Just want to add - make sure you pull your credit reports ASAP from all three bureaus. When my ex was forging my signature on tax docs, he was also opening credit cards in my name. The behavior often doesn't stop at just tax fraud. You can get free weekly reports from annualcreditreport.com (the official site authorized by federal law). If you see anything suspicious, immediately dispute it and consider placing a credit freeze.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - what a betrayal on top of an already difficult divorce. This is definitely fraud, and you have multiple avenues to pursue. For immediate protection, I'd recommend: 1. Contact the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service (1-877-777-4778) - they can help coordinate your case across different IRS departments and ensure you're protected while investigations proceed. 2. File Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) with the IRS to establish that your identity was stolen for tax purposes. This creates an official record that someone else was filing with your information. 3. Request transcripts of all your past tax returns from the IRS using Form 4506-T so you can see exactly what was filed in your name. Since you're in divorce proceedings, your attorney should definitely know about this immediately. They may want to subpoena banking records to trace where those refund checks went, which could impact your property division. The fact that he's suddenly using an accountant for 2023 taxes shows he knows what he was doing was wrong. Document everything and keep copies of all communications. This level of deception suggests there may be other financial surprises hiding. Stay strong - you're taking the right steps to protect yourself and your child's future.

Just want to add - if you're filing fewer than 10 information returns (like 1099-INT), you can actually file them for FREE electronically through the IRS FIRE system. No need for special red forms or paying for e-filing services. Here's the link: https://fire.irs.gov/ You'll need to register for an account, but it's relatively straightforward. This solved the exact problem you're having with the red forms, and it's direct through the IRS.

I completely understand your frustration with those red sections - I had the exact same issue when I inherited some bonds from my grandmother. The red sections are indeed locked because they're meant to be printed on special red scannable paper that only the IRS provides. Here's what worked for me: I called the IRS Forms Ordering line at 1-800-829-3676 and requested Form 1099-INT (red scannable copies). They're free but take 7-10 business days to arrive. When you get them, you'll fill them out by hand or typewriter - no PDF needed for the red copies. One tip: when you call to order, ask for a few extra copies since you can't print more yourself if you make a mistake. Also, don't forget you'll need Form 1096 (the transmittal form) to send along with your 1099-INTs. The deadline for filing these with the IRS is February 28 for paper filing or March 31 if you e-file. You need to give copies to your siblings by January 31 so they can report the income on their returns. Since we're already past those deadlines for 2024, you might want to expedite getting those forms ordered and filed.

I've been in construction for 15 years and have seen companies handle this all different ways. Here's what I've learned - if your company ONLY pays for gas but nothing else (wear and tear, oil changes, tires, etc.), you're getting a raw deal. 7,500 miles of job site driving will absolutely destroy your truck over time. That's brakes, suspension work, depreciation, etc. Gas is honestly the smaller expense compared to everything else.

I went through this exact situation last year as a W-2 employee. Unfortunately, as others have mentioned, you can't deduct mileage expenses on your personal return when you're getting the gas card - the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act really screwed over employees with unreimbursed business expenses. But here's what I'd strongly recommend: Start documenting EVERYTHING beyond just mileage. Track your maintenance costs, tire replacements, oil changes, brake work - all the stuff your gas card doesn't cover. At 7,500 miles of job site driving, you're looking at serious wear and tear costs. Then take all that documentation to your employer and make a business case for switching to standard mileage reimbursement. Show them that at 65.5 cents per mile, your 7,500 miles would cost them about $4,912 - but they might actually save money on administrative costs from not managing gas cards. Plus it's better for employee retention when people aren't subsidizing the company's business with their personal vehicle expenses. If they won't budge, honestly consider looking for another construction management job that either provides a company vehicle or proper mileage reimbursement. Your truck shouldn't be a business expense you have to eat.

Another option I've used: take screenshots of the Amazon order confirmations showing the charity's shipping address, then combine those with your bank statements. Keep email confirmations from Amazon too. I've done this for the past 3 years with my donations to a local shelter and haven't had any issues. Just make sure you're only claiming the actual cost of the items, not shipping or handling if that's separate.

Don't forget there's a $300 above-the-line deduction for charitable donations even if you take the standard deduction! So even if the total of your Amazon wishlist donations is small, it's still worth documenting properly.

Quick question - has anyone received a refund with a reference code WITHOUT having to call the IRS? I've had code 1581 for about 4 weeks and wondering if I just need to be patient or if calling is absolutely necessary?

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my return 4 weeks ago and have been stuck with Reference 1581 this whole time. It's so frustrating when you're depending on that money and the IRS gives you these cryptic codes with no real explanation. Reading through all these responses is actually really helpful though. I was starting to panic thinking something was seriously wrong with my return, but it sounds like this is just a normal (albeit annoying) part of their review process this year. I also claimed EITC like you did, so that's probably what triggered the additional review. Based on what others are saying, it seems like most people are getting their refunds within 4-6 weeks even with this code, so hopefully we're both close to getting approved soon! Thanks for posting this question - you're definitely not alone in dealing with this frustrating situation!