Something else to consider - check if you have any other income that isn't having taxes withheld, like investments, side gigs, etc. My husband and I were in the same boat until we realized our investment income wasn't being factored into our withholding.

Another thing to consider is making quarterly estimated tax payments if your withholding still falls short after updating your W4s. Since you both got promotions mid-year, the withholding system might not have caught up to your new income levels quickly enough. You can calculate quarterly payments based on either 100% of last year's tax liability or 90% of this year's expected tax (110% if your AGI was over $150k). This gives you a safety net if your W4 adjustments aren't quite right, and you avoid underpayment penalties. The IRS Form 1040ES has worksheets to help calculate this, or you can make payments online through EFTPS. It's especially helpful for people with variable income or multiple income sources.

I went through almost the exact same situation three years ago - divorce finalized in late December after supporting my ex most of the year. The financial shock of that unexpected tax bill is brutal, especially when you're already dealing with divorce expenses. A few practical tips that helped me get through it: 1. **Quarterly estimated payments for 2025**: Since you now know your withholding will be drastically different as a single filer, start making quarterly estimated tax payments immediately. This prevents the same problem next year. 2. **Payment plan options**: The IRS installment agreement mentioned earlier is definitely worth considering. The setup fee is minimal and the interest rate is usually lower than credit cards. You can even apply online. 3. **Check your divorce decree carefully**: Mine had a clause about splitting certain tax-related expenses that I initially missed. Your attorney might have included provisions about who handles what for the transition year. 4. **Timing lesson learned**: For anyone reading this going through divorce - update your W-4 the moment you know the divorce will be final before December 31st, even if it feels premature. The tax code doesn't care about fairness, just dates. The $7,000 shock is painful but manageable with a plan. You'll get through this!

I'm sorry you're dealing with this stressful situation on top of everything else that comes with divorce. The timing rules for filing status can feel really unfair, especially when you've been financially supporting someone for most of the year. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you made any direct payments to third parties on behalf of your ex-spouse (like paying her student loan directly to the lender, or medical bills directly to healthcare providers), these might potentially qualify for different tax treatment depending on how they were structured in your divorce agreement. Also, while you can't claim your ex as a dependent, make sure you're not missing any other potential deductions you might be entitled to as a single filer. Sometimes people overlook things like unreimbursed employee expenses, professional development costs, or other itemized deductions that could help offset some of that tax bill. The quarterly estimated payment advice from others here is really crucial for 2025. The IRS safe harbor rule generally requires you to pay 110% of last year's tax liability through withholding and estimated payments to avoid penalties, so calculating what you'll need for next year based on your new filing status will save you from this same shock again. Hang in there - this is definitely manageable with the right plan in place!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm a tax preparer and I see situations like yours all the time, especially with clients who have investment properties and primary residences. One thing I always tell my clients in your situation is to create a simple timeline document showing: (1) when you took out the HELOC, (2) when you used the funds for the home purchase, and (3) how much was used. This makes it much easier to explain to the IRS if you ever get questioned. Also, since your duplex is now fully rental, don't forget that you might be able to deduct other expenses related to that property on Schedule E - property management fees, repairs, depreciation, etc. The HELOC interest allocation is just one piece of optimizing your tax situation with multiple properties. Keep all those closing documents and bank statements showing the money trail from HELOC to home purchase. The IRS loves a clear paper trail, and it sounds like you're in good shape for claiming that deduction!

Great question! I went through almost the exact same situation last year. You're definitely on the right track - the key is that you used the HELOC proceeds to acquire your primary residence, which makes that interest potentially deductible under the current tax rules. Just to echo what others have said, the IRS traces how the loan funds were actually used rather than just looking at which property secures the loan. Since you used your duplex HELOC to buy what became your primary residence, that interest should qualify for the mortgage interest deduction on Schedule A. One thing I'd add is to make sure you understand how this affects your overall tax picture. The duplex mortgage interest (not the HELOC portion) will now be a rental expense on Schedule E since it's fully a rental property. But the HELOC interest goes on Schedule A as personal mortgage interest because of how those funds were used. I kept a simple folder with my closing statement from the house purchase, the HELOC agreement, and bank statements showing the fund transfers. Made tax prep much smoother and gave me confidence I could back up the deduction if needed. Sounds like you're in good shape with your documentation!

Has anyone actually had success getting a refund from Optima? I'm in month 5 with them, paid $3,900, and they keep saying they're "reviewing my case" but nothing happens. Starting to think I've been scammed too.

Carmen, you're absolutely not an idiot - these companies are predatory and specifically target people in stressful financial situations. The fact that you're taking action now shows you're being smart about protecting yourself. Here's my step-by-step recommendation based on what others have shared: 1) **Document everything immediately** - gather all contracts, payment records, emails, and notes from phone calls with Optima 2) **Send written termination notice** (email + certified mail) demanding immediate cancellation and an itemized list of actual services performed 3) **Contact your credit card company today** to dispute charges - explain that services were not rendered as promised 4) **File complaints with FTC, BBB, and your state attorney general** - this creates a paper trail and may help others The good news is you've already contacted a local EA/CPA, which is exactly the right move. They can often resolve IRS issues much faster and cheaper than these relief companies ever could. Don't let Optima string you along with more excuses. Be firm about cancellation and don't accept any "retention offers" - they're just trying to extract more money. You have consumer protection rights, especially if you paid by credit card. Stay strong - you're doing the right thing by getting out now before they take even more of your money.

Has anyone tried using a CPA instead of an EA? What's really the difference? My buddy used a CPA for his back taxes and said it worked out fine.

I just want to echo what others have said about not panicking over those unopened IRS letters. I was in a very similar situation - hadn't filed for 3 years and was terrified to even look at the mail from the IRS. One thing I learned is that the IRS actually prefers to work with people who are trying to get compliant rather than those who continue to avoid the issue. When I finally got help, the penalties weren't as catastrophic as I had imagined in my head. For finding an EA in Minneapolis specifically, you might want to check with the Minnesota Society of Enrolled Agents. They often have local chapters that can provide referrals to members in your area who have experience with non-filer cases. Also, don't be afraid to interview a few EAs before choosing one. Most reputable ones will offer a brief consultation to discuss your situation and their approach. Ask specifically about their experience with 4+ years of unfiled returns and what their typical timeline looks like for getting everything resolved. You're taking the right step by seeking help now. The sooner you start, the more options you'll have for payment plans and penalty abatement.