Don't forget that if you absolutely can't get your W2, you can file Form 4852 (Substitute for W-2) with your tax return. You'll need to estimate your wages and tax withholding as accurately as possible using your last pay stub. Not ideal, but it's there as a last resort if you truly can't get your W2s any other way.

Another option that worked for me was checking if your former employers used a payroll service like ADP or Paychex. Even after leaving on bad terms, you might still be able to access your employee portal if you remember your login credentials. Many people don't realize these accounts often stay active for a while after termination. I was able to download my W2 directly from ADP's website without having to contact my awful former boss at all. Just go to the payroll company's website and try logging in with your old credentials - worst case scenario it doesn't work, but if it does, you can get your W2 immediately.

Guys, I'm pretty sure 84201 is just the general Ogden, UT zip code while 84409 is the specific one for the IRS processing center there. USPS tracking often just shows it reaching the general facility. I wouldn't panic unless you get a notice from the IRS about a missing form.

I went through this exact same panic with my Form 3520 last year! The ZIP code difference from 84409 to 84201 is totally normal for the Ogden processing center. What helped me was keeping detailed records - I made copies of everything including the certified mail receipt and tracking info. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given: if you do call the IRS to confirm receipt, ask them to email you a confirmation or give you a reference number for the call. I learned this the hard way when I had to prove I'd filed on time for a different form. Having that paper trail saved me from potential penalties. Also, don't stress too much about the deadline - as long as you mailed it by the due date with proper postage, you're generally considered to have filed on time even if delivery takes a few extra days. The certified mail receipt with the mailing date is your proof of timely filing. You're being smart by staying on top of this. Form 3520 penalties are no joke, but it sounds like you did everything right!

5 I messed up my backdoor Roth reporting last year and had to file an amended return. Make sure you keep track of your "basis" in the Traditional IRA across multiple years if you do this annually. Also, TurboTax really struggled with this - had to manually override some calculations.

Great question about backdoor Roth reporting! I went through this exact same confusion last year. You're absolutely right that you need Form 8606 - that's the key form you'll fill out yourself to report the non-deductible Traditional IRA contribution. Fidelity won't send you a separate form for that initial contribution, which is why you only got the 1099-R. Here's what I learned: Form 8606 Part I is where you'll report your $6,500 non-deductible contribution, and Part II handles the conversion to Roth. Since you converted right away with no earnings, the taxable portion should be zero. Just make sure to keep good records of your basis for future years if you plan to do this annually. One tip - double-check that you don't have any other Traditional, SEP, or SIMPLE IRA balances anywhere else, as those would affect the pro-rata calculation and make part of your conversion taxable. The IRS looks at all your IRA accounts combined when calculating the taxable portion.

My mom did the same thing last year. I got totally paranoid about it and ended up asking my tax preparer. She said not to worry because: 1) The bank sends 1099-INT forms to report interest to whoever's Social Security number is primary on the account (probably your mom's) 2) No gift tax forms are needed unless you actually take $ out for yourself 3) The IRS doesn't consider account access the same as receiving money Hope that helps ease your mind!

This is such a common concern and you're smart to ask about it upfront! I went through the exact same situation with my dad a few years ago. The good news is that simply being added to help manage her accounts doesn't create any immediate tax consequences for you. However, I'd strongly recommend getting clarity on a few things: 1) Make sure you keep detailed records of what money goes in/out and for what purposes 2) Consider having your mom sign a simple document stating that you're managing the accounts as her agent, not as a gift recipient 3) If she ever needs Medicaid for long-term care, having your name on the accounts could complicate the application process The key thing is that as long as you're using the money for HER benefit (bills, expenses, etc.) and not taking anything for yourself, you should be fine tax-wise. But documentation is your friend here - it protects both of you if questions ever come up later. You're being a good son helping her out like this!

This is basically a misclassification issue. The university is treating you as an independent contractor (hence the 1099-NEC) when you might not actually be one. True independent contractors have: - Control over how they perform their work - Significant independence from the organization - Usually work for multiple clients - Provide their own tools/equipment - Have opportunity for profit/loss If you don't meet these criteria, you might be misclassified. Stipends for research usually should be treated as either scholarship/fellowship income or employee wages. Instead of trying to puzzle through Schedule C, might be worth filing Form SS-8 with the IRS to request a determination of worker status. It's a free process, though it can take 6+ months for a determination.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! Got a 1099-NEC from my university for what they called a "research expense allowance" but it's being treated like contractor income. After reading through all these responses, it sounds like the Schedule C approach with expense deductions is the most practical solution when universities won't budge on reissuing forms. I'm curious though - for those who have gone this route, did you need to get an EIN or business license to file Schedule C? I'm just a graduate student and don't want to accidentally create more complications by making it look like I'm running an actual business. Also, has anyone had success arguing that research stipends should be treated as fellowship income instead? My award letter specifically mentions this was for "educational and research purposes" which sounds more like a fellowship to me.