One important thing I didn't see mentioned - if you're applying online for an EIN, you can only do it during the IRS's business hours (7am-10pm Eastern time, Monday-Friday). I tried doing mine on a Saturday and got so confused when the system wouldn't let me submit!

I just went through this exact process last month and wanted to share what I learned. You absolutely can get your EIN first without having a DBA filed - just leave that field blank on the application. The key thing to understand is that your EIN is tied to your tax identification (your SSN if you're a sole proprietor), not your business name. So whether you operate under your legal name or a DBA later doesn't affect your EIN itself. I'd recommend getting your EIN first since you need it for so many things - opening business bank accounts, getting business licenses, etc. You can always file your DBA later when you're ready. Just make sure to use your DBA name consistently on all business documents once you have it registered. One tip: when you do file for your DBA, keep a copy of the certificate handy. Some banks and vendors will want to see it when you're doing business under that name, even though your EIN application didn't require it.

I've been dealing with this exact same W2 confusion for weeks! The way you described it - seeing that extra $5,000 in income pop up in your tax software - is exactly what happened to me. What finally helped me understand was realizing that Box 10 is like a "total benefits received" box, not just employer contributions. So your $11,983.68 includes your DCFSA money ($5,869.81) PLUS your employer's contributions PLUS any other dependent care benefits like backup childcare. The frustrating part is that your DCFSA money went in pre-tax, but then gets partially added back as taxable income because of that $5,000 combined limit. It feels like you're being taxed twice, but really it's just the IRS clawing back the tax benefit on amounts over $5,000. One thing that helped me feel better about the situation: I calculated my effective tax rate on just that excess amount vs. what I would have paid if ALL my dependent care expenses were out-of-pocket with no DCFSA at all. Even with some of it becoming taxable again, I still came out ahead using the DCFSA. Also definitely look into the Child and Dependent Care Credit like others mentioned - it can provide some relief on the expenses beyond that $5,000 limit!

I went through this exact same confusion last year and it's honestly one of the most confusing parts of tax season! Your situation sounds completely normal for someone with both DCFSA contributions and employer-provided dependent care benefits. The key thing to understand is that Box 10 ($11,983.68) represents ALL dependent care assistance you received during the year - your DCFSA contributions, employer contributions, AND any other benefits like backup childcare services. Since the tax-free limit is $5,000 combined, everything above that becomes taxable income, which is why TurboTax is adding $6,983.68 back to your taxable income. Here's likely what happened with your numbers: - Your DCFSA: $5,869.81 - Employer contributions (including that 2023 retroactive payment): ~$4,100 - Other dependent care benefits (backup childcare, etc.): ~$2,000 That retroactive payment from 2023 that was paid in 2024 gets included on your 2024 W2 because W2s report what was actually paid during the tax year, not when the services were originally provided. Don't forget to check if you qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit on expenses that exceeded the $5,000 DCFSA limit - with high daycare costs, this credit could help offset some of the additional tax burden from that excess dependent care income. The numbers are frustrating but they're likely correct. You're still coming out ahead using the DCFSA compared to paying all childcare costs with after-tax dollars!

The waiting is brutal, I feel you! I'm going through something similar - been waiting 11 months for my refund and just got assigned an advocate last week. From what I've read, the 4-12 week timeframe that Malik mentioned seems pretty accurate. The advocate has to actually investigate what's causing the delay and work with different IRS departments to fix it. At least you're in the system now and have someone specifically working on your case. That's more progress than most people get! Keep us posted on how it goes.

I went through this exact situation last year. Got assigned a Taxpayer Advocate in March after waiting 13 months, and it took another 8 weeks before I saw any real movement. The advocate actually called me around week 5 to update me that they had identified the issue (some coding error on the IRS side) and were working to resolve it. Don't give up hope - 3 weeks is still early in the process. The advocate system really does work, it just moves at government speed unfortunately. Try to get the direct phone number for your specific advocate if you don't already have it, makes follow-up much easier.

I just want to echo what others have said - don't let the tax software companies scare you with "Schedule 3"! I'm a tax professional and I see this confusion all the time. The most common reason people need Schedule 3 is actually something GOOD for them - it's often because they're owed money back from excess Social Security withholding when they worked multiple jobs. The IRS limits total Social Security tax to $10,788 for 2024 (on income up to $168,600), but if you had two employers, each one withheld Social Security tax separately without knowing about the other job. Before paying TurboTax's upgrade fee, definitely check out the free alternatives people mentioned. The IRS Free File program is legitimate and works with forms like Schedule 3. You can also try FreeTaxUSA or even the IRS's own fillable forms if you're comfortable with a little DIY approach. The bottom line: Schedule 3 sounds scarier than it is, and you have options that won't cost you $49!

I'm going through the exact same situation right now! TurboTax hit me with that $49 upgrade demand when I got to the Schedule 3 part and I was so frustrated. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea there were so many free alternatives available. I think I'm going to try the IRS Free File program first since my income definitely qualifies, and if that doesn't work out I'll give FreeTaxUSA a shot. It's really annoying how the tax software companies make Schedule 3 sound like this super complicated advanced form when it's apparently just a standard supplement that lots of people need. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions - this thread probably just saved me $49 and a lot of unnecessary stress!

Is there any expiration on capital loss carryovers? I've been carrying some for almost 4 years now.

One thing I'd add to the great advice already shared - make sure you're applying your capital loss carryover in the correct order! The IRS requires you to use the oldest carryover losses first (FIFO - first in, first out). Since you had a $20,000 loss in 2022, that entire amount should be applied against your 2023 gains before you can use any losses from 2023 itself. This shouldn't affect your calculation (you'll still net $30,000), but it's important for record-keeping purposes. Also, double-check that you actually filed your 2022 return and properly reported that $20,000 loss. If for some reason it wasn't properly documented on your 2022 Schedule D, you might run into issues when the IRS processes your 2023 return. The carryover amount needs to have a paper trail from your previous filing.