Has anyone looked into whether the IRS Fresh Start Program might also apply here? My understanding is that for tax debts under $50,000 there are simplified procedures, but for larger amounts like $390k, you might need to look at an Offer in Compromise or an Installment Agreement if the Innocent Spouse Relief isn't granted.

I'm so sorry you're going through this incredibly stressful situation. As someone who has dealt with similar IRS issues, I want to emphasize that you absolutely should NOT be liable for your ex's tax debt, especially given the circumstances you've described. The combination of filing separately, maintaining completely separate finances, having no involvement in his business operations, and the documented history of abuse creates a very strong foundation for Innocent Spouse Relief. The IRS specifically recognizes that abuse can prevent someone from questioning or having knowledge of their spouse's financial affairs. A few additional thoughts that might help strengthen your case: Document any instances where your ex actively concealed financial information from you or refused to discuss business matters. If you have any communication showing he insisted on keeping finances separate or made statements about "protecting" you from business concerns, those could be valuable. Also, the fact that he's now transferring assets and manipulating his apparent income actually works in your favor - it demonstrates a pattern of financial deception that supports your claim of having no knowledge of his true financial situation. Given the complexity and the amount involved ($390k is substantial), I'd strongly recommend working with a tax professional who specializes in Innocent Spouse Relief cases. The initial filing is critical, and having expert guidance could make the difference between approval and denial. Stay strong - you have legitimate grounds for relief and shouldn't have to pay for his financial misconduct.

has anyone actually called H&R Block about this??? their customer service is useless af

The PATH Act delay is totally normal if you claimed EIC or ACTC - that yellow exclamation is just H&R Block's way of flagging PATH Act holds. Since your return was accepted and we're past Feb 15th, you should see movement in the next few business days. The IRS batch processes these releases so it's not instant even after the hold period ends. Keep checking WMR directly too since sometimes the IRS updates faster than third-party trackers.

Quick tip - make sure you're tracking payment processor fees separately. When I started my digital business last year, I didn't realize these were deductible expenses. Stripe, PayPal, etc. all take a cut + currency conversion fees for international payments. Those fees add up fast with global sales ($5k+ for me last year) and are fully deductible business expenses.

Based on your situation, I'd recommend starting with a tax professional who has experience in international digital commerce, but don't overlook getting direct guidance from the IRS too. The complexity of your situation definitely warrants professional help. For finding the right CPA, look for someone who specifically mentions "digital products," "e-commerce," or "international taxation" in their practice areas. Many traditional tax preparers haven't dealt with the nuances of digital product sales across multiple jurisdictions. One thing to consider - before you spend hundreds on a specialist consultation, you might want to get some baseline understanding of your obligations. The IRS has specific guidance on digital products and foreign income that could help you ask better questions when you do consult with a professional. Also, make sure you're keeping detailed records of sales by country/region. This will be crucial for any tax professional you work with, and it's required for proper compliance. The sooner you get organized, the easier (and cheaper) it will be to get compliant. The good news is that many other digital entrepreneurs have navigated this successfully - you're not breaking new ground here, just need the right guidance for your specific situation.

Isn't it interesting how we all have different experiences with the same system? Most credit unions release funds as soon as they receive notification, while traditional banks often hold until the official date. Have you checked if your bank has a specific policy for government deposits? Community wisdom suggests calling your bank directly if the deposit doesn't arrive within 24 hours of your DD date. They can see pending deposits before they post to your account.

Same DD date here (2/22)! I'm with a local credit union and nothing yet as of this morning, but based on what everyone's sharing, it sounds like it could hit anytime between today and Thursday. Really helpful to see the variety of experiences - some getting it exactly on the date, others a day or two later. I'll keep checking throughout the day and update if mine comes through. Thanks for asking this question, @Jayden Reed - was wondering the same thing myself!

I switched from W-2 to 1099 last year and heres what surprised me the most: QUARTERLY ESTIMATED TAX PAYMENTS!! You have to basically be your own payroll department and send tax payments 4 times a year. If you dont you can get hit with penalties. Plus theres the whole self-employment tax thing which is like 15% on top of regular income tax. And health insurance is crazy expensive when you have to buy it yourself instead of getting it thru an employer. Unless theyre offering you at least 30% more per hour, stick with the W-2 job!!

As someone who recently went through this exact decision process, I can't stress enough how important it is to run the actual numbers. Based on what you've described - $23/hour W-2 vs $21/hour 1099 - this would be a significant pay cut once you factor in all the additional costs. Here's what I wish someone had told me: With 1099 work, you'll pay an extra 7.65% in self-employment taxes (the employer portion), plus you'll lose the automatic withholding safety net. You'll need to make quarterly estimated tax payments or face penalties. And don't forget about health insurance - if your current W-2 job offers benefits, replacing those on your own can cost $300-600+ per month. The remote work aspect is tempting, but at only 150 guaranteed hours, you're looking at maximum monthly income of $3,150 before taxes (and potentially much less in slow months). Your current position at $23/hour for full-time work gives you more income stability and better take-home pay after all expenses. I'd recommend asking the new company if they can match or exceed your current W-2 compensation when adjusted for the 1099 structure - that would probably need to be around $30/hour to break even financially.