I will try to add as many details as possible, so someone may be able to better understand my situation, and help ASAP. I have already spent over $500 through tax preparers, recently, yet still haven't "filed my taxes." One place even had 3 of their preparers sit in on our session, and still wasn't able to tell me what to do.

For all of 2014, I again worked as an Independent Contractor/Self-Employed, whichever way you want to look at it. I know I was technically an employee, (I had a set schedule, tasks, pay, etc.), but the employer insisted I wasn't. Long story short, between my daily shift pay (cash), and my daily tips (cash), I made around $6,500 for the year. I did not pay self taxes throughout the year, instead, decided to wait until I filed, to pay them like last season. Through the entire year of 2014, I kept a very detailed tip/wage diary, along with a separate one for expenses (I frequently had to buy materials, food, misc. things for this business, and at one point, had to buy a used laptop, when mine crashed, to continue doing the work for them that I was.) I was not reimbursed for any of this.

Here is the problem. The owners of this business decided to put the place up for sale at the end of December 2014, without telling me, words were said, and I was terminated from there "as an Independent Contractor." When it came time to file taxes this year, I called their CPA, like I do every year, to see if my 1099 was ready to be picked up. I was informed that they were instructed not to create one for me, and said I never reported my wages/tips, so I would not be getting one. I contacted the owners, and they too said that it was "on me."

Now, a few questions:

1.) What is the best route for me to take now/what all Forms or Schedules do I need to get as a Self-Employed person/Contractor.

2.) My fiancé and I live together, with my minor son, and he claimed me (only me) as a dependent when he filed his taxes, since obviously, $6,500 for the year wouldn't have supported myself. Is that going to cause a problem with me filing taxes?

3.) After my ex-husband filed his taxes this year, he called me to tell me that although it was his year to claim our son as a dependent ( I gave him the Form 8332), that his tax preparer informed him that I was to get the Child Credit every year since our son resides with dm full-time, and my ex's "years" are just to claim him as a dependent. So, can that even be split like that, and means I will get the child credit on our son even though my ex claimed him as a dependent?

4.) I receive $126 a month from Veteran's Affairs ($1,512 a year), which is non taxable. Do I report that as well?

5.) Since I made so little, will it help or hurt me to claim all of my job related expenses? And, when I add in my child care cost, plus my expenses, it brings my total income down to nearly nothing.

6.) Last question: An immediate family member was incarcerated early on in 2014. When released, the terms of their probation were to reside in a steady, stable environment, while looking for work. I was the "lucky chosen one." They lived with my for over half the year (coming and going as they please), until they again went back to prison during the end of 2014. I do not have their Social Security number, not sure how to obtain it, and not really even sure I can claim them. They did not work any of 2014, and their only income was a monthly retirement/pension check ($2,568 annually). Should I just leave that alone?

I am truly sorry this was so long. I have read and researched until my eyeballs hurt. I don't know much about taxes, and just feel utterly lost. Especially when 3 well know tax places were even unsure what to do, yet still charged me. I need a refund this year VERY badly to get caught up, and I pray every one of you who took the time to read/respond to this is blessed. Thank you!!!!!!