduction is whether you're "on the clock" or not. Here's how I handled it after consulting with my accountant: 1. Commuting to your "work area" with app OFF: NOT deductible 2. Driving to work area with app ON and available: Deductible 3. Driving between rides with app ON: Deductible 4. Driving home with app OFF after last ride: NOT deductible 5. Driving home with app still ON and available: Deductible I kept a detailed log showing when my app was on vs. off, and my accountant said this approach was perfectly acceptable for tax purposes. Just don't try to claim regular commuting miles when you're not actually available for work.

Dont 4get to deduct part of ur phone bill and data plan too! When i filed my taxes for uber last year i deducted 80% of my phone costs cuz thats bout how much i use it for the app. also car washes, hand sanitizer, water/snacks for customers if u provide those. lots of little things add up!!