Another thing to consider - if your mom owns her home, she might be eligible for property tax relief or homestead credits in many states. These often require filing a state tax return even when federal filing isn't required. Also, has she been paying estimated taxes during these unfiled years? If not, and she does end up owing, you might want to look into the IRS Fresh Start program which can help with penalties.

I'm going through something very similar with my grandmother right now, so I completely understand the stress and worry you're feeling! One thing that really helped us was getting organized first before diving into the actual filing process. Here's what we did: First, we gathered all her income documents for each year (SSA-1099s, 1099-Rs, 1099-INTs, etc.) and made separate folders for 2021, 2022, and 2023. Then we collected all those IRS notices and sorted them by date to see what they were actually asking for. The biggest relief was discovering that many of the "scary" notices were just automated reminders, not actual threats. Some were even for years she didn't need to file at all! Since your mom's income situation sounds relatively straightforward (Social Security + pension + small interest), this might be manageable to tackle together. But honestly, given that she's been getting IRS correspondence for a while, it might be worth the peace of mind to consult with a tax professional who specializes in unfiled returns. They can quickly determine which years actually require filing and help navigate any correspondence with the IRS. The most important thing is that you're helping her address this now - ignoring it only makes things more complicated. You're being a great child by stepping in to help sort this out!

Wait I'm confused about the amended return process. Does filing an amended return increase your chances of getting audited? I'm in a similar situation but worried about drawing attention to my return.

I've been through this exact situation and it's so frustrating! Here's what I learned: you definitely have options, but you need to act relatively quickly since you have 3 years from the filing date to amend and get a refund. First, get everything documented. Have that new tax professional write up exactly what errors were made and what the correct approach should have been. This documentation is crucial whether you're trying to work things out with your original accountant or need to take other steps. Then approach your original accountant professionally with the documentation. Don't go in guns blazing - just present the facts: "I had my return reviewed and these specific errors were identified. How can we resolve this?" Many accountants will fix their mistakes once presented with clear evidence, especially if they're worried about their reputation. If they refuse to help, you still have several options: - File the amended return yourself or hire someone else - File a complaint with your state board of accountancy (if they're a CPA) - Pursue compensation through small claims court for larger amounts The key is staying organized and keeping detailed records of all communications. You signed the return, yes, but that doesn't mean you're stuck with an accountant's professional negligence. Good luck!

This is such a comprehensive discussion! I'm currently helping my nephew (who's 16) navigate a similar TIN situation for his gaming content across multiple platforms, not just TikTok. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that different platforms sometimes have slightly different requirements for TIN verification. For example, YouTube's Partner Program, Twitch's Affiliate Program, and TikTok's Creator Fund all require tax information, but they may accept it in different formats or have different thresholds. If you're planning to monetize across multiple platforms (which most successful creators do), it's worth understanding these differences upfront. Some platforms are more flexible with custodial arrangements, while others are stricter about whose name the account is registered under. Also, since you mentioned investing so much time in growing your account - don't forget that even if you can't join the Creator Fund immediately, there are other monetization options that might not have the same TIN requirements, like brand partnerships or selling merchandise. These could help you start earning while you sort out the formal tax documentation. The custodial account approach that others suggested really is the most straightforward path though. Just make sure whichever parent helps you is prepared for the tax implications and comfortable managing that side of things!

I'm really glad to see such a thorough discussion about navigating TIN requirements as a minor creator! As someone who's dealt with various tax situations in the content creation space, I wanted to add a few practical tips that might help. First, whichever route you choose (custodial account, LLC with parent involvement, etc.), make sure to set up a separate business bank account from day one. Even if it's under your parent's name, having dedicated business banking makes everything cleaner for tax reporting and helps establish legitimacy with platforms. Second, consider getting familiar with quarterly estimated tax payments early. Once your TikTok income gets substantial, the IRS expects taxes to be paid throughout the year, not just at year-end. Your parent (if they're handling the TIN) will need to understand this to avoid penalties. Finally, document everything about your content creation process - time spent, expenses, income sources, etc. This creates a clear paper trail showing this is legitimate business activity, which helps if you ever face questions from platforms or tax authorities. The custodial approach really is the most straightforward path for your situation. Just make sure both you and your parent understand the ongoing responsibilities, not just the initial setup. Good luck with your Creator Fund application!

Instead of paying filing fees, I've been using the fillable PDFs directly from the IRS website for years. Yes, it takes a bit more effort to understand the forms, but once you've done it once or twice, it's actually pretty straightforward. You get to file completely FREE, and you learn a ton about taxes in the process.

You definitely have good free options! I've been helping people navigate tax filing for years, and here's what I'd recommend for your situation: Since your income is around $65K total, you qualify for the IRS Free File program. The key is going directly through irs.gov/freefile rather than the tax companies' websites - they often try to upsell you if you go direct. For your specific situation (W-2 plus side gig income, student loans, basic investments), I'd suggest either FreeTaxUSA or TaxAct through the Free File portal. Both handle Schedule C for your side gigs and student loan interest without upgrade fees. The IRS Direct File program has also expanded significantly this year and covers most states now. It's completely free with zero upselling since it's run directly by the IRS. It can handle your 1099s, student loan interest, and basic investment income. Don't let the tax prep companies scare you into thinking your return is "complicated" - with your income level and deduction types, you're well within the range of what these free services can handle. Save that $75+ for something better!

Has anyone tried just filing without the K-1 info and then amending later? I'm in the same situation every freaking year and I'm tempted to just estimate based on last year and file on time, then deal with amendments if needed. The penalties for late filing seem worse than filing an amendment.

I feel your pain - I've been dealing with chronically late K-1s for years from a real estate partnership I'm in. One thing that worked for me last year was escalating beyond just the finance person. I sent a certified letter (not just email) directly to the managing partner referencing the September 15th deadline and IRS penalties for late filing. Within 48 hours of them receiving that letter, my K-1 was in my mailbox. Sometimes you need to make it clear this isn't just a "when you get around to it" situation - there are real legal deadlines and consequences. Also, for future reference, I now include a clause in any new partnership agreements requiring quarterly estimates and timely K-1 delivery. It's worth negotiating this upfront if you're considering any new partnership investments. The good partnerships don't have issues with this request - it's usually a red flag if they push back on basic tax reporting timelines.