My mailman been playing games wit my check I just know it 🤡

I'm in the same situation - 2/7 mail date and still nothing here in Texas. Called my state tax office yesterday and they confirmed it was mailed on schedule, so it should arrive within the next few days. The rep mentioned that mail delivery has been slower than usual this month due to weather delays in some regions. Hang in there!

I went through this exact same situation last year with FreeTaxUSA! The key thing that finally worked for me was understanding that you need to enter the W2C as a *correction* to your original W2, not as a separate standalone form. Here's what I did: First, I entered my original W2 normally. Then when adding the W2C, I only filled in the boxes that actually had changes - in your case, that would be box 16 for the state information. For any boxes that FreeTaxUSA required but were blank on the W2C (like box 1), I entered the same amount that was on my original W2. This tells the system "this box hasn't changed." For the state issue specifically, once you've entered both forms correctly, FreeTaxUSA should automatically adjust your state filing requirements. You'll only need to file a return for the state where you actually lived and worked - the system should remove the incorrect state from your filing requirements once it processes the W2C correction. The most important thing is that both documents get reported together on your return. The IRS needs to see both the original error and the correction to properly process your taxes.

I had a very similar multi-state W2C issue with FreeTaxUSA last year and want to add some additional context that might help. The key insight that saved me was realizing that FreeTaxUSA treats W2C entries differently depending on whether you're correcting federal information (boxes 1-6) versus state information (boxes 15-20). For state corrections like yours, you actually don't need to worry about box 1 being empty on the W2C - that's completely normal since your federal wages didn't change. The software's error message about box 1 might be appearing because of how you're accessing the W2C entry screen. Try this approach: Go to your state tax section first and look for an option to "correct state tax information" or "add corrected state documents." This usually bypasses the federal validation requirements that are causing your box 1 error. When you enter the correction this way, you'll only need to input the state-specific changes (the zeroed-out income for the incorrect state), and FreeTaxUSA will automatically adjust your filing requirements. You should see the incorrect state disappear from your list of required state returns once the correction is processed. The most important thing is that your final return reflects that you only owe state taxes in your actual state of residence, which is exactly what your W2C is designed to accomplish.

Just a warning - if they do reimburse you for a portion of your rent, make absolutely sure they set it up properly. My company tried to do this last year and messed it up. They gave me rent reimbursements but didnt document it as an accountable plan. At tax time, I found out they had added all those "reimbursements" to my W-2 as income! I ended up paying taxes on money that was supposed to just be covering my expenses. Double check how it shows up on your paystubs!

This is such great advice from everyone! As someone who went through this exact transition last year when our office closed, I can confirm that getting the accountable plan set up correctly is crucial. One thing to add - since you mentioned you're at a tiny company with just 5 total people, your bosses might actually appreciate you bringing this up. Small business owners often aren't familiar with accountable plan rules, and setting this up properly can save them money too (no employment taxes on the reimbursements vs. having to pay FICA on stipends). For your specific situation with the desk in your living room corner, I'd suggest being conservative with the percentage calculations. The IRS looks for "regular and exclusive use" for business, so focus on documenting things like your internet usage during work hours, any office supplies you buy, maybe a portion of utilities if you're running equipment all day. Keep it reasonable and well-documented. Also, since you swap custody years with your ex, just make sure any home office stuff doesn't accidentally complicate that arrangement if you end up needing to track square footage or anything like that. But honestly, with proper accountable plan reimbursements, it shouldn't affect your personal tax return at all.

I'm in almost the identical situation! Filed my 2024 return in early February, got hit with the 570/971 codes three weeks later because I never filed my 2021 return. It's so stressful when you think everything is going smoothly and then this curveball hits you. I sent my missing 2021 return via certified mail 12 days ago and have been obsessively checking my transcript twice a day (I know, I know, everyone says not to do this but I can't help myself!). Reading all these responses is actually really reassuring - it sounds like the 3-4 week timeframe is pretty consistent across different situations. @Hugh Intensity - thanks for that detailed timeline! That 571 code tip is super helpful. I had no idea what to look for besides just hoping the 570 would disappear. Now I know there's actually a specific code that shows when the hold gets released. For anyone else going through this - we're definitely not alone in this situation! Seems like missing prior year returns while being newer to the US tax system is more common than I thought.

I went through this exact scenario last year! Filed my 2024 return in January, got the dreaded 570/971 codes in February because I had never filed my 2020 return (I was new to the US and honestly didn't realize I needed to file that year since my income was below the threshold, but apparently I still should have). The waiting is absolutely the worst part - I was checking my transcript obsessively too! Here's what happened with mine: - Mailed my missing 2020 return via certified mail on February 18th - Transcript showed no changes for weeks (so nerve-wracking!) - On March 15th, I finally saw the 571 code appear (like Hugh mentioned - this is the "hold released" code) - Refund hit my account on March 19th So total timeline was about 4 weeks from mailing the old return to getting my current year refund. The IRS processed everything internally without showing me any intermediate steps, which was frustrating but apparently normal. One thing I learned: if you have a complex situation or multiple missing years, consider getting a tax professional to help. I tried to handle it myself initially but ended up spending way more time and stress than if I'd just gotten help from the start. Good luck - you'll get through this! 🤞

Has anyone had experience with state tax agencies rejecting ITIN W-2s? I'm in California and had to file amended state forms last year because apparently they have a special procedure for household employees with ITINs.

I went through this exact same situation last year with our babysitter! You're definitely on the right track. Just to add a few things I learned the hard way: Make sure you're using the correct ITIN format (9XX-XX-XXXX) on the W-2 - some people accidentally transpose digits or format it like an SSN. Also, keep detailed records of everything because if there are any processing issues, you'll want documentation. One thing that caught me off guard was that some banks won't accept direct deposit tax refunds to accounts linked to ITINs, so your nanny might need to file a paper return and wait for a paper check. Not your responsibility, but just something to give her a heads up about. Also, double-check your state's requirements early. I waited until the last minute and discovered my state needed an additional form that took 2 weeks to process. The January 31st deadline comes up fast!