The Turbotax system hung up on me, business income shows a loss, and my audit risk is medium, how do I get someone to help with this?

[vivianrose84]

The last time I had a problem I was able to call and talk to someone but it seems they've rigged the system to hang up on you instead now.

I file a schedule C every year. Usually my audit risk is low but now it's medium. I think it's because my income from one of my businesses dropped this year. I wasn't selling much online because I was busy with freelance writing, plus the post office has gone to hell since Louis DeJoy took over. I literally have NEVER had so many lost/damaged packages in all my years selling online, so between the low profit margins and high refunds I was forced to give, I lost money on this particular business. Didn't realize how much until I did the taxes. I made money on my other businesses though. 

I don't know what to do. The total income for this business is less than $1,000 and even though I thought I had a profit (albeit a small one) it shows a loss and I don't know why. Plus I don't know if I should pay self employed taxes quarterly. My mom says I'm probably paying a fine for not doing that. FML.

I really wish I could get someone at TurboTax on the phone instead of asking randos in an online forum.

[AliciaP1]

There are many different reasons why TurboTax is estimating your audit risk might have bumped up to medium.  If you know you have reported your information correctly, you should be confident in filing your returns.  

Your business may be showing a loss due to depreciation from assets placed in service in past years, or you may have made an error in one of your expense amounts.  You should review your entries to ensure they are accurate before you proceed.

To do this in TurboTax Online you can follow these steps:

1. Within your tax return use the magnifying glass icon to search for Schedule C
2. Click the Jump to link
3. Click Edit for the line of work
4. Click Edit for each income and expense line (including Assets if you have them) and verify your entries

If you would like assistance reviewing your return, you can upgrade to TurboTax Live Assisted by clicking the Live Tax Advice button in the upper right of your screen when you are logged into TurboTax.