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Just wanted to share my experience as someone who recently went through this exact same situation! I was also totally confused when my potential employer asked for a "gross income redacted tax return" - had never heard of it before either. What worked for me was creating a simple checklist of what to redact vs. what to keep visible. I redacted all the dollar amounts showing my actual income (wages, salary, AGI, taxable income) but kept visible things like my name, address, filing status, employer names and EINs, and the tax year. The key is that employers want to verify you've been filing taxes and see your employment history, but they don't need to know your exact salary. I used the PDF editor that came with my computer to add black rectangles over the income numbers, then saved it as a new file. The whole process took maybe 10 minutes once I figured out what needed to be covered. My employer accepted it without any questions and I got the job! Don't overthink it - it's really just about protecting your financial privacy while still showing you're a responsible taxpayer. Good luck with your interview!
This is such a helpful breakdown, thank you! I love the idea of making a checklist - that would definitely help me feel more confident about what I'm doing. Quick question though: when you say you kept employer EINs visible, where exactly do those show up on the tax return? I'm looking at my 1040 right now and I'm not immediately seeing them. Are they on the W-2s that get attached, or somewhere else on the main form?
Great question! The EINs (Employer Identification Numbers) are actually on your W-2 forms, not on the main 1040 form itself. They're in Box b on each W-2 - it's a 9-digit number that identifies your employer to the IRS. When employers ask for redacted tax returns, they usually want to see the W-2s attached since that's where the employment verification info actually lives. The main 1040 just summarizes the income totals. So when you're redacting, you'd black out the dollar amounts on both the W-2s (boxes 1, 2, etc.) and the corresponding lines on your 1040, but leave the employer names and EINs visible on the W-2s. Hope that helps clarify!
This is such a comprehensive thread - thank you everyone for sharing your experiences! As someone who works in accounting, I just wanted to add a few professional tips that might help: 1. Always work with a COPY of your tax return, never the original. Save the original in a safe place and make multiple copies for redaction purposes. 2. If you're uncomfortable doing it yourself, many local tax preparation offices (H&R Block, etc.) will help you create a redacted version for a small fee - usually around $25-50. 3. Some employers might also accept just your W-2s with income amounts redacted instead of the full return, which can be simpler since there are fewer forms to deal with. 4. Pro tip: After you redact everything, do a final check by covering the visible parts with your hand and asking yourself "could someone figure out my income from what's still showing?" Sometimes things like tax owed/refund amounts can give away income ranges. 5. Keep a copy of what you submit for your records - some companies take a while to get back to you and you might forget exactly what you sent. Hope this helps and congrats on getting the interview! The fact that they're asking for this documentation usually means they're seriously considering you for the position.
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Question for anyone who knows - I use a tip tracking app on my phone. Is there a way to use that instead of Form 4070? My manager said they'd accept reports from the app but I don't know if that's actually okay with the IRS.
Yes, the IRS allows electronic tip reporting systems as alternatives to the physical Form 4070. If your manager has approved your app, you should be fine as long as the app tracks all the necessary information (dates, amounts, establishment name, etc.) and you submit reports by the 10th of the following month. Just make sure you keep backups of what you submit. I've seen situations where servers thought they were reporting properly through an app but the data wasn't being properly recorded in the restaurant's system.
As someone who's been serving for about 3 years, I totally get your confusion! I went through the exact same thing when I started. Here's what I've learned works best: First, definitely track ALL your tips - both cash and credit card. I use a simple notebook where I write down my shift date, total sales, credit card tips, and cash tips. Takes like 30 seconds at the end of each shift. For the Form 4070 question - technically yes, you're supposed to report monthly if you make over $20 in tips. But honestly, most restaurants don't make it easy. What I do is ask my manager about their preferred method. Some places have their own electronic system, others want you to use the actual Form 4070. The key thing is that you DO need to report your tips somehow - either monthly to your employer OR annually on Form 4137 when you file taxes. If you don't report monthly, you'll pay more in Social Security/Medicare taxes at the end of the year, plus potential penalties. My advice? Start tracking everything now and have a conversation with your manager about what system they prefer. Even if your coworkers are doing different things, you want to be compliant. Better to be the one person doing it right than to risk getting in trouble later! Also, keep all your tip records - the IRS can ask for them if they ever audit you.
This is really helpful advice! I'm also new to serving (just started last month) and have been stressing about this exact same thing. Quick question - when you say "ask my manager about their preferred method," what if they seem clueless about it too? My manager basically just shrugged when I asked about Form 4070 and said "just do whatever everyone else does." But like the original poster mentioned, everyone seems to be doing something different! Should I just go ahead and use the actual Form 4070 even if nobody else is? I'd rather be safe than sorry, but I also don't want to create extra work for a manager who clearly doesn't want to deal with it.
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One thing nobody's mentioned - if you're trading frequently enough to deduct expenses, the IRS might question why you haven't registered as a securities dealer and collected/paid sales taxes. Be careful about claiming too much "business" activity without proper licensing.
I think you're confusing some terms. Individual traders don't need to register as securities dealers or collect sales tax. Dealers are market makers who profit from the spread, not individual traders. There's no sales tax on securities transactions (though there are SEC fees).
You're right, I mixed up some terminology there. Thanks for the correction! I was thinking about the distinction between traders and dealers for tax purposes, not sales tax. Dealers must report gains/losses as ordinary income and mark positions to market, while traders have the option to elect MTM treatment.
Great question! I made the transition to full-time trading two years ago and learned some hard lessons about tax planning. Here's what I wish I knew upfront: The expense deduction issue is tricky - you need to qualify for "trader tax status" (different from MTM election) to deduct your trading expenses on Schedule C. This requires meeting the IRS test of "substantial, regular, and continuous" trading activity. Just trading full-time isn't automatically enough - they look at frequency of trades, time spent, and whether you're seeking short-term profits. One key point many miss: even with trader status, your actual trading profits still aren't subject to self-employment tax. The SE tax only applies to other business income you might have (like teaching trading courses or selling signals). My advice: Start documenting everything now - daily trading logs, hours spent, your trading strategy, and all expenses. The IRS will want to see this pattern of business-like activity if you're audited. Also consider consulting with a tax professional who specializes in trader taxation before making the leap. The rules are complex and getting it wrong can be expensive. The MTM election is a separate decision that affects how your trades are taxed, not whether you can deduct expenses. You can have trader status without MTM, but you need trader status to properly deduct most of your trading-related expenses.
This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I'm particularly interested in the documentation aspect you mentioned. When you say "daily trading logs" - what specific information should I be tracking? Is it just the trades themselves, or do I need to document the time spent researching, analyzing charts, etc.? And how detailed does the trading strategy documentation need to be for IRS purposes? I'm trying to set up proper systems from day one rather than scrambling to recreate records later. Also, did you find any particular software or tools that made the record-keeping easier for trader tax status qualification?
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Another important consideration for nut farm investments is the potential for qualifying for like-kind exchanges (1031 exchanges) if you decide to sell and reinvest in other agricultural property later. This can help you defer capital gains taxes and continue building your agricultural investment portfolio. Also, don't overlook state-level tax benefits. Many states offer additional incentives for agricultural operations, including property tax exemptions for land in agricultural use, reduced tax rates on farm income, and sometimes even sales tax exemptions on farm equipment and supplies. The specific benefits vary significantly by state, so it's worth researching what's available in your location. One more thing - if you're planning to process and sell your nuts directly (rather than selling to processors), you may qualify for additional business deductions related to processing equipment, packaging, marketing, and direct sales activities. This can create a nice value-add opportunity while providing more tax deduction opportunities.
This is excellent additional information about 1031 exchanges and state benefits! I hadn't considered the like-kind exchange possibility for future transitions. Do you know if there are any restrictions on using 1031 exchanges specifically for agricultural property? For example, does the replacement property need to be the same type of farm operation, or could you exchange a nut farm for say, a vineyard or cattle ranch? Also, regarding state benefits, do you happen to know if these agricultural property tax exemptions typically require a minimum acreage or production threshold to qualify?
Great questions about 1031 exchanges for agricultural property! The good news is that 1031 exchanges are quite flexible for farm operations. You can exchange any type of agricultural property for another - so yes, you could exchange a nut farm for a vineyard, cattle ranch, or even agricultural land. The key requirement is that both properties must be used for business or investment purposes (not personal use) and be of "like-kind," which for real estate is broadly interpreted to mean any real estate for any other real estate. Regarding state agricultural exemptions, requirements vary significantly by state. Most states do have minimum acreage thresholds - typically ranging from 5-20 acres, though some states go as low as 1 acre or as high as 50+ acres. Many also require minimum production levels or gross income thresholds from agricultural activities. For example, some states require at least $1,000-5,000 in annual agricultural income to maintain the exemption. I'd strongly recommend checking with your state's department of agriculture and county assessor's office about specific requirements in your area. Some states also have "rollback taxes" if you stop qualifying for the exemption, so it's important to understand the long-term commitments involved.
Don't forget about the potential for energy tax credits if you're considering adding renewable energy systems to your farm operation! Many nut farms are excellent candidates for solar installations due to their open land and high energy needs for irrigation systems. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) currently allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes. This applies through 2032, then steps down gradually. Some states offer additional rebates and incentives on top of the federal credit. For farm operations, you can often qualify for both the business solar tax credit AND accelerated depreciation on the solar equipment through MACRS (Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System). This creates a powerful combination - immediate tax credits plus accelerated depreciation deductions. Also consider that many utility companies offer net metering programs, allowing you to sell excess solar power back to the grid. This can create additional income streams for your farm operation while reducing your overall energy costs for irrigation and processing equipment. If you're planning any new construction or major renovations on farm buildings, it's worth exploring energy-efficient equipment credits as well. Things like high-efficiency HVAC systems for processing facilities or LED lighting for barns and storage areas may qualify for additional tax benefits.
This is fascinating information about energy credits for farms! I'm completely new to agricultural investments and hadn't even thought about the energy aspect. A couple of questions: First, do the solar tax credits apply even if we're not full-time farmers (keeping our W2 jobs)? And second, when you mention net metering - are there any restrictions on how much excess power we can sell back, or does it vary by utility company? I'm wondering if a solar installation could potentially generate enough additional income to help offset some of the farm's establishment costs during those early non-productive years. Also, are there any special considerations for solar installations on agricultural land regarding permits or zoning that might be different from residential solar?
Malik Robinson
I went through this exact same frustration last year! TurboTax's pricing strategy for 1095-A forms is absolutely ridiculous. Here are some solid free alternatives that actually work: **FreeTaxUSA** - Completely free for federal filing with no income limits, and they handle 1095-A forms and Premium Tax Credit calculations without any upgrade fees. Only charge is about $15 if you need to file a state return. **Cash App Taxes** - Totally free for both federal and state, including all marketplace insurance forms. No hidden fees or upgrade traps. **IRS Free File Program** - If your income is under $73,000, you can access several tax software partners through the IRS website that will handle your 1095-A for free. The key is to go directly through these services or the IRS Free File portal - don't get tricked by the "freemium" versions that hit you with surprise charges. Your 1095-A situation is actually pretty straightforward, so any of these should work perfectly without the $120 robbery that TurboTax is trying to pull on you!
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Ava Johnson
•This is such a comprehensive breakdown - exactly what I needed! I had no idea there were so many legitimate free options that actually handle 1095-A forms without the bait-and-switch tactics. TurboTax really does seem predatory with their pricing structure for basic forms like this. Quick question - do you know if FreeTaxUSA walks you through the Premium Tax Credit reconciliation process? I'm worried about making mistakes with all those monthly calculations from the 1095-A form, especially since I had coverage changes mid-year.
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Katherine Shultz
•Yes, FreeTaxUSA has excellent guidance for Premium Tax Credit reconciliation! They walk you through each month of coverage step-by-step, and their interview process is really good at catching coverage changes mid-year. They'll ask you about any changes in income, household size, or coverage periods, and automatically calculate how that affects your advance payments versus what you're actually eligible for. The interface is much clearer than TurboTax's in my opinion - they break down each month individually so you can see exactly how your premium payments, benchmark plan costs, and advance credits line up. For mid-year changes, they'll guide you through allocating everything correctly so you don't overpay or underpay your reconciliation. I had a similar situation with coverage changes and FreeTaxUSA caught a calculation error that would have cost me about $400 in additional taxes. Definitely recommend it over paying TurboTax's ridiculous fees!
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Amaya Watson
I totally understand your frustration with TurboTax's pricing! I went through the exact same thing last year with my 1095-A form. Here are some genuinely free options that worked for me: **IRS Free File Program** - If your AGI is under $73,000, you can access completely free versions of tax software through IRS.gov that include 1095-A support. I used TaxAct through this program and it handled my Premium Tax Credit reconciliation without any extra charges. **FreeTaxUSA** - This is probably your best bet. They offer free federal filing with no income restrictions and fully support 1095-A forms and Form 8962 (Premium Tax Credit). The only potential cost is around $15 if you need to file a state return. **Cash App Taxes** - Completely free for both federal and state returns, and they handle marketplace insurance forms without any upgrade fees. The key is making sure you're accessing the truly free versions of these services, not the "freemium" versions that hit you with surprise charges. Your situation with the Maryland Marketplace 1095-A is actually pretty standard - you definitely shouldn't have to pay $120 for what amounts to basic tax form processing!
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Leo McDonald
•This is really helpful! I'm in a similar boat with TurboTax trying to charge me for my 1095-A. One question about FreeTaxUSA - when you say they support Form 8962, do they actually walk you through the calculations or do you have to figure out the premium tax credit math yourself? I'm worried about getting the reconciliation wrong since my advance payments were based on estimated income that ended up being different from my actual income.
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