Just want to add - you might want to consider forming an LLC for your detailing business if you're making decent money. It helps separate your personal assets from the business in case something goes wrong (like accidentally damaging someone's car). In most states it's pretty easy to set up online!

Based on your income level ($650-800/month), you absolutely need to report this to the IRS. Here's what you need to know: **Reporting Requirements:** - All business income must be reported regardless of payment method (cash, check, Zelle, etc.) - You'll file Schedule C for your detailing business income - You'll also owe self-employment tax (about 15.3% on top of regular income tax) **Payment App Tracking:** - Banks don't automatically report Zelle payments to the IRS currently - However, the IRS can still detect unreported income through bank deposit analysis during audits - Starting in 2024, payment apps may be required to issue 1099-K forms for business transactions over $600 **What You Should Do:** 1. Start tracking all income and business expenses immediately 2. Set aside 25-30% of earnings for taxes 3. Consider filing amended returns (Form 1040-X) for previous years to avoid penalties 4. Keep detailed records of all business-related expenses (supplies, gas, equipment, etc.) The key is being proactive. The IRS is cracking down on unreported side gig income, so it's much better to voluntarily comply than risk an audit later. Your income level definitely puts you above the threshold where reporting is required.

Wait, I'm confused about something more basic. If your primary residence has an Airbnb component, aren't you supposed to depreciate that portion of your home? And if so, will that mess with your capital gains exclusion when you eventually sell? I've been avoiding any home office or Airbnb deductions because I'm worried about tax implications when selling.

This is a great discussion! I'm dealing with a similar situation but with solar panels instead of an EV charger. One thing I learned from my tax preparer is to be really careful about the "exclusive use" test for business portions. The IRS can be strict about spaces that are used for both personal and business purposes. For your EV charger situation, since it's installed on your property and serves both your personal vehicle and potentially guest vehicles, you'll want to document everything carefully. Keep records of when guests use it versus your personal use. I'd also recommend getting a letter from your tax professional outlining your allocation methodology in case you ever get audited. Also, don't forget that if you're taking depreciation on the Airbnb portion of your home (which you must), you'll need to track that carefully for when you eventually sell. The depreciation recapture can be a surprise tax hit that catches people off guard years later.

Don't beat yourself up about being an English major dealing with tax stuff - we all have our strengths! The most important thing right now is that you're taking action to fix this. Here's a practical step-by-step approach: 1. **Call the IRS immediately** using the number on your CP2000. Explain the mail forwarding situation - they're usually understanding about legitimate reasons for missing deadlines. 2. **Request your brokerage records** while you're gathering documents. Most brokerages can provide statements going back 7+ years, often available online or by calling their customer service. 3. **Get your IRS transcript** as Miguel mentioned - this will show you exactly what income the IRS thinks you missed, which helps you respond accurately. 4. **Don't assume you owe everything** the IRS calculated. CP2000 notices are often incorrect or incomplete, especially with investment income where cost basis might be missing. The fact that you're willing to pay what you legitimately owe shows good faith, and the IRS recognizes that. Focus on getting the facts straight first, then you can make informed decisions about your response. You've got this!

As a tax professional who's helped many clients through CP2000 situations, I want to reassure you that this is absolutely fixable! The advice here is solid, but let me add a few key points: **Timeline Reality Check**: You mentioned the deadline was "five days ago" - that's actually not bad at all in IRS terms. I've seen clients successfully resolve CP2000 notices that were months overdue. The key is acting now and having a reasonable explanation (which you do with the mail forwarding). **Before You Call**: Gather your Social Security card, a copy of the tax return in question, and the CP2000 notice itself. Having these ready will make your call much more productive. **What to Say**: When you call, be direct: "I received this CP2000 notice late due to mail forwarding while traveling for work. I need additional time to gather my brokerage records to respond properly." Don't over-explain or sound panicked - just state the facts clearly. **Documentation Strategy**: While you're waiting for brokerage records, also check if you have any old bank statements that might show the stock transactions. Sometimes these can help piece together the timeline if brokerage records are incomplete. The English major in you is actually an advantage here - you can write a clear, well-organized response once you have all the facts. Many tax professionals struggle with clear communication, so use that strength! You're going to get through this just fine. Take a deep breath and tackle it step by step.

Don't forget to file a police report too! When my identity was stolen for tax purposes, the IRS and credit bureaus wanted a copy of the police report. Some police departments let you file these reports online now which makes it easier.

I went through this exact same situation two years ago and understand how scary it feels! The IND-452 error almost always means someone has already filed a return with your SSN, but don't panic - the IRS has specific procedures to handle this. Here's what worked for me: First, I called the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490 (as mentioned above) - yes, it takes forever to get through, but they can confirm if a fraudulent return was filed. Second, I immediately filed Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) both online and by mail with my legitimate tax return. The most important thing I learned is to keep detailed records of EVERYTHING - every phone call, every form you submit, every piece of correspondence. Create a dedicated folder and document dates, times, and reference numbers. This saved me so much hassle when following up. Also, even though your credit reports look clean now, set up fraud alerts anyway. Tax identity theft doesn't always show up immediately on credit reports, and sometimes thieves use your info for employment fraud or other schemes that take time to surface. You WILL get through this, but it does take patience. My case took about 4 months to fully resolve, but I did get my refund eventually plus interest.

Just a personal experience - I've been filing Schedule C for small 1099 income (between $5k-15k) alongside my W-2 job for 7 years now. I take reasonable deductions including home office, internet percentage, and cell phone. Never been audited, not even a letter asking for clarification. I think the audit fears are overblown for small-time Schedule C filers who aren't claiming massive deductions or losses. The IRS is severely understaffed and focused on bigger issues. Just keep decent records and be reasonable with your claims.

I've been in almost the exact same situation! Last year I had about $80k W-2 income and $11k on a 1099-NEC from freelance work. I was terrified about filing Schedule C for the first time, but after doing research and talking to other people, I decided to go for it. I claimed home office deduction for about 8% of my apartment (dedicated workspace in my bedroom), plus reasonable percentages for internet and phone. Ended up saving around $400 after the software upgrade costs. Here's what gave me confidence: I kept meticulous records, took photos of my workspace, and was very conservative with my percentages. I also made sure I could justify every deduction if asked. A year later, no issues whatsoever - not even a peep from the IRS. My advice is to take the legitimate deductions you're entitled to, but be conservative and document everything well. The $310 savings might seem small, but it adds up over time, and you're following the tax code as it's written. Don't let fear of an audit stop you from claiming what you legally owe.