This is such a helpful thread! I'm dealing with a similar situation with my disabled brother. One thing I wanted to add that hasn't been mentioned yet - if your siblings receive any government benefits like SSI or SSDI, make sure to check if those count toward their "gross income" for the qualifying relative test. From what I understand, SSI payments generally don't count as taxable income, but SSDI might depending on the total amount and other factors. This could affect whether your working sibling exceeds that $4,700 income threshold. Also, Diego, since you mentioned your father only receives Social Security and doesn't file taxes, you might want to confirm he's not eligible to claim them first before you do. Even if he doesn't file, he might still have the right to claim them as dependents if he wanted to file. Keep detailed records of everything - I use a spreadsheet tracking every expense I cover for my brother throughout the year. Makes tax time so much easier!

One thing that might help you figure out the support calculation is to create a monthly budget for each sibling. I did this when I was trying to determine if I could claim my disabled aunt. Break it down into categories: housing (fair rental value), food, utilities, clothing, medical expenses, transportation, personal care items, etc. Then track what you contribute vs. what your father provides through housing and other support. For the housing piece specifically, you can look up fair market rental values in your area for similar accommodations. The IRS expects you to use reasonable estimates - you don't need to hire an appraiser or anything. Also, since your father is on Social Security only, his income is probably pretty limited. If you're covering things like medical expenses, medications, clothing, and transportation throughout the year, you might be surprised how quickly that adds up to over 50% of their total support. Just make sure to document everything and maybe have your father sign a statement acknowledging that he's not claiming them as dependents and confirming the level of support you provide. This creates a clear paper trail if the IRS ever has questions.

I'm so sorry you're going through this devastating situation. As someone who works in tax compliance, I can confirm this is absolutely serious federal tax fraud. Forging signatures on tax documents and Treasury checks are felony offenses that carry significant penalties. What strikes me most about your situation is the systematic nature of the deception - keeping you away from tax documents, being evasive about refunds, and then suddenly hiring an accountant when he knows the documents will be scrutinized. This shows clear intent and knowledge that his actions were illegal. Beyond all the excellent advice already given about IRS forms and reporting, I want to emphasize something important: make sure you keep copies of everything you file and every communication you have with agencies. Create a master file with all your documentation, forms submitted, and agency contact information. This will be invaluable as you navigate multiple investigations and your divorce proceedings. Also consider requesting a copy of your Social Security Administration earnings record to verify that all the income reported on those fraudulent returns actually matches what was reported by your employers. Sometimes tax fraudsters manipulate income figures too, and having that official record could reveal additional discrepancies. You're being incredibly brave by taking action to protect yourself and your child. The fact that he's suddenly "playing by the rules" for 2023 taxes just proves he knew exactly what he was doing wrong all those previous years. Don't let anyone minimize this as just "marriage problems" - this is criminal behavior that deserves serious consequences. You've got this, and this community is clearly here to support you through this process.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this betrayal during such a vulnerable time. What you've discovered is absolutely tax fraud and identity theft - forging signatures on federal tax documents and Treasury checks are serious federal crimes. As others have mentioned, you should definitely pursue innocent spouse relief, but I also want to emphasize the importance of protecting your credit immediately. Pull your credit reports from all three bureaus and consider placing a credit freeze. If your ex was comfortable forging your signature on tax documents, there's a real possibility he may have opened credit accounts or taken loans in your name. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you change the address on file with the IRS so any future correspondence comes directly to you, not a shared address he might still access. You can do this by filing Form 8822 (Change of Address). The Medicaid fraud is particularly serious because it's a state crime that could result in criminal charges beyond just the federal tax issues. Document any conversations or evidence showing you had no knowledge of those applications. Please don't blame yourself for not catching this sooner. Financial abusers are skilled at gaslighting their victims and making questioning seem unreasonable. The fact that he's suddenly using an accountant for 2023 proves he knew his previous behavior was wrong all along. You're taking exactly the right steps to protect yourself and your child. This pattern of deception will work strongly in your favor during divorce proceedings. Stay strong!

Tax pro here: The IP PIN and identity verification serve different purposes. IP PIN prevents fraudulent filing, verification confirms you filed. You may need both depending on your situation. Pro tip: use taxr.ai if you want a detailed analysis of your specific case - it's been a game changer for my clients.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! This clears up my confusion. I was hoping the IP PIN would simplify things but sounds like I need to be prepared for both. Really appreciate the detailed explanations - makes sense that they serve different security purposes even though it's frustrating to deal with multiple layers.

Have you tried logging into your H&R Block online account? Sometimes you can see the disbursement details there. Or maybe check your email for a receipt from when you filed? I need to figure this out too for next year. Did you specifically request the refund to be transferred to your bank after it hits the Emerald Card?

I had this exact same confusion with H&R Block two years ago! Here's what actually happens: when you pay that $42 refund transfer fee, your refund will definitely go to the Emerald Card first - that's how their system works. The IRS sends your refund to H&R Block's temporary account, they deduct their fees, then put the remainder on your Emerald Card. From there, if you set up a transfer to your bank account during filing, it should automatically move to your bank within 1-3 business days. But if you didn't specifically request that transfer, the money will just stay on the Emerald Card. Check your filing paperwork or log into your H&R Block account online to see what transfer option you selected. The automated system is telling you the truth - it goes to the card first, then potentially to your bank depending on your choices.

Just adding my experience - I took short term disability last year after surgery and realized months later that my company had taken taxes out of the payments but I had been paying the STD insurance premiums with after-tax dollars for years! I ended up having to file an amended return to get back about $900 in taxes. If you paid for the STD with after-tax money, double check your W-2 and paystubs. You might be paying taxes you don't actually owe.

I went through something very similar last year and want to share what I learned. The key thing is figuring out how your STD premiums were paid - this makes ALL the difference in how the benefits should be taxed. Here's what you need to check: Look at your pay stubs from before you went on disability and see if there's a line item for "STD" or "Short Term Disability" deductions. If those deductions were taken AFTER taxes were calculated on your gross pay, then the benefits you received should actually be tax-free. For bereavement leave, that's straightforward - it's always considered regular taxable wages since it's just paid time off from your employer. The tricky part is if your employer incorrectly treated tax-free STD benefits as taxable income on your W-2. This is surprisingly common because payroll departments don't always track the premium payment method correctly. If this happened to you, you'd need to get a corrected W-2 or file an amended return. I'd suggest calling your benefits department and specifically asking: "Were my STD premiums deducted pre-tax or after-tax?" Get that answer in writing if possible. If they were after-tax and your employer included the STD payments in your taxable wages, you're probably owed a refund.