For anyone finding this thread later - if all else fails, you can just file a paper return! Yeah it's slower, but it works if you're up against the deadline and can't resolve the PIN issue. When I couldn't figure out my PIN issue last year, I just printed everything out and mailed it in. Got my refund in about 8 weeks. Not ideal, but better than not filing!

Just want to add another perspective here - if you're using TurboTax specifically, they have a feature called "Transfer Last Year's Data" that can sometimes help recover your Self-Select PIN. When you import your prior year return, it might pull in the PIN information automatically. Also, for future reference, I always write my Self-Select PIN on a sticky note and put it with my tax documents folder. Learned this lesson the hard way after going through the same panic as OP! The PIN is something you create, so there's no "official" record of it anywhere except what you or your software saved. One more thing - if you're still stuck and need to e-file today, try entering your prior year AGI as suggested above, but make sure you're using the exact amount from line 11 of your 2023 Form 1040. Don't round it or estimate - it has to match exactly what the IRS has on file.

Has anyone here actually succeeded in itemizing with Healthshare expenses? We're on Samaritan and paying about $750/month in shares plus had about $5k in expenses that weren't shared this year. But we're still well below the standard deduction threshold for married filing jointly.

Based on my experience with Healthshares and tax law, I want to clarify a few key points that might help you navigate this situation: First, you're correct that your monthly Healthshare contributions ($8k annually) are NOT the same as traditional insurance premiums for tax purposes. However, they DO count as qualifying medical expenses when calculating your itemized deductions, subject to the 7.5% AGI threshold. The $9k you paid out-of-pocket that wasn't reimbursed is also deductible as medical expenses. So you'd have $17k in potential medical deductions ($8k contributions + $9k out-of-pocket), which exceeds your 7.5% threshold of approximately $12,750 (based on $170k income). However, the reimbursed $29k is NOT deductible, regardless of whether you paid providers first and got reimbursed later. The IRS looks at the final economic burden - if you were ultimately made whole through reimbursement, you can't deduct those expenses. Given your income level and the amounts involved, you'd need to carefully calculate whether itemizing would benefit you over the $27,700 standard deduction for married filing jointly. Include your medical expenses above the threshold, state/local taxes (up to $10k), mortgage interest, and charitable donations to see if itemizing makes sense. Keep detailed records of everything, including dates, amounts, and proof of payment/reimbursement. Healthshare arrangements can sometimes trigger additional IRS scrutiny, so documentation is crucial.

Have you called the Treasury Offset Program directly? Sometimes they have more info than the state does. Their number is 800-304-3107. You'll need your ex's SSN and your case number.

I went through this exact same situation in Massachusetts last year! The waiting is absolutely brutal, especially when you're counting on that money. Here's what I learned from my experience: The 4-8 week timeline is pretty accurate, but it can stretch longer during tax season. Mine took about 7 weeks total. What really helped me was keeping a log of every call I made and who I spoke with - it made follow-up calls way more productive. One thing nobody mentioned yet is that you should ask the MA DOR for the "offset notification letter" - this shows the exact amount that was sent from the federal government and when. If there's a discrepancy between what you expect and what you receive, this letter is crucial. Also, if you haven't already, make sure your address is current with both the IRS and MA DOR. I've seen cases where payments get delayed because they're sent to old addresses. The waiting sucks but hang in there - the money will come through!

Don't forget to check with your dental insurance first! Some plans cover Invisalign partially if it's medically necessary. Mine covered about 25% of the cost because my dentist documented that I had TMJ issues. That reduced the amount I needed to try claiming on taxes.

Great question! I went through this exact situation last year with my Invisalign treatment. The key is getting proper documentation from your orthodontist that clearly states the treatment is for medical necessity - jaw pain, bite correction, TMJ issues, etc. A few important points to consider: 1. **Medical expense deduction threshold**: You'll need total medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of your AGI to itemize and deduct. This includes ALL medical costs - insurance premiums, prescriptions, doctor visits, etc. 2. **HSA/FSA route**: This is often better than the tax deduction route since you use pre-tax dollars without meeting any threshold. Most FSA administrators will approve orthodontic work if you have documentation of medical necessity. 3. **Documentation is key**: Ask your orthodontist for a letter specifically stating that the Invisalign is being prescribed to treat your bite and alignment issues causing jaw pain. Most orthodontists are very familiar with providing this type of documentation. 4. **Track everything**: Keep receipts for the treatment cost, travel to appointments, and any related expenses. Given your situation with documented jaw pain and bite issues, you should definitely qualify for either the medical expense deduction (if you meet the threshold) or FSA reimbursement if your employer offers one. The medical necessity aspect is clearly established in your case.

Has anyone used the "qualifying relative" designation rather than "qualifying child" for an adult disabled sibling? I'm in a similar situation but my brother is 42 and permanently disabled from a work accident. Not a veteran but gets SSDI. The IRS publication is so confusing about which category to use.

Isaac, based on your detailed description, you should definitely be able to claim your brother as a qualifying relative dependent. The key points working in your favor: 1) **VA disability and SSDI don't count toward gross income test** - These tax-exempt benefits won't disqualify him from dependency status, regardless of the monthly amount. 2) **Support test calculation** - When calculating the 50% support test, include the fair rental value of his housing in your home, utilities, food, transportation, medical expenses not covered by insurance, and other living costs. Your brother's disability payments only count as "support he provides for himself" if he actually uses them for support expenses. 3) **Your caretaker role strengthens your case** - The fact that the VA officially designated you as his caretaker and recognizes his need for full-time care due to cognitive impairment from TBI supports the dependency relationship. 4) **Potential additional benefits** - As his caretaker, you may qualify for Head of Household filing status (if unmarried) and potentially the Credit for Other Dependents. Given his cognitive impairment and your role as his VA-designated caretaker, this seems like a clear-cut case for claiming him as a dependent. The IRS recognizes that disabled individuals may receive significant non-taxable benefits while still being legitimately dependent on others for support.