Been doing 1099s for years and here's my simple advice: if you don't withhold state taxes (most people don't for contractors), leave Box 6 blank. For Box 7, use your state tax ID number for the state you're filing in. If your contractor works remotely in another state, you might need to file with their state too, using your ID number for that state if you have one. If you don't have a tax ID in their state, some states want you to use your FEIN instead, while others have specific requirements. The tricky part is knowing WHICH states require separate filings. This changes sometimes, and that's the real value of using a service like TaxGenius - they keep track of the requirements for all 50 states so you don't have to.

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who handles 1099-NECs for a medium-sized business with contractors across 12 states. The confusion around Box 6 and Box 7 is totally understandable because these boxes are specifically for state reporting, but they appear on the federal form. Here's what I've learned through trial and error: Box 6 is almost always blank unless you have a specific state withholding arrangement (which is rare for independent contractors). Box 7 gets your state identification number, but here's the key - it's YOUR state ID for the state where YOU'RE filing, not the contractor's state. The real complexity comes when you have contractors in multiple states. You might end up filing the same 1099-NEC information with several different states, each time using your identification number for that specific state (if you have one). Some states want your FEIN if you don't have a state-specific ID. One tip that's saved me headaches: keep a spreadsheet tracking which states require separate filings and what ID numbers they want from you. State requirements change periodically, and what worked last year might not work this year. TaxGenius and similar services are definitely worth the extra cost for the peace of mind - they handle all these nuances automatically.

I'm a current NYU MSL student who can directly address your question about confidence in handling complex tax issues! This was actually one of my biggest concerns going into the program - I had solid technical knowledge from my CPA background but felt overwhelmed when clients asked for strategic planning advice. The program has been transformational in building that confidence. The case study approach forces you to think like a tax advisor rather than just a preparer. In my Corporate Tax Planning course, we recently worked through a multi-tiered reorganization scenario where we had to consider not just the tax implications, but the business objectives, timing issues, and alternative structures. By the end, I realized I was naturally thinking through the "why" and "how" questions that used to intimidate me. What really builds confidence is the collaborative environment - you're working through these complex scenarios with classmates who have different professional backgrounds, so you get exposed to various approaches to problem-solving. The professors also encourage us to defend our recommendations, which develops the ability to articulate strategic thinking that's crucial in advisory roles. The networking has been invaluable too, but not just for job opportunities. Having conversations with practicing tax partners at NYU events has helped me understand how they approach client problems, which has made me much more comfortable with ambiguity and strategic decision-making. I'd definitely recommend the program if you're looking to make that transition from compliance to advisory work!

I'm a tax manager at a mid-size firm who's been considering the NYU MSL program for about a year now. Reading through all these experiences has been incredibly helpful - especially seeing so many people who've successfully made the transition from compliance to advisory roles. One thing I'd love to add to this discussion is the perspective on program timing. I'm currently debating whether to apply for fall admission or wait another year to have more experience under my belt. From what I've gathered in this thread, it sounds like the quality of experience matters more than the exact number of years, but I'm curious if anyone has thoughts on the optimal career stage for maximum benefit from the program. I'm particularly drawn to what several people have mentioned about the international tax focus. My firm has been expanding our cross-border practice, and I'd love to position myself as the go-to person for those engagements. The faculty connections to OECD and BEPS implementation that were mentioned earlier sound like they'd provide incredibly current and relevant expertise. The confidence-building aspect that recent graduates have discussed really resonates with me too. I've reached a point in my career where I need to start thinking strategically rather than just technically, and it sounds like NYU's case study approach would be perfect for developing that mindset. Thanks to everyone who's shared their experiences - this has been more valuable than any admissions session!

I'm going through almost the exact same situation right now! Got married in September 2023 and just realized I never updated my W-4 with payroll. Been losing sleep over this for the past week thinking I'd somehow messed up my taxes. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly reassuring. The fact that withholding status and filing status are separate things makes so much sense when explained that way. I was picturing the IRS sending me angry letters or something! I'm definitely going to try that IRS withholding calculator that was mentioned and get my paperwork updated with HR this week. Has anyone had issues with HR being slow to process W-4 changes during this time of year? Our benefits department is notoriously backed up during open enrollment and I'm worried about timing if I need to make adjustments before year-end. Also really appreciate the reminder about checking other benefits impacts - completely forgot that marriage affects FSA elections too. This thread has been a lifesaver!

I work as a tax preparer and see this situation constantly - you're definitely not the first person to forget updating HR after getting married! The good news is that this usually works out in your favor financially. Since you've been withholding at the "single" rate all year, you've likely been overpaying taxes with each paycheck. When you file your 2023 return as married (which you should, since you were married as of December 31st), you'll probably get a nice refund. However, I'd strongly recommend updating your W-4 with HR immediately for 2024. If both you and your spouse work, make sure to check the "Two Jobs" box or fill out the multiple jobs worksheet to avoid underpaying next year. The marriage penalty/bonus really depends on your combined income levels and how similar your individual incomes are. One tip: if you're concerned about owing for 2024, you can also request additional withholding on your new W-4 to make up for any shortfall from the months you've already worked this year. The IRS withholding calculator mentioned by others is spot-on for figuring out exactly what you need to do.

I'm in a similar situation with my Serve card and 3/22 DDD! Based on what everyone's sharing here, it sounds like we just need to be patient for a few more days. I've been checking my account constantly too, but it's good to know that Serve doesn't show pending deposits - that explains the radio silence. I'm going to follow the advice about setting up SMS alerts and try to stop obsessively refreshing the app. It's reassuring to hear from people who've been through this process multiple times with Serve. The consensus seems to be that refunds do arrive, just not always on the exact DDD. Fingers crossed we all see our deposits by mid-week!

I'm dealing with the exact same situation - 3/22 DDD to my Serve card and nothing yet! This is also my first year filing and I was starting to really worry. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful though. It sounds like Serve consistently takes 1-4 business days after the DDD to actually post IRS refunds, which is way longer than I expected. I had no idea they don't show pending deposits either - I've been staring at my account balance thinking something was wrong! The fact that so many people here have gone through this same waiting period with Serve and eventually received their refunds is really reassuring. I'm going to follow the advice about setting up SMS alerts instead of constantly checking the app. Thanks Justin for posting this - it's good to know we're all in the same boat! Hopefully we'll all see our deposits by Wednesday.

Just wait for your regular refund date and skip all this advance nonsense. The IRS is actually pretty fast these days if you file electronically and use direct deposit.

I actually went through this exact situation last month. Yes, you definitely need to open a Credit Karma Money account - there's no way around it anymore since Intuit owns both companies. The good news is the account is completely free with no fees or minimum balance. The advance amount depends on your refund size but it's usually a decent chunk. Just be aware that once you get the advance, you're locked into keeping that account open until your full refund processes, otherwise they can hit you with penalties. Overall it worked fine for me but definitely feels like they're forcing you into their ecosystem.