I did last year. Had W2 for my bartending job and 1099 for DJing special events at the same venue. Made sure to document EVERYTHING for the 1099 work - kept mileage logs, receipts for equipment, music subscriptions, etc. Filed Schedule C with all those deductions. Ended up owing less than I expected! Just make sure you're setting aside money for taxes throughout the year.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful to know it's doable without issues. Did you use any specific tax software that handled the dual arrangement well? I've been using TurboTax but wasn't sure if it would get confused with both forms from the same employer. I'll definitely start documenting my expenses better. I have some equipment purchases and mileage that should qualify for deductions. Did you pay quarterly estimated taxes on your 1099 income or just handle it all at filing time?

Thanks for the warning! Yeah, the social media stuff was definitely on their schedule - they'd just tell me to "go handle the Instagram during slow periods" of my server shift. I didn't even think about the payroll tax angle. Now I'm wondering if they're just trying to save money by putting some of my work on a 1099. Not cool.

This happened to me too! My accountant said it's actually illegal if they're controlling the work like that. I showed my boss the IRS guidelines and they fixed my classification. Saved me like $700 in self-employment taxes I shouldn't have had to pay.

Are these university programs accessible to enrolled agents, or are they mainly designed for attorneys and CPAs? I'm an EA looking to expand my knowledge but have found some programs won't admit me without the legal or accounting credentials.

Most university tax programs I've attended are absolutely open to enrolled agents. The NYU program specifically had a mix of CPAs, attorneys, and EAs. They care more about your professional involvement in tax work than your specific credentials. The only exception I've found is some specialized legal-focused tax workshops that require a JD, but those are clearly marked. For technical tax knowledge, which is what you're asking about, EAs are welcome at all the major university programs I've experienced.

I've heard of Spidell but they seem to be California-focused. Are their workshops applicable for practitioners in other states? I'm in Illinois and need resources that address both federal and midwest-specific tax issues.

Wait, seriously? I thought any Energy Star certified door would qualify. Is there a way to check if my door meets this "Most Efficient" standard after the fact? The packaging is long gone.

Actually I need to correct myself - for exterior doors, you're right that Energy Star certification is still sufficient. The "Most Efficient" requirement applies to other categories like water heaters and HVAC. What did change is the maximum credit amount - it's now 30% of costs up to $250 for a single door (or up to $500 total if you replaced multiple doors). You should be able to find the Energy Star certification information on any documentation that came with the door or by looking up the model number on the manufacturer's website.

I got mine processed without any delay. Make sure you filled out Form 5695 correctly - that's where you calculate the credit. Also, if you claimed other credits like solar or EV, those sometimes get additional scrutiny.

That's a good point I hadn't considered. Do you know if state tax agencies are generally easier to deal with than the IRS? And do they also have programs like the Fresh Start or Offer in Compromise?

In my experience, state tax agencies can actually be easier to deal with than the IRS. The phone wait times are usually shorter, and you can often make an in-person appointment at a local office. Many states do have their own versions of settlement programs similar to the IRS Offer in Compromise, though they might call them different things. For example, California has an "Offer in Compromise" program that's similar to the IRS version, while New York calls theirs an "Offer in Settlement." The qualification requirements and terms can vary significantly by state, so definitely look into your specific state's options.

Did the attorney deal with both federal and state taxes? And how did they handle years where you didn't have documents?

What about using a tax professional who specializes in real estate? I've heard they can help optimize both deductions and loan qualification. Any experience with that?

Absolutely! Working with a tax professional who specializes in real estate is one of the best investments you can make. They understand both sides of this equation. I've worked with the same CPA for a decade, and she's saved many of my clients who are also realtors from making mistakes with their deductions. A good real estate tax specialist will help you categorize expenses as either "ordinary and necessary" (which the IRS expects to see) versus discretionary deductions. They can also help document your income in ways that make sense to mortgage underwriters. The fee you'll pay them is typically far less than what you'll save either in tax benefits or loan qualification improvements.

Yes! That worksheet is a game-changer. It has specific lines for adding back certain business expenses when calculating your qualifying income. Ask your lender specifically about Form 1084 (the self-employed income analysis form). It standardizes how they look at Schedule C income and gives you a clearer picture of what they'll actually count.