Has anyone successfully back filed using TurboTax or similar software? Can I still download the older versions somewhere?

Don't feel embarrassed about this situation - you're definitely not alone! I was in a very similar spot a few years ago and successfully got everything sorted out. One thing that really helped me was creating a simple spreadsheet to track each year I needed to file. I listed out 2021, 2022, and 2023, then made columns for "Documents Collected," "Return Prepared," "Return Mailed," and "Confirmation Received." It kept me organized and made the whole process feel less overwhelming. Since you mentioned you have all your W-2s, you're already ahead of where I was! Make sure to also gather any 1099 forms (for freelance work, bank interest, etc.), receipts for deductions you might claim, and records of any estimated tax payments you might have made. The key thing to remember is that filing late is always better than not filing at all. Even if there are penalties, getting compliant with the IRS will put you in a much better position going forward. And yes, you can absolutely file your 2024 return now while working on the back filing - they're completely separate processes. Good luck with getting everything caught up! You've got this.

The tax software wont let you claim the child tax credit for her if you indicate your spouse is claiming her, but you can still get other benefits as the custodial parent. Its confusing but actually works out better financially for most couples this way.

This whole thread has been super helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation where my ex-wife and I share custody but she claims our son as a dependent. Reading through all these responses, I'm realizing I might be missing out on Head of Household status and other credits I'm entitled to as the custodial parent. Quick question for those who've been through this - does the IRS ever question why two parents from the same household are filing with different statuses? Like if I file as Head of Household and my wife files separately claiming our daughter as a dependent? I'm worried it might trigger some kind of red flag in their system even though it sounds like this is totally legitimate. Also seeing a lot of mentions of Form 8332 - is this something that needs to be filed every year or just once when you first make the agreement?

I've been filing taxes for 15+ years and have noticed significant variation in acceptance times. Here's what I've observed: Step 1: Understand that "acceptance" just means the IRS received your return with no obvious errors - not that they've processed it Step 2: Check your tax software's status page (not just email) as they often have more detailed information Step 3: If it's been more than 48 hours, look for any rejection notices that might have gone to spam Step 4: After 72 hours with no update, contact your tax software support first, then consider contacting the IRS I filed on January 29th this year and it took 26 hours for acceptance - much longer than previous years but everything was fine.

I'm experiencing the exact same thing! Filed my return through FreeTaxUSA on Tuesday and it's now Friday with still no acceptance notification. In previous years, I'd get that green checkmark within an hour or two max. This waiting game is driving me nuts because I have some major expenses coming up and was counting on getting my refund processed quickly. Has anyone tried checking the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool during this limbo period? I'm wondering if it shows anything useful before the official acceptance comes through, or if it just says "return not found" until acceptance happens. Really hoping this is just the new normal with their enhanced security measures and not some system-wide issue that's going to delay the entire season!

I work in HR for a mid-sized company and we've been addressing this issue with our remote employees. Here's what many don't realize: employers can set up an "accountable plan" to reimburse employees for legitimate business expenses including home office costs. These reimbursements aren't taxable to employees and are deductible by the company. This can include partial internet, phone, supplies, and even a reasonable allocation of rent/mortgage for dedicated workspace. The key is proper documentation and business necessity. Instead of hoping for tax law changes in 2026, talk to your HR department about implementing an accountable plan. Many companies don't do this simply because they don't know it's an option. We implemented one last year and it's been a win-win - employees get tax-free reimbursements and we get the deduction plus happier remote workers.

Just an FYI - I've been a 1099 contractor for years and the home office deduction isn't the amazing tax saver many W2 employees think it is. You have to use the space EXCLUSIVELY for business - meaning no personal use whatsoever. The IRS is pretty strict about this. Plus, if you claim depreciation on your home through this deduction and then sell your house, you might face recapture taxes on the depreciation taken. It complicates home sales significantly. For most W2 employees, even if the deduction comes back, the 2% AGI floor that was mentioned above meant many couldn't actually benefit. And with the higher standard deduction now, even fewer would itemize enough to see any benefit. Don't make remote work decisions based on tax deductions that might return in 2026. There are much better reasons to work remotely than potential tax benefits that might not materialize or benefit you.

Just FYI - if you're a frequent gambler, you should keep a gambling diary or log for ALL your gambling activities (wins AND losses). Document dates, locations, type of gambling, amounts, witnesses if possible. The IRS allows you to deduct losses up to the amount of your winnings, but only if you itemize deductions AND have proof of those losses. Without documentation, you can't claim the losses but still have to report all the winnings.

One thing nobody mentioned - even if you get a W-2G with taxes already withheld, the amount withheld is usually only 24% (federal backup withholding rate). If you're in a higher tax bracket, you might still owe more when you file! Had this happen to me last year with a $15k slot win. Was shocked when I still owed another $1,700 at tax time even though they'd already withheld like $3,600!