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FYI - tried this last wk w/ my 2023 return info. Called 800-908-9946, entered SSN, verified addr, picked opt 2 for transcript, then opt 1 for tax return transcript. Selected 2023, then when it offered to mail, I stayed quiet for ~30 secs. Then it said "for more opts, press 1" - did that, then got option to hear it. System read my AGI, filing status, dependents, etc. Took notes while listening since it goes kinda fast. Total call time: 8 mins. Way faster than waiting for mail!
Thank you all for sharing these detailed instructions! As someone new to navigating IRS phone systems, this thread has been incredibly helpful. I tried the method described by several members here and can confirm it worked as of yesterday (called around 9 AM EST to avoid peak hours as suggested). One small addition for other newcomers: when the automated system reads your transcript information, it goes fairly quickly and doesn't repeat details. I found it helpful to have a pen and paper ready before starting the call, especially for capturing the AGI and other key numbers you might need for tax software or other applications. The whole process took about 12 minutes including hold time. For those asking about different transcript types - during my call, after selecting the tax return transcript option, the system did briefly mention other transcript types were available, but I didn't explore those options. Might be worth a follow-up call if you need account transcripts specifically.
Quick warning from someone who handles these regularly - the 1042-S withholding might be for different types of income (dividends, capital gains, etc.) which get treated differently under the treaty. Line 1 of your 1042-S will have an "Income Code" that tells you what type of income it is. Code 06 = dividends (eligible for 15% treaty rate) Code 09 = capital gains (might be completely exempt) Code 15 = scholarship/fellowship (different rules apply) Make sure you know which type you're dealing with before filing anything!
This is so helpful! Mine says Code 06, so I'm guessing that's dividend income from the shares. I've been getting these forms for years but never knew I could reduce the withholding. Is there any downside to claiming this credit? Will it trigger any kind of audit or review?
Code 06 is definitely dividend income, so you're eligible for the reduced 15% treaty rate. There's really no downside to claiming the foreign tax credit - it's a legitimate credit that prevents double taxation, which is exactly what the tax treaty is designed to do. As for audits, claiming foreign tax credits doesn't typically trigger additional scrutiny by itself, especially for straightforward cases like employer stock dividends. The IRS expects US citizens with foreign income to claim these credits. Just make sure you keep your 1042-S forms and any correspondence with your company about the withholding - good documentation is always your best protection. The bigger risk is actually NOT claiming the credit and essentially overpaying your taxes year after year. Since you mentioned you've been getting these forms for years, you might want to look into amending your past returns to recover those overpayments.
This is exactly the situation I found myself in a few years ago! As a US citizen receiving UK stock dividends, you're absolutely right that the 30% withholding seems excessive. Here's what worked for me: First, submit a W-8BEN form to your company's stock plan administrator (not the IRS directly) to get the withholding reduced from 30% to 15% going forward under the US-UK tax treaty. Second, file Form 1116 with your tax return to claim a foreign tax credit for the taxes already withheld. Since you mentioned this has been going on for 12 years, you can file amended returns (Form 1040-X) for up to the past 3 years to recover the excess withholding. The potential refund could be substantial depending on your dividend amounts. The process is definitely doable as a DIY project if you're comfortable with tax forms, but given the years of potential overpayments involved, it might be worth consulting with a tax professional who specializes in international taxation to make sure you maximize your recovery and handle everything correctly.
This is really helpful - thank you for breaking it down so clearly! I had no idea I could go back 3 years with amended returns. That could definitely add up to a significant amount over 12 years of withholding. One question though - when you submitted the W-8BEN to your company's stock administrator, did they apply the reduced rate immediately or did it take a while to process? I'm wondering if I should submit it now or wait until closer to the next dividend payment.
In my experience, the W-8BEN processing time varies by company, but most stock administrators update their systems within 1-2 payroll cycles once they receive the form. I'd recommend submitting it as soon as possible since there's really no downside - even if it doesn't take effect for your next dividend, it will be in place for subsequent ones. When I submitted mine, it took about 6 weeks to see the reduced withholding rate applied, but that was partly because I submitted it right after a dividend payment. The administrator told me they typically process these forms monthly, so timing can affect when you see the change. Also, make sure to keep a copy of your submitted W-8BEN and any confirmation from your company - you'll want that documentation when you file your amended returns for the previous years. Some companies will even provide a letter confirming the new withholding rate once it's processed.
I'm a CPA and see this situation frequently. When Box 2a is blank and Box 5 equals the gross distribution, it means the distribution is nontaxable return of principal. The distribution code 7D confirms this is from a nonqualified annuity. FreeTaxUSA is correct to warn you because $0 taxable can sometimes trigger a review, but if the information is reported correctly on your return matching the 1099-R, there's no real risk. The IRS computers can see that Box 5 equals the gross distribution. For anyone dealing with annuities: always keep your purchase documentation! It's critical for establishing your cost basis if there's ever a question.
I lost all my annuity purchase documentation from 2008 during a move. The company got bought out twice since then. Am I screwed if there's an audit?
Not necessarily! Contact the current annuity company first - they're required to maintain records even through acquisitions. If they can't provide the documentation, you can request copies from the previous companies or their successors. Also check with your bank for old statements showing the original purchase payments. The IRS Publication 575 explains how to reconstruct cost basis records if the original documentation is lost. As a last resort, you can estimate based on available records, but document your methodology thoroughly.
This is a great question and one I've helped clients navigate many times. You're absolutely right to be confused - the 1099-R instructions aren't very clear about this situation. When Box 2a is blank (not zero, but actually blank) and the full distribution amount appears in Box 5, this definitively means the entire distribution is a return of your aunt's after-tax contributions to the annuity. It's not taxable income because she already paid taxes on this money when she originally purchased the annuity 12 years ago. The key here is that this is a nonqualified annuity (funded with after-tax dollars), which is confirmed by the 7D distribution code. The company left Box 2a blank rather than entering $0 to clearly indicate this is return of principal, not taxable earnings. Don't worry about the FreeTaxUSA warning - enter $0 for the taxable amount. The IRS matching systems will see that Box 5 equals the gross distribution and understand this is proper treatment. I've filed hundreds of returns with this exact scenario and never had an issue. Keep the 1099-R and any original annuity purchase documents as backup. Once your aunt eventually recovers her entire original investment through these distributions, future payments will become taxable and start showing amounts in Box 2a.
This is really helpful! I'm new to dealing with annuities and tax forms in general. Just to make sure I understand correctly - when my aunt gets her next distribution from this same annuity, should I expect to see the same pattern (blank Box 2a, amount in Box 5) until she's recovered all her original investment? And is there any way to know how much of her original investment is left to recover?
I'm so sorry for your loss and the additional stress this tax situation is adding during an already difficult time. Given everything you've described, an OIC for the estate sounds very promising. The key factors working in your favor are: 1. **Property condition documentation**: The severe damage, pest infestation, and structural issues you described significantly reduce the actual marketable value of these assets, regardless of their assessed values. 2. **Estate-only liability**: As others mentioned, you won't be personally liable for your father's tax debt - this is strictly an estate matter. 3. **Reasonable collection potential**: The IRS will evaluate what the estate could realistically generate in cash, not theoretical values. I'd recommend taking these immediate steps: - Document everything with photos and get written assessments of repair/cleanup costs - Obtain current appraisals that reflect the actual condition and marketability - Calculate all selling costs (realtor fees, closing costs, outstanding property taxes) - File the OIC using Form 656-L specifically for estates Given the condition you've described, there's a real possibility the mobile home has negative net value once cleanup and disposal costs are factored in. This could actually strengthen your OIC position significantly. The fact that your father struggled with addiction issues is also relevant for the hardship narrative - the IRS does consider circumstances that led to the tax situation when evaluating offers. Don't lose hope. Many estates in similar situations have successfully negotiated reasonable settlements that allow heirs to retain some assets while satisfying the IRS's collection requirements.
This is such a comprehensive and compassionate response. I especially appreciate how you've laid out the immediate action steps so clearly. One thing I'd add is that when documenting the property conditions for the OIC, it might be worth having a qualified environmental inspector check for any potential hazards (asbestos, mold, lead paint, etc.) given the age and neglected condition of the mobile home. If any are found, the remediation costs could be substantial and would further support the argument that the property has little to no net value. Also, @Amina Sow, when you're preparing the hardship narrative about your father's addiction struggles, frame it in terms of how these circumstances directly impacted his ability to maintain proper financial records and meet tax obligations. The IRS is more receptive when they can see a clear connection between the personal circumstances and the tax compliance issues. The timeline really is crucial here - getting your OIC submitted before the IRS completes their own asset evaluation puts you in a much stronger negotiating position.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Amina. Dealing with a parent's tax debt on top of grief is incredibly overwhelming. The good news is that an OIC for your father's estate is definitely worth pursuing given what you've described. The IRS will evaluate the estate's "reasonable collection potential" - which is the actual cash the estate could generate, not just paper values. A few critical points for your situation: **Document everything immediately**: Take extensive photos of the mobile home's condition - the pest damage, structural issues, utility problems, debris piles. Get written estimates from contractors for cleanup, pest remediation, and repairs needed to make it marketable. These costs may actually exceed the property's value. **Professional appraisals**: Get current appraisals for both properties that account for their actual condition and marketability, not just theoretical values. **Consider environmental issues**: Given the neglected condition, there may be mold, asbestos, or other hazardous materials that would require expensive remediation before sale. **Calculate all selling costs**: Realtor fees, closing costs, outstanding property taxes, and cleanup costs all reduce what the estate would actually net from any sale. The fact that your father struggled with addiction is relevant for the hardship narrative - it helps explain how the tax situation developed. You mentioned already filing probate - this creates some time pressure since the IRS can file claims against the estate. I'd recommend moving quickly to get your OIC package together while you still have maximum negotiating flexibility. There's real hope here that you could settle for significantly less than the full amount owed.
Ian Armstrong
Those codes are definitely concerning! Code 810 (refund freeze) combined with 971/977 (amended return codes) when you didn't file an amended return suggests the IRS may have made an adjustment to your return. The 570 code with 07-30-2024 date likely means no action will be taken until then. I'd recommend calling the IRS again and specifically asking about the refund freeze and why an amended return shows when you didn't file one. You might also want to request they send you a copy of any correspondence or notices that should have been mailed to you. Don't wait until July - be proactive!
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Raul Neal
ā¢This is really helpful advice! I'm dealing with something similar and didn't realize I could ask for copies of correspondence. How do you specifically ask for that when you call? Do you need to reference a particular form number or just explain what you're looking for?
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Omar Zaki
Those transcript codes are definitely red flags! Code 810 (refund freeze) usually means the IRS flagged something for review, and the 971/977 codes appearing when you didn't file an amended return could indicate the IRS made adjustments on their end. The July 30th date on code 570 might be a review deadline, but I wouldn't wait that long. I'd suggest calling back and asking specifically: 1) Why is there a refund freeze? 2) What triggered the amended return codes when you didn't file one? 3) Request they check for any undelivered notices. Also consider visiting your local Taxpayer Assistance Center if phone calls aren't getting results - sometimes face-to-face gets better answers.
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