Glad to hear you got everything sorted out! For anyone else facing similar time constraints with tax document retrieval, I'd recommend having multiple backup plans in place. One thing that's often overlooked is checking if your accountant or tax preparer has copies of these forms on file. Many CPA offices maintain client records for several years and can provide certified copies much faster than going through the IRS or trying to reconstruct them from your accounting software. Also, if you're using QuickBooks Desktop, make sure you're regularly backing up your company files with the year included in the filename (like "MyCompany_2022.qbw"). This makes it much easier to access historical data when situations like PPP documentation requests come up. The newer cloud-based versions handle this automatically, but desktop users need to be more proactive about maintaining these archives.

As someone who's dealt with similar documentation challenges for business loans, I want to emphasize how important it is to establish good record-keeping practices before you need them urgently. One additional tip that hasn't been mentioned yet: if you're using QuickBooks Desktop and have been backing up to external drives or cloud storage, check those backup locations for older company files. Sometimes people forget they have complete historical data stored there that can be opened in read-only mode to access old reports and forms. Also, for future reference, consider setting up a simple filing system where you save PDF copies of important tax forms immediately after filing them each quarter/year. Create folders like "2024_Payroll_Tax_Forms" and save copies there as soon as you generate them in QuickBooks. This creates a secondary archive that's independent of your accounting software and can be a lifesaver when you need quick access to historical documents. It sounds like you found a good solution with the combination of approaches mentioned in this thread. The key takeaway for other business owners is to not rely on just one method for accessing critical tax documents - having multiple backup strategies makes these urgent requests much less stressful to handle.

Hey Mateo! As someone who's been through the NetSpend tax advance process a few times, I can tell you that 1 week is still within the normal range, especially for first-time US filers. The system can be extra cautious with new filers. A couple things to check: 1) Log into your NetSpend account online and look for any pending deposits or notifications, 2) Make sure your direct deposit info on your tax return matches your NetSpend account exactly, and 3) If you haven't already, call NetSpend customer service - yes the hold times suck, but they can at least tell you if there are any issues on their end. The advance should show up soon, but definitely don't panic if it takes the full 5-7 business days. Good luck!

@e48375666769 I completely understand your frustration - the US tax system can feel like a maze when you're coming from a different country! I went through something similar my first year filing here. NetSpend advances usually take 2-5 business days after IRS acceptance, but first-time filers often experience longer processing times due to additional verification steps. Since you mentioned this is your first US filing, the IRS may be doing extra checks on your return which would delay the advance release to NetSpend. I'd recommend checking your NetSpend account for any alerts or notifications, and if it's been more than 5 business days since acceptance, definitely call their customer service. Also, you can check your IRS transcript online to see if there are any processing codes that might explain the delay. Hang in there - it should come through soon!

Had to do this last year after getting flagged for identity verification. Bring everything others mentioned but also consider bringing your W-2s or 1099s if you have them - they didn't ask for mine but the person next to me needed theirs. The staff was actually really helpful and walked me through what they needed. One tip: park at a nearby garage if you're in a city location because IRS building parking fills up fast, especially on Mondays and Fridays. Whole process took about 40 minutes and my refund showed up 6 business days later!

Just went through this process a couple weeks ago! In addition to what everyone mentioned, I'd recommend bringing a printed copy of your online account transcript if you have access to it - the IRS agent said it helped speed things up since they could see my filing history right there. Also, dress business casual if possible - I know it sounds silly but the security and staff seemed to take me more seriously vs the person before me in flip flops and a tank top. My appointment was at 10am and I was out by 10:35, refund hit my account exactly 8 days later. The whole thing was way less stressful than I built it up to be in my head!

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who made the jump from self-employed to LLC after year two - the transition really wasn't as complicated as I feared! When I started my candle-making business, I went the self-employed route based on advice similar to what's been shared here. It was definitely the right call for getting started quickly and keeping things simple. The LLC conversion process involved getting an EIN (took 5 minutes online), opening a new business bank account, and updating my business registration with the state. The biggest "gotcha" was that I had to be more careful about keeping business and personal expenses completely separate once I became an LLC. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier - even as self-employed, start treating your business like a real business from day one. Use that separate bank account, track every expense, and keep digital copies of all receipts. When I eventually did switch to LLC, I had clean records that made the transition smooth. Also, don't underestimate the psychological benefit of having an LLC when you start approaching wholesale buyers or higher-end craft shows. It does add credibility, but only pursue it when the numbers make sense for your situation. For someone expecting $6-8k revenue in year one, definitely start self-employed and focus on building your customer base. The business structure decision will become clearer as you grow!

This thread has been incredibly educational! As someone who's been putting off starting my soap-making business because I was paralyzed by all the tax and legal decisions, reading through everyone's experiences has finally given me the confidence to move forward. The consensus seems clear: start simple with self-employed status, get that separate business bank account, track everything religiously, and save 25-30% for taxes. I love how @Abigail Patel broke down the actual numbers - seeing that $918 self-employment tax on $6k profit makes it feel much more manageable than the vague "you'll owe taxes" anxiety I had. The tip about mobile payment processor fees being fully deductible is huge - I was worried those would just be a cost I'd have to absorb. And @Isabella Brown's point about gross revenue vs. net profit really helped me understand that I'm not going to owe taxes on every dollar that comes in. One follow-up question for the group: for those who've been doing craft fairs for a while, do you typically price your products with the payment processing fees in mind, or do you just absorb them as a cost of doing business? I'm trying to figure out my pricing strategy and wondering if I should build those fees into my prices or just treat them as an expense. Thanks everyone for sharing your real-world experiences - this has been way more helpful than any generic business article I've read!

Has anyone dealt with clients who refuse to correct 1099s? I've had two clients say they already submitted to the IRS and can't change it now.

This is a really common issue for new S corp owners! You're absolutely right to want the 1099 corrected. Here's what I've learned from dealing with this same situation: 1. **The 1099 should definitely go to your business** - It needs your business name and EIN, not your personal SSN. This maintains the proper separation between you and your business entity. 2. **Your client can file a corrected 1099** - They just need to check the "corrected" box on a new 1099-NEC form. Don't let them tell you it's impossible once filed. 3. **For future reference**, make sure your contracts and invoices clearly show your business name and EIN. This helps clients get it right from the start. 4. **Documentation is key** - Even if you can't get all 1099s corrected, keep detailed records showing how you properly reported the income through your S corp to maintain the corporate structure. The main thing is establishing that pattern of business-to-business transactions rather than personal service income. It's not just about taxes - it's about maintaining the legitimacy of your S corp structure. Good luck getting it sorted out!