Has anyone tried printing the PDF from FreeTaxUSA and mailing it? I'm in the same boat for 2022 taxes and wondering how long the refund actually took to arrive.

I was in this exact situation last year with my 2021 return! The e-file cutoff is definitely frustrating when you've already done all the work. I ended up paper filing and it took about 6 weeks to get my refund, which wasn't too bad considering. One thing I learned - make absolutely sure you include ALL required attachments when you mail it. The IRS will send it back if anything is missing, which just delays everything further. Double-check that you've included copies of all W-2s, 1099s, and any other income statements. Also make sure to sign and date everything in the right places. I used certified mail with return receipt requested so I could confirm they received it. Cost a few extra dollars but gave me peace of mind. The tracking showed it was delivered, and then I could roughly estimate when to expect processing based on the typical 6-8 week timeframe. Paper filing isn't ideal, but at least FreeTaxUSA did all the calculations for you, so the hard part is done!

I moved to Alabama from Michigan two years ago and this was such a culture shock! In Michigan, I'd get my state refund within 3-4 weeks consistently. Filed my Alabama return in February this year and I'm STILL waiting here in late June - that's almost 5 months! The most infuriating part is how they expect us to file and pay on time with penalties if we're late, but then they can sit on our money for half the year with zero consequences. The hypocrisy is unreal. And don't even get me started on that useless "processing" status that never updates. At this point I've just accepted that Alabama's tax department operates in a parallel universe where time moves at 25% speed. I'm definitely adjusting my withholding for next year - lesson learned about giving this state an interest-free loan! Thanks for posting this - it's oddly comforting to know we're all suffering through this together 😅

I'm going through the EXACT same thing! Filed my Alabama return in mid-March and here we are in late June still stuck on that useless "processing" status. Meanwhile my federal refund was deposited in 8 days! What's really frustrating is reading all these stories and realizing this isn't some anomaly - it's just how Alabama operates. I'm originally from Ohio where state refunds took maybe 4-6 weeks tops, so this 3+ month waiting game is absolutely mind-blowing to me. The worst part is that complete lack of communication. That "processing" message might as well say "we'll get to it whenever we feel like it." No timeline, no queue position, nothing. Meanwhile if WE filed late, they'd hit us with penalties immediately. I think I'm done playing this game - definitely adjusting my withholding next year so I don't give Alabama an interest-free loan that takes them half a year to pay back. Thanks for posting this thread, it's been oddly therapeutic reading everyone's similar experiences! At least we're all suffering through Alabama's stone-age tax system together 😅

This thread has been incredibly helpful for understanding DBA tax requirements! I'm just starting my own DBA for freelance social media management and was completely lost about the tax implications. One thing I wanted to add that I learned from my research - make sure to keep detailed records of any professional development expenses! Things like online courses, industry certifications, books, and conference attendance are all deductible business expenses that can help reduce your tax burden. I just spent $800 on a social media marketing certification and was relieved to learn this counts as a legitimate business expense. Also, regarding estimated quarterly payments - I found the IRS's online estimated tax payment system (EFTPS) to be really user-friendly once you get set up. You can schedule payments in advance and it sends email reminders, which has been a lifesaver for staying on top of the quarterly deadlines. For anyone just getting started, don't let the tax complexity discourage you from pursuing your DBA business! The learning curve feels steep at first, but once you understand the basics (you're still a sole proprietor, use Schedule C, save 25-30% for taxes, track everything), it becomes much more manageable. The freedom of running your own business under a professional name is totally worth the extra tax paperwork!

This thread has been such a comprehensive resource for DBA tax questions! I'm setting up my DBA for freelance consulting and was initially overwhelmed by all the tax implications, but reading through everyone's experiences has been incredibly reassuring. One thing I'd like to add that I discovered during my research - if you're working from home with your DBA, don't overlook the simplified home office deduction option. Instead of calculating actual expenses for utilities, mortgage interest, etc., you can use the simplified method which allows you to deduct $5 per square foot of your home office space, up to 300 square feet (max $1,500 deduction). For someone just starting out, this can be much easier to calculate and document than tracking all the actual home expenses. Also wanted to echo what others said about keeping meticulous records from day one. I set up a simple filing system with folders for receipts, bank statements, contracts, and tax documents. It seems like overkill when you're just starting, but I can already tell it's going to save me hours of stress during tax season. The information about the QBI deduction that Andre mentioned is gold - I had no idea about that potential 20% deduction! For anyone making modest income with their DBA, that could be substantial tax savings that many people probably miss out on simply because they don't know it exists.

Just sharing what worked for me in a similar situation. My payroll company issued two W-2s (original and corrected) but reported both to the IRS. 1. I gathered my final paystub for the year showing my actual total earnings 2. Used TurboTax to file using the CORRECT W-2 information only 3. Included a brief statement explaining the duplicate W-2 situation 4. Attached copies of both W-2s with the incorrect one clearly marked "DUPLICATE - DO NOT USE" 5. Also included a copy of my final paystub as proof of actual earnings I did get a letter from the IRS about 3 months later questioning the "missing income," but I just had to call and explain. Since I had already documented everything in my original filing, they resolved it pretty quickly. The key is keeping good records and being able to prove your actual income!

I went through this exact situation two years ago and it was definitely stressful at first, but it got resolved without any major issues. Here's what I learned: The IRS actually deals with duplicate W-2 reporting more often than you'd think, so don't panic about triggering an audit. The key is being proactive and documenting everything. I'd recommend calling the IRS taxpayer assistance line (1-800-829-1040) first to explain the situation and ask them to put a note in your file. When you call, have both W-2s ready and be clear about which one shows your actual correct income. They can flag your account so when their automated systems see the discrepancy, there's already an explanation on file. For your tax filing, use only the CORRECT W-2 (the $68,000 one) and keep detailed records of all your attempts to contact your former employer about fixing their mistake. Screenshot emails, keep notes of phone calls with dates and times, etc. If your former employer continues to be unresponsive, you might need to file Form 4852 (Substitute for Form W-2) along with whatever documentation you have of your actual wages - final paystub, bank deposit records, etc. The good news is that since you're reporting the higher income amount anyway, you're not trying to avoid paying taxes you owe, which makes the IRS much more willing to work with you on resolving the clerical error.

One thing I'd add that hasn't been mentioned yet - keep track of your total tax liability throughout the year, not just the 1099 portion. Since you'll have both W-2 and 1099 income, your combined income might push you into a higher tax bracket than you're used to. I learned this the hard way when my side gig income pushed me from the 22% bracket into 24%. The extra withholding I calculated based on my old bracket wasn't enough. Now I use the IRS withholding calculator whenever my income situation changes to make sure I'm on track. It's free on their website and accounts for multiple income sources. Also, don't forget that if your 1099 work involves any business expenses (equipment, supplies, mileage, etc.), those deductions can really add up and reduce your self-employment tax burden. Just make sure everything is legitimate and well-documented!

One important detail that hasn't been mentioned - make sure you understand the difference between being an actual independent contractor versus being misclassified as one. The IRS has specific criteria (like whether you control how/when you do the work, provide your own tools, have other clients, etc.) that determine true contractor status. If you're really more like an employee but getting a 1099, that's misclassification and you could end up paying more taxes than you should. True contractors have more control and flexibility, but also bear the full tax burden. If the company is treating you like an employee (set schedule, their equipment, direct supervision), you might want to push back on the 1099 classification. Also, don't forget to set aside money immediately from each 1099 payment - I recommend 25-30% in a separate savings account. It's way easier to save as you go rather than scrambling to find thousands of dollars at tax time!