u/Encoded_Python

Hello, I have a friend who recently got his contractors license in California.

He is a S-Corporation owner-employee. Just himself.

Anyway, the W/C quotes he is getting are upward of $3000+ for standard coverage excluding the owner. These were from insurance brokers

Does anyone know of a more affordable provider?

Thank you.

¿Alguien podría recomendarme un buen fotógrafo para una sesión de compromiso en La Ceiba? Si conocen algún sitio web, sería genial.

Right now I am really working on re-doing all my firm pricing.

Anyway, I have a new lead who I did a discovery for. He is interested in tax planning.

He is retired with a 401(k) and 457(b) plan, wants to to know when to rollover into a ROTH. His wife is a W2 and also has a 401(k). No SS yet for either of them. They own a rental property to. They want someone to consult on a bi-annual basis. Their joint gross income is around $300k. The only big thing adding to the scope is the potential that they are interested in moving from CA to TN along with the rental and want a tax advisor for that.

So far my quote is:

Preparation: $1,100

One-time discovery/tax plan: $1,200

Ongoing tax planning: $1,200

(HCOL)

The ongoing service would include answers to those questions as well as Y/E projections and a mid-year meeting and a November meeting.

Is this fair?

I don't know if this is the most effective way to price tax planning. My main time concern is the time I would spend researching the CA to TN move. As at his level of income, he is paying almost just as much tax to FTB as the IRS.

It's harder to scope these clients IMO as their tax planning is relatively straightforward.

What is the best way to approach fee based tax planning?

Client is a couple in the state of California. In 2025 they formed a multi-member LLC. Their intention was it to function as a property management company for mid-term tenants (31+ days) - nurses, construction workers, government employees, etc.

The only property they managed in 2025 is their own condo which they personally own and hold. They did not contribute the property to the LLC in anyway and both personally own it.

Typically, a multimember LLC solely owned by spouses is required to file 1065 with the exception of states with community property rules; wherein, they can elect disregarded status. But with the rental property I am on the fence regarding classifying it as a 1065 and Schedule E, versus, Rev. Proc. 2002-69 community-property disregarded election (Schedule Cs and Schedule E). I want to avoid misclassification.

FYI this client formed a bunch of LLC's based off what BS Financial Influencer said.

Update: The EIN used is a partnership EIN too...

Client is a couple in the state of California. In 2025 they formed a multi-member LLC. Their intention was it to function as a property management company for mid-term tenants (31+ days) - nurses, construction workers, government employees, etc.

The only property they managed in 2025 is their own condo which they personally own and hold. They did not contribute the property to the LLC in anyway and both personally own it.

Typically, a multimember LLC solely owned by spouses is required to file 1065 with the exception of states with community property rules; wherein, they can elect disregarded status. But with the rental property I am on the fence regarding classifying it as a 1065 and Schedule E, versus, Rev. Proc. 2002-69 community-property disregarded election (Schedule Cs and Schedule E). I want to avoid misclassification.

FYI this client formed a bunch of LLC's based off what BS Financial Influencer said.

Update: The EIN used is a partnership EIN too...

Location: California

Defendant Location: Texas

I have friend who is owns a business. Anyway she hired this AI/SEO influencer guy who was going to "revolutionize her business with AI Agents." One of these financial influencers that oversell and don't deliver. (I absolutely hate these people)

Anyway, she hired him December of 2025 and paid $8000. It was supposed to be an ongoing process until completion (I am still trying to see if she can chargeback but I feel she is outside the limits for a chargeback).

Now it's June and no work has been completed. Completely worthless. I bet that money is gone too.

This person is in Texas. I've been reading the rule for CA small claims court and it seems like he couldn't be sued in California. I don't think he is listed with CalSOS so no registered agent to serve.

How would this process go? Do we sue him in Texas despite the work being completed online for CA business?

https://preview.redd.it/fu5ub0vper8h1.png?width=2062&format=png&auto=webp&s=3c0560418bbd7e1d5cbdf55bdc755c38f08b3458

I've seen quite a lot of people get this error. Does anyone know how to fix it? It's been over two weeks and I still can't sync my I129F. I got my NOA1 receipt via email and mail and egov.uscis.gov acknowledges my receipt number.

I bought this engagement ring for my girlfriend but it looks very off in person. It is a real Moissanite and 10K gold but it just looks very strange.

1

2

As advertised

My mom told me it was because of the Marquise shape that it looks artificial. On a side note, the Gold also looks a bit off. Anyway, I bought this off of Etsy and I am weighing whether or not to return it.

My girlfriend really likes the Marquise and Oval stones. Can anyone give advice on this? Does the Moissanite and gold look off? Are Marquise stones known for this?

I bought this engagement ring for my girlfriend but it looks very off in person. It is a real Moissanite and 10K gold but it just looks very strange.

1

2

As advertised

My mom told me it was because of the Marquise shape that it looks artificial. On a side note, the Gold also looks a bit off. Anyway, I bought this off of Etsy and I am weighing whether or not to return it.

My girlfriend really likes the Marquise and Oval stones. Can anyone give advice on this? Does the Moissanite and gold look off? Are Marquise stones known for this?

I bought this engagement ring for my girlfriend but it looks very off in person.

1

2

3

4 on my moms hand

As advertised

My mom told me it was because of the Marquise shape that it looks artificial. On a side note, the Gold also looks a bit off. Anyway, I bought this off of Etsy and I am weighing whether or not to return it.

My girlfriend really likes the Marquise and Oval stones. Can anyone give advice on this? Does the Moissanite and gold look fake? Are Marquise stones known for this?

Hello I hope you are doing well. I am honored to be apart of the K-1 club!!! Woohoo.

When I was preparing my I-129F I was overwhelmed with information. However, there are certain things regarding preparation of the physical application that aren't talked about enough.

To preface, my application is in processing and I am not an immigration expert or lawyer.

I am a credentialed US tax practitioner and I prepare a lot of paper evidence and filings that are reviewed by administrative government agencies. Over the years, I have learned that if you can make the government's job easier, things will speed up. There aren't requirements but there are preferences.

When preparing my application, I thought of the officer who would be reviewing it. I also consulted a lawyer who gave fantastic insight. Likely, they could be reviewing 15 to 30 applications or more a day. This sort of review is tiring work and likely they won't spend much time on your application.

The purpose of this guide focusses on improvements and recommendations for your preparation I-129F and related forms/evidence.

The following is what I did for my I-129F application.

• Preliminary work. Study the objectives of I-129F for your situation. Generally you must establish:
  • The petitioner is a US Citizen with a US domicile.
  • There is intent to marry between both parties.
  • Both parties met in person within two years of filing.
  • Existence of a legitimate ongoing romantic relationship.

Keeping these things in mind will help you to filter through your evidence and focus on the strongest evidence. For special situations you may have additional goals.

Physical Application

• 24lb stock is USCIS preference. The machines that scan the applications feed very fast and need something sturdy, but not too sturdy - don't use card stock.
• Laser printing > inkjet printers. Laser printing is better quality.
• High quality scanner to make printable copies. 600 DPI or more produces a sharp image.
• Typed > written. From my experience, human reviewers HATE anything handwritten. USCIS prefers typed anyway.
• G-1450 or G-1650 goes on TOP so the lockbox agent can scan it first.
• 2x2 photos, place them in a ziplock bag and use your only paper clip to secure it. Print them on gloss paper.
• Use a pencil to write the name on the back.
• Tip: If your SO can't mail them, you can print theirs on a 4x6 then cut to size.
• Do not stable or bind your application. If absolutely needed, use a fastener that can easily be removed.
• Single sided pages only!

Mailing your application

• Use the correct Lockbox address. It doesn't go directly to the service center.
• Use a flat 8x11 envelope.
• Use the same envelope.
• USPS vs Private courier. To be honest, it doesn't matter much. The only reason not to use USPS is if you can't access it, you are overseas, or it's cheaper/faster.
• Use Certified Mail. In general, anything you mail to the government you should use certified mail as it is your legal proof of delivery. Don't do more than certified mail.
  • Note: Certified mail always contains a tracking number. You do not need a return receipt.

Unless you have an industrial color laser printer, I recommend printing everything at a local shop. Ask for their best 24lb laser stock. I used Fedex and printed 54 pages which cost me $25. The printing quality was beautiful. I used USPS flat rate priority mail and it arrived in two days.

Preparation of I-129F, G-1450/G-1650, G-1145.

• Read USCIS instructions before word by word!!! Watch a guide if you need it!
• Prepare each form filling everything in order and read every question and fill each box very carefully. Do not skip over any question.
• Do not whiteout or highlight these forms.
• Type in all caps and date mm/dd/yyyy.
• Ensure consistency - e.g names should match supporting evidence.
• Review the application carefully.
  • Double, triple, quadruple check! Ask your SO, a family member, or a trusted friend to read it over for you. It will reduce clerical errors. If corrections need to be made, use Adobe or Libreoffice to correct your form. A unchecked box can trigger an RFE.
• Using UNKNOWN.
  • If you do not know the answer to a certain field, type "UNKNOWN". My Fiancée doesn't know much about her mother. We didn't know her DOB or where she was living. We made a good-faith effort to contact anyone who could help us find these answers but were fruitless. If you don't know, you don't know.
• Line 54 of Part 2. You can write SEE ATTACHED.
• Part 8.
  • I notice a lot of confusion regarding formatting referencing fields.
  • Example: I need to list an additional employer.
  • Page No. 2 | Part No. 1 | Item No. 13-20.
  • | Employer
  • | Address
  • | Occupation
  • | Date
  • | For additional explanation reference the exact item. You can write (See Attachment X)
• G-1450/G-1650
• Check the fee schedule before you prepare this form.
• Call your bank or card issuer prior and tell them to make a note for "USCIS DALLAS LOCKBOX" and the merchant is pay.gov, inform them of the fee amount. The fraud algorithm banks use weigh this.
  • Note: G-1650 is the preferred option. I used G-1450 and I have a very fraud sensitive credit issuer and had no problems.
• G-1145. Don't forget it if you want electronic notification.
• Sign all the aforementioned forms by hand and with black ink.

Take your time with filling out the forms and study the instructions carefully. It is a straightforward form. If you don't want to pay for Acrobat, use the PDF filler native to Microsoft edge or you can use Libreoffice Draw which is the open source equivalent to Acrobat.

Application supporting evidence less is more

• 12 PT, 1.5 space, arial or new times roman font for supporting evidence. Format it as you would a professional business letter. Readability is great!
• One page table of contents listing each exhibit of the application. Example:
  • I-129F
  • Exhibit A: Description
  • Exhibit B: Description etc
  • Cover pages, including a list of contents for the respective exhibit. You can also write I-129F SUPPLEMENT PART 2, QUESTION 54.a.
• Citizenship of the petitioner.
  • Birth Certificate. Each side gets it's own page - even if the back is blank. If you need to, order a certified copy from the county/city you were born. I used word and added in the footer that I attest it is a true copy of the original.
  • Lesser known proof of citizenship: Passport Card with at least five years of validity or a sworn statement from a U.S consular officer certifying you are a US Citizen.
• Page numbers. Mine was like this. Exhibit A, B, C, pg 1, 2, 3, etc.
• Applicant letters. Each should be brief, no more than two pages. Around 500-600 words. Focus on the most important points, dates, and descriptive text should be modest. Conclude with an oath.
• Letter of intent to marry. One page. Conclude with an oath.
  • Engagement photos and a ring receipts is a plus.
• Pictures together. Include no more than 30 well chosen and spread out photos.
  • I used PowerPoint and used two images per slide and below the image included: Date, notable people (if applicable), and a 1-2 sentence description. I printed them as a two slide handout (four images a page) with minimal margins. I found this to be better than word and much easier to look at!
• Passport stamps. Include the biographic on one page (Include the expired passport if applicable). Each scanned image of the passport gets a page. Include a short caption at the bottom
• Pictures of receipts/boarding passes. Include all applicable receipts. Hotels 1-2 per page, caption: Date, Vendor, Location. Transit receipts, 1 per page, caption: Date, Vendor, XXX to XXX, and arrival/departure.
  • I used Word for this. For my airline/ferry tickets, I created a table with four rows. I pasted the arrival ticket screenshot in row 1, caption in row 2, departing in row 3, caption in row 4.
• Pictures of communications. Include some messages, call logs, and letters**.**
  • I used Word. I included six screenshots of messages, two of recent calls logs, and three photos of letters. I screen shotted on my phone texts messages and call logs. I used a 4x4 table in word. Pasted the screenshots in the top rows and entered the date with a short caption at the bottom. In the footer I entered the date of the screenshot.
  • For the letters, I used word. The envelope is what matters most. 4x4 table Pictures of the envelope pasted into the left rows. On the right, a short description of contents, sent/receive dates**,** and letter contents.
• Affidavits (Secondary Evidence). Only include highly relevant affidavits; 1 to 2 pages long. Include 1 to 2 people. Format in same letter format.
  • Oath and penalty of perjury statement is required. You don't need notarize affidavits.
  • USCIS weighs these lightly. To be honest, it's not necessary.
  • Note: This does not apply to affidavits for waivers or missing primary evidence.

Note: Include originals if translated and certify translations where applicable. You can translate and certify but when translating the original meaning and intent must translate to English. If you don't feel confident hire a third party.

Focus on your primary evidence. For secondary evidence, quality over quantity. Again, do not include 200 photos, 10 affidavits, or a years worth of messages. It only slows down the officer reviewing your application and worse they may miss details that support you. USCIS even recommends applicants to avoid submitting oversized applications.

• Organizing your primary forms. This is very important.
  1. G-1450/G-1650 on the TOP of your package.
  2. Overview with table of contents.
  3. G-1145 on TOP of the I-129F
  4. I-129F
• Organizing your other evidence. There is flexibility here.

How I organized my application.

1. G-1450
2. Table of contents. Technically it will be moved behind the I-129F by the lockbox agent.
3. G-1145
4. I-129F (2x2 photos attached to page one
5. PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP OF PETITIONER
6. Exhibit A Applicant letters
7. Exhibit B Proof of intent to marry
8. Exhibit C Proof of meeting within two years
9. Exhibit D Proof of ongoing relationship and affidavits

My application was 54 pages long.

The USCIS lockbox has the goal to issue receipt as fast as possible. They do not do vetting, they just make sure the application has been prepared and arranged correctly and collect payment. I the application is large, bound, or incorrectly arranged, I suspect it can take more time.

The USCIS lockbox process, from my own research.

1. Package arrived.
2. P.O. Box checked various times during the day package is sent for scanning.
3. Package opened and G-1450/G-1650 is located.
4. Payment processed.
5. G-1145/I-129F moved to the front, completeness verified, and I-129F pages are arranged in the correct the order. Secondary evidence is placed in the back.
6. Header pages may be added. At this time certain packages could be placed aside for further doc prep.
7. Package is placed in a high speed scanner. Package is digitized.
8. AI and computer agent verifies that there are no missing fields on the I-129F.
9. Stamps and dates transaction as received.
10. Package is dispatched to a service center.
11. Lockbox issues the receipt.
12. Paper mailings may be stored or destroyed.

This is all done in checkpoints and it is done very quickly.

To conclude, from my experience representing and working with the IRS, a lot of the times, the largest slowdowns with cases were due to extra admin required to prepare filings prior to processing. I strongly believe USCIS is exactly the same way and admin increases processing time more than people realize. Applications are definitely sorted based off the I-129F responses due to vetting. It is possible that applications may be further sorted if the application is large and disorganized for further review.

Anyway, I hope this helps!

So I booked a flight on 6/3 for me and my brother and on the final leg, I booked two bulkhead economy seats 04A and 04B, and paid for my ticket. I received the email confirmation with the e-ticket purchase listing said seats.

Today, my brother asked me to move him to the aisle seat. So I went to manage my reservation and when I changed the seat, and it wanted me to pay again. I thought, how strange, so I exited without confirming, because I am not going to pay for another ticket that I already paid for. Then I went back, and the system removed my seat reservation and is wanting me to pay for both AGAIN.

I called the customer service, I explained them the ticket situation and asked for escalation. She couldn't escalate to a supervisor, said she couldn't change my ticket, and all she could do is submit a complaint. Eventually she agreed with me that this is a technical error.

So irritating. Avianca's website is the WORST!!!

So I booked a flight on 6/3 for me and my brother and on the final leg, I booked two bulkhead economy seats 04A and 04B, and paid for my ticket. I received the email confirmation with the e-ticket purchase listing said seats.

Today, my brother asked me to move him to the aisle seat. So I went to manage my reservation and when I changed the seat, and it wanted me to pay again. I thought, how strange, so I exited without confirming, because I am not going to pay for another ticket that I already paid for. Then I went back, and the system removed my seat reservation and is wanting me to pay for both AGAIN.

I called the customer service, I explained them the ticket situation and asked for escalation. She couldn't escalate to a supervisor, said she couldn't change my ticket, and all she could do is submit a complaint. Eventually she agreed with me that this is a technical error.

So irritating. Avianca's website is the WORST!!!

Median processing times

So I found this interesting statistic recently on the USCIS website and it made me wonder.

For example the I-129F, right now 80% of cases are completed within 11.5 months based on the case processing times. That is a big deal, because one case could take 8 months while other cases can take exactly 11.5 months and still fit in that 80th percentile.

But this historical processing statistic demonstrates the median case approvals for 50% of cases. That being said, this median is fundamentally flawed as the remaining 50% of those likely skew to the right. Immigration processing times in general skew to the right.

Suffice to say, that I feel this median can be used as an accurate baseline for the earliest expected approvals and can be used to spot potential trends. I feel it could help with straightforward cases, for example a I-129F with strong enough primary evidence, may be closer to the 7.5 month median than the 11.5 month 80th percentile, versus an I-129F with secondary evidence and additional complications, which will be closer to that 11.5 month time.

For what it's worth, its a useful statistic to be used not for wish casting but as a tool to set reasonable expectations and to encourage clean and quality filings.

I am planning to propose to my girlfriend in July! Yay!!! I am so excited for our future together.

Anyway, I have her friend helping me choose a style she likes.

At this time, my budget is $400 to $800. I am trying to stay on the lower end.

I am looking for recommendations for vendors, I read the vendor list already, but I wanted to see what people thought would be a company that would fit my budget.

So recently, I onboarded a new client. Originally I was only going to file delinquent California LLC filings. Anyway, he uploaded copies of his 1040s and fraudulent deductions were taken resulting in a significant understatement - a paid "preparer" filed this return. I brought it to the attention of the taxpayer, he was shocked and wants to voluntarily fix it.

I told him for now, do not confront him. I was helping him fill out the preparer misconduct affidavit and asked him where he heard about this preparer, he told me through a trusted co-worker who referred him.

Anyway, my concern is, the co-worker and potentially other people in the taxpayers personal circle are being preyed on by this person and it's only a matter of time until the IRS or FTB catches on. If they are also victims, they should know so they can take action. However, I have a what-if bothering me, what-if the co-worker is working or tips off the preparer.

What is the best way to handle the situation with the co-worker? Would it be unwise for him to inform his co-worker?

Based off my understanding of circular 230, my obligation is to my client. Still, there is nothing stopping him personally from bringing it up to his co-worker.

Prior to this our plan was spousal visa.

I am USC and my significant other is Honduran (not of the banned country list). No criminal records, nothing that complicates her case.

We have plenty of evidence of a bona fide relationship too.

We are hoping to get married in the future. We want to live in the United States.

I don’t mind living a year or even two for processing. Just not 3+ years. My work is flexible so I can be with her in Honduras.

After reading this forum, I wanted to hear what is the best way for her to come here. At this point with all the delays, is it just better for her to come on a K-1? Do any of you regret doing the spousal visa?

Edit: Ignoring cost. I also can prove domicile in the US

Client came to me for tax resolution services. He has a SMLLC and didn't realize that he was required to file FTB 568 for his business in the years (2020-2023) it was inactive. The first thing that was fishy was the call, his current "preparer" does will not file the delinquent 568s but supposedly was current with them. Ok... not to bad... So I did my onboarding, LOE, etc, and he voluntarily uploaded his two years - 24 and 23. The first thing I did was scroll straight to the bottom of the 2023 PDF to see if there was a 568 and there wasn't....

The tax return was strangely malnourished, in the sense that there was missing pages. Lo and behold on the 2023 Schedule 1 line 3 there was a 50k nol but no schedule C.

I checked the 2024 and there was an actual schedule C.... with zero income and the only deduction being the home office deduction.... and line 30 was $81k....................................

I only see the firm address, EIN, and the name of the firm in the third party preparer section. The preparers name is just the business.... And the address is some virtual office in SF.

Anyway, I am going breaking some bad news here pretty soon... I've only heard of this happening but have never experienced it. Feel free to share the outcomes if you know of any...

Edit: FTB 568 is the California mandatory LLC return for disregarded entity I.E a single member LLC with no tax elections. I am CA based and this is another way California enjoys harassing businesses.

The preparer is very much a ghost preparer. No name of the preparer, no PTIN, no record on the CTEC website and no not an enrolled practitioner.

The taxpayer I don’t feel actually knows what is happening, just that this guy is getting him 10k+ refunds….. it’s sad but true.