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My sister works for the IRS (not speaking officially ofc) and she always says they have bigger fish to fry than chasing people over a few dollars. Their computer matching system might catch it, but most likely it would fall below their internal threshold for sending notices.
Do you know what that threshold amount is? I've always wondered if there's a specific dollar amount they don't bother with.
She's never given me an exact number, but from what she's mentioned, it's more about the practicality of enforcement than a hard threshold. For something like $12 in dividends resulting in maybe $2-3 in tax, the cost of processing and sending notices would exceed what they'd collect. She's said they focus their limited resources on cases where there's meaningful revenue potential or patterns of non-compliance.
I'm an EA and deal with these situations regularly. For $12 in qualified dividends, you're looking at maybe $1-3 in additional tax depending on your bracket. The practical reality is that the IRS automated matching system might flag it, but it would likely fall below their enforcement threshold. That said, if you want to be 100% compliant, you can file Form 1040X. Most tax software charges around $40-60 for amendments, so you'd be paying significantly more than the actual tax owed. My recommendation for clients in similar situations: Keep the 1099-DIV with your tax records and document your decision. If you ever get a notice (highly unlikely for this amount), you can respond showing you received the document after filing and the minimal tax impact. The IRS is much more understanding when they see you have the documentation and there's clearly no intent to evade taxes.
Does anyone know if turbotax handles the mutual fund supplemental information correctly? I input my Vanguard 1099 for VTSAX and VTI but I'm worried it might double-count some of the dividend income if I'm not careful.
TurboTax handles it fine if you import your 1099 directly from Vanguard. I've been doing this for years with my VTSAX holdings. The import function properly pulls in all the main reportable amounts and ignores the supplemental breakdown information that doesn't need separate reporting. If you're manually entering the information, just stick to entering the main boxes from the 1099-DIV section (boxes 1a, 1b, etc.) and don't try to enter anything from the supplemental section. TurboTax will prompt you for all the information the IRS requires.
Thanks for confirming! I tried the import function but it didn't work for some reason, so I was manually entering everything. Good to know I should just focus on the main boxes and ignore the supplemental stuff. I was staring at all those percentages and breakdowns wondering if I needed to do something with them.
Great thread everyone! As someone who was completely overwhelmed by my first Vanguard 1099 with VTSAX and VTI last year, I can definitely relate to the original confusion. One thing I'd add is that if you're holding these funds in both taxable and tax-advantaged accounts, make sure you're only looking at the 1099 for your taxable account holdings. I made the mistake of trying to reconcile my entire portfolio at first, not realizing that the 1099 only covers the taxable account distributions. Also, for anyone using tax software other than TurboTax - I use FreeTaxUSA and it handles the Vanguard import correctly as well. The key is really just understanding that the supplemental section is informational only, as others have explained so well here.
One thing nobody's mentioned yet - if you're using tax software, be super careful with how you enter home improvements. I accidentally entered my bathroom remodel as a "home office improvement" in TurboTax last year, and ended up with an inflated deduction. Found the mistake during a review and had to fix it, but it was easy to mess up! For the cost basis question - yes, kitchen renovations increase your overall home's cost basis, but they're tracked separately from your business deductions. Keep excellent records of all home improvements regardless of whether they qualify for immediate business deductions. You'll need them when you sell.
Do most tax software programs have a way to track home improvements that aren't deductible now but would affect cost basis later? I've been keeping spreadsheets but wondering if there's a better way.
Most tax software doesn't have great tracking for non-deductible home improvements. The best approach is maintaining your own records - I use a combination of spreadsheets and a folder (both digital and physical) with all receipts and contractor documentation. Some of the premium versions of tax software like TurboTax Home & Business have basic home asset tracking, but they're not comprehensive. The key is keeping detailed records yourself - date, description, cost, and whether it was deducted for business. This becomes super important when you sell your home and need to calculate the adjusted cost basis.
Slightly off topic but if u have other big expenses coming up that would affect your office directly, maybe consider waiting til next year to switch to the simplified method. I had a similar situation where I was doing actual expenses for years, then did a renovation that had nothin to do with my office. Kept actual expenses that year, then the next year I needed new windows (including in my office) and a roof repair, so I stayed with actual expenses for one more year. THEN I switched to simplified the year after when I had no major house expenses. Timing things can make a difference!
Smart approach! Can you switch back and forth between simplified and actual methods each year, or are there restrictions once you choose one method?
You can switch from actual expense method to simplified method, but there are some restrictions. Once you use the simplified method for your home office, you can't switch back to actual expenses for that same home. However, you can switch FROM actual expenses TO simplified method. So in your case, timing it right makes total sense - get all your major home improvements that benefit your office space deducted under actual expenses first, then switch to simplified when you don't have those big expenses. Just remember it's a one-way switch once you go simplified!
Anyone know if Vanguard generally fixes these 1099-R issues quickly? I have a similar problem but with Fidelity and I'm getting anxious about tax deadlines approaching.
I had to get a corrected 1099-R from Vanguard last year (different issue though) and they were pretty quick - took about 10 days. Fidelity was even faster for me the year before. Just make sure you talk to someone in their tax department who actually understands recharacterizations, not a general customer service rep.
Thanks, that's reassuring! I'll make sure to ask specifically for their tax department when I call tomorrow. Hoping it won't delay filing too much since I'm expecting a refund.
This is a really common misunderstanding with brokerages! You're absolutely correct based on the IRS rules. I work in tax compliance and see this issue frequently - the key is that recharacterizations are tied to the tax year of the original contribution, not when the transfer physically settles. Since both of your recharacterizations were for 2023 contributions and both were completed before your 2023 tax filing deadline, they should both be reported for tax year 2023. The fact that one settled in January 2024 is irrelevant. When you call Vanguard back, specifically ask for their "Retirement Services Tax Team" or "IRA Tax Specialist" rather than general customer service. Have Publication 590-A ready with the exact quotes you mentioned. Most importantly, reference the "timing" rule you cited - it's very clear that the election and transfer must both occur before the filing deadline for the contribution year. If they still push back, ask them to cite which specific IRS publication supports their position. They won't be able to because the rules are clear. Document everything in case you need to escalate to a supervisor.
Dmitri Volkov
If the direct deposit fails and you're waiting for a paper check, make sure your address is current with the IRS! I learned this the hard way last year when my check got sent to my old apartment. You can update your address by filling out Form 8822 but it might be too late if the check is already being processed.
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Gabrielle Dubois
β’You can also call USPS and set up mail forwarding if you've moved recently. That's what I did and it worked for getting my tax check to my new place.
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Andre Laurent
I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my direct deposit info got messed up and I'm stressed about waiting for a paper check. Based on what everyone's sharing here, it sounds like there are a few things you can try: 1. Call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 ASAP - some people have had luck changing their info before processing is complete 2. Contact Venmo support to see if they'll still accept the deposit even with the suspension (like LilMama23 mentioned) 3. If you do end up waiting for a paper check, those tracking tools people mentioned might help reduce the anxiety of not knowing what's happening The most important thing seems to be acting fast since once the refund is fully processed, your options become pretty limited. Good luck with getting this sorted out!
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McKenzie Shade
β’This is really helpful advice, Andre! I'm new to dealing with tax issues but this whole thread has been super educational. One thing I'm wondering - if someone's in this situation and their rent is due soon, would it be worth reaching out to local assistance programs while waiting for the paper check? I've heard some communities have emergency rental assistance that can help bridge the gap. Just a thought for anyone in a similar tight spot with timing!
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