I went through something very similar about 3 years ago in Nevada. What really helped me was keeping a detailed log of every attempt I made to contact my ex about the tax information - dates, times, method of contact, and their response (or lack thereof). When I finally filed Form 8958 with just my information and wrote "spouse unresponsive to requests for information" in their sections, I included a brief note explaining that I had made multiple good faith efforts to obtain the required information but my spouse refused to cooperate. The IRS processed my return without any issues. I think the key is showing you made reasonable efforts to comply with the form requirements. Don't stress too much about it - the IRS deals with uncooperative spouses all the time, especially in community property states. Just be thorough with your own information and document your attempts to get theirs. One tip: if you have any old tax documents that might show your spouse's employer or general income range, you could potentially use those as estimates if you're comfortable doing so, but personally I felt safer just noting they wouldn't provide current information.

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation right now in California - separated for 4 years but not divorced, and my ex is completely ignoring my requests for tax information. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! I'm going to follow the advice about documenting my attempts to contact him and filing Form 8958 with just my information, noting that he refused to cooperate. It's such a relief to hear from people like Ryder and Dylan who actually went through this process successfully. One question for anyone who's been through this - did you file an extension first to buy more time, or did you just go ahead and file by the regular deadline with the incomplete information? I'm torn between trying to get more time versus just getting it done and filed properly with what I have. Also, has anyone had experience with this situation affecting future tax years? Like, does the IRS flag your account or anything once you've filed this way? I'm worried about creating problems for myself down the road, but it sounds like most people had smooth experiences. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - this community is amazing for helping people navigate these complicated situations!

Another option is to try calling the general IRS customer service line at 1-800-829-1040 and asking them to transfer you to ID verification. Sometimes you can get through faster that way than calling the direct ID verify line. Also, if you have a local Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) near you, you can make an appointment and they can help verify your identity in person - might be faster than waiting on the phone!

Check if your local library has any free tax help programs too! A lot of them have VITA volunteers who are familiar with IRS verification issues and might be able to help you figure out next steps. Also worth trying the IRS2Go mobile app - sometimes it shows notices that don't appear on the website. Good luck! 🤞

Quick question - does anyone know if there are penalties for the employer for not checking Box 13 correctly? My husband's W2 has the same issue and his company is being difficult about issuing a correction. I'm wondering if mentioning potential penalties might get them to take action.

I work in tax compliance and want to emphasize something important that hasn't been fully addressed here. While everyone's right that the IRS cares about actual participation over checkboxes, having mismatched documentation can absolutely trigger audit flags. If your W-2 shows Box 14 retirement contributions but Box 13 isn't checked, and then you report on your tax return that your wife IS covered by a retirement plan (which you should, since it's factually correct), that inconsistency could flag your return for review. The IRS systems do cross-reference these things. Beyond the IRA deduction implications, this could also affect other tax benefits like the Retirement Savings Credit if your income qualifies. Getting the W-2C isn't just about being technically correct - it's about having clean documentation that matches your tax filing. I'd strongly recommend being persistent with HR. Frame it as a compliance issue rather than a personal inconvenience. Most payroll departments understand compliance language better than tax impact language.

To all those having trouble reaching a human at IRS. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c

I've been dealing with the same issue! The silent calls are so frustrating. I've tried calling multiple times and keep getting disconnected without ever reaching an actual person. Has anyone found a reliable time of day when you're more likely to get through? I'm wondering if calling first thing in the morning might work better than during peak hours.

Instead of constantly checking transcripts, I set up text alerts with my bank for deposits. Way less stressful than refreshing the IRS page all day. My refund showed up three days before the WMR tool even updated last year. The IRS systems don't always sync up in real-time with what's actually happening with the money.

I'm seeing the same thing and it's really frustrating! Filed 2/8 and still nothing on my transcript. Been checking every night hoping for a DDD but just seeing the same "processing" message. Has anyone noticed if the IRS is prioritizing certain types of returns? Like maybe simple 1040EZ forms are going through faster than returns with schedules? I have Schedule A and wondering if that's adding to the delay. Also wondering if anyone has insights into whether weekend updates are happening at all this year? Last year I remember seeing some Saturday morning transcript updates but haven't seen any mentions of that recently. Really hoping they sort out whatever system issues they're having soon. Need to plan some bills around this refund timing!