Would this browser trick work with Edge too? I don't have Firefox installed and don't want to download another browser just for this if I don't have to.

I haven't personally tested Edge, but other users have reported success with it. The key seems to be avoiding Chrome, which has some weird compatibility issues with the Free File system's PDF handling. Edge should work better than Chrome since it uses a different rendering engine. The main thing is that some browsers handle the form submissions differently, especially with checkboxes and special characters. If you're getting the same rejection repeatedly in one browser, it's definitely worth trying a different one before giving up.

I actually tried that method last year with a different form (not 8863) and it failed because the Free File system requires certain forms to be filled electronically so their system can read the data. You can't just attach a scanned form as a PDF - the system needs the actual data in the fields.

Thanks for this advice! Would it help if I started paying a portion of the rent directly to the landlord instead of giving the money to my boyfriend? I'm worried that the Cash App transfers labeled "rent" might not be enough proof since the actual rent receipts are in his name.

That would definitely strengthen your case! If you can arrange to pay even a portion directly to the landlord, that creates a clearer paper trail. Ask the landlord if they can note your payment specifically in their records, even if the lease remains in your boyfriend's name. The Cash App transfers labeled "rent" are still useful evidence, especially if they show a consistent pattern that aligns with rent due dates. But direct payments to the landlord would be more compelling. Also, consider getting a simple written statement from your boyfriend acknowledging that your Cash App transfers are contributions toward household expenses - this adds another layer of documentation.

I used TurboTax last year with a similar HOH situation. It asks you the basic qualifying questions but doesn't really get into documentation issues. It'll let you file HOH if you say you meet the requirements, but doesn't help you prove it or explain the gray areas. You might want to consult with a tax pro if you're uncertain.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Did you have any issues after filing with TurboTax? Like did the IRS question your HOH status afterward or did everything go through okay?

Do you happen to know what the threshold is for 2025? I'm trying to plan ahead and figure out if I'll be close to that 22% bracket.

For 2025, the threshold between the 12% and 22% brackets for single filers is projected to be around $47,150 (up from about $44,725 in 2023). For married filing jointly, it's projected to be about $94,300. These are estimates based on inflation projections, and the IRS will announce the official numbers later this year. But they should be pretty close to these figures unless inflation changes dramatically.

While I agree the system favors the wealthy, that's not entirely accurate. The top 1% pays about 40% of all federal income taxes collected. The issue is more about proportional tax burden and the different treatment of earned income vs capital gains.

17 Is there a minimum amount you have to make before reporting? I thought there was some threshold where you don't need to bother reporting small side income?

3 Technically, all income is supposed to be reported regardless of amount. However, if you make $400 or more in self-employment income, you're required to file taxes on it because that's the threshold for paying self-employment taxes. Some people talk about a $600 threshold, but that's actually just the limit where payment platforms or clients are required to send you a 1099 form. Even if you don't receive a 1099, you're still supposed to report the income. The IRS has been cracking down on unreported income from online platforms, so better safe than sorry!

13 Do you know if this applies if you're selling through platforms like Etsy or eBay? I thought they handled the sales tax stuff automatically?

Do Acceptance Agents charge a lot? And would using one make the process faster? My main concern is the timeline since I have potential clients waiting for me to get all this paperwork sorted out.

Acceptance Agents typically charge between $50-$300 depending on the complexity of your situation and their location. Some offer additional services like reviewing your entire application package. Using an Acceptance Agent can potentially make the process faster because they help ensure your application is complete and correct the first time, reducing the chance of rejection and resubmission. They also eliminate the risk of your original documents getting lost in the mail. However, they don't actually speed up the IRS processing time - once your application reaches the IRS, it still goes through their standard processing queue. That said, a complete and accurate application will move through that queue without delays.

Unfortunately there's no online tracking system for ITIN applications like there is for tax refunds. You have to call the IRS ITIN department directly at 1-800-908-9982. Make sure you have your application confirmation if you received one, or at least the information about when and how you submitted it.