This ID.me situation is absolutely infuriating! I went through something very similar about 6 months ago when I had to change my phone number due to harassment calls. The system is definitely broken when legitimate taxpayers can't access their own information. Here's my experience: I tried the phone support route first (complete waste of time - 2+ hour holds just to get disconnected), then discovered the "I don't have access to my phone" link that others have mentioned. It's ridiculously small text at the bottom of the login page, but it does work. For the photo submission, I learned this the hard way: take the photo during daytime near a window for natural light, put your ID on a white sheet of paper, and make sure your phone camera is directly above the ID (not at an angle). My first two attempts got rejected for "poor image quality" until I figured out their very specific requirements. The whole process took about 4 business days for approval, which honestly felt like a miracle compared to their phone support disaster. I also submitted Form 4506-T the same day as backup insurance, which ended up arriving in the mail right around the same time my ID.me access got restored. It's ridiculous that we have to jump through so many hoops to access our own tax records, but at least there are workarounds that actually function. Hang in there - you'll get through this mess!

I'm going through this EXACT same situation right now and it's driving me absolutely insane! I changed my phone number 3 months ago and now I'm completely locked out of my ID.me account when I need to check if my quarterly estimated payments were processed correctly. After reading through all these comments, I'm definitely going to try the "I don't have access to my phone" option first - it sounds like that tiny link at the bottom of the login page is the secret everyone wishes they knew sooner! The photo tips about natural window lighting and white paper background are super helpful too since it seems like their image requirements are ridiculously picky. I'm also going to submit Form 4506-T as my backup plan while waiting for the ID.me photo verification to process. It's frustrating that we need backup plans just to access our own tax information, but I'd rather be overprepared than stuck waiting even longer. Has anyone had success with updating their phone number AFTER getting back into their account through the photo verification process? I want to make sure I can actually update my contact info once I'm back in so this doesn't happen again next tax season!

Just wondering, did your original engagement letter with the CPA specify anything about audit support or providing documentation after filing? That would determine if they're being reasonable or not. I've had CPAs include limited audit support in their original fee, while others charge separately. $350/hr is a standard rate for a CPA, but 2 hours seems excessive just to send existing docs. Might be worth asking if they can reduce the time estimate.

This is exactly why I always ask for all supporting worksheets and calculations when my CPA completes my return - before I pay the final bill. I learned this the hard way after getting hit with a $450 charge just to get documentation for an amended return. For complex situations like Section 1341, those calculations are literally the core work product you paid for. It's like hiring a contractor to build a deck and then having them charge extra to show you the structural plans they used. The CPA should have provided those worksheets as part of your original deliverables. Going forward, always request a complete "tax organizer" or "client copy" that includes all worksheets, supporting calculations, and documentation used to prepare your return. Most reputable CPAs will provide this automatically, but some need to be asked explicitly. This protects you from exactly this situation. Glad you found alternative solutions that worked! Your experience will definitely help other people facing similar issues.

The "transition year" thing is complete nonsense! I worked for H&R Block for 7 years and never once heard of this concept. Your tax status is determined by your marital status on December 31st, period. One thing to consider - if your spouse has already filed incorrectly as Single, and you file correctly as Married Filing Separately, it's going to throw up major red flags in the IRS system. The computer will automatically notice the discrepancy between your returns.

I'm a tax professional and I can confirm that your husband's tax preparer is absolutely incorrect. There is no such thing as a "transition year" for newly married couples in the IRS tax code. This is a serious error that needs immediate correction. Your filing status for 2024 is determined solely by whether you were married on December 31, 2024. Since you got married in May 2024, both you and your husband MUST file as either Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately for the 2024 tax year. The fact that you're on a payment plan, when you started living together, or any other circumstances don't change this fundamental rule. Your husband needs to file an amended return (Form 1040X) immediately to correct his filing status from Single to either Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately. This is especially critical given your immigration paperwork situation. Having inconsistent filing statuses between spouses can create serious complications with USCIS and may be viewed as fraudulent documentation. Immigration authorities cross-reference tax returns with other paperwork, and discrepancies can delay or jeopardize immigration cases. I'd strongly recommend finding a new tax preparer who actually knows the tax code. A professional with "40+ years of experience" should never make such a basic error about marital filing status requirements.

Don't forget that if you had any futures positions open at the end of the year, they're considered "closed" for tax purposes due to the mark-to-market rules, even if you didn't actually close the position. This means any unrealized gains or losses as of December 31st are treated as realized for tax purposes and reported on your 2024 return. Then when you actually close the position in 2025, your basis is adjusted to that December 31st value. This is different from stock trading where unrealized gains/losses aren't taxed until you actually sell.

Great question about futures tax reporting! As someone who went through this exact confusion last year, here are the key points that helped me get it sorted out: 1. **Section 1256 Treatment**: Your E-mini S&P and commodity futures are definitely Section 1256 contracts, so you get the 60/40 tax treatment regardless of holding period. This is actually advantageous since 60% gets long-term capital gains rates. 2. **Forms You'll Need**: TD Ameritrade will send you a 1099-B, but you'll also need to file Form 6781 to properly report the 60/40 split. The totals from Form 6781 then flow to your Schedule D. 3. **Day Trading Doesn't Matter**: Since you're day trading and not holding overnight positions, the mark-to-market rules at year-end won't affect you - all your positions are already closed. 4. **Record Keeping**: Make sure to keep detailed records of all your trades. Sometimes brokers make errors on the 1099-B forms, so having your own records is crucial for verification. One thing that really helped me was organizing all my trade confirmations by month and cross-referencing them with my 1099-B when it arrived. The $32K profit you mentioned should be straightforward to report once you have the proper forms filled out. Consider consulting a tax professional if you're still uncertain - futures taxation can be tricky the first time around.

James, my heart goes out to you - this situation is absolutely devastating, especially with two kids depending on you. The image of trying to buy diapers only to have your card declined is every parent's nightmare. I've been through a similar ordeal with California's Franchise Tax Board, and I want to share what worked for me, plus add some specific Wisconsin details others might have missed: **Critical Wisconsin-Specific Information:** Wisconsin has a "Taxpayer Bill of Rights" (Wis. Stat. § 73.16) that specifically requires them to consider your ability to pay basic living expenses. When you call tomorrow, mention this statute by name - it shows you know your rights and often gets you transferred to someone with more authority. **Your Strong Legal Position:** The fact that you moved multiple times and received zero notice is actually a significant advantage. Wisconsin Administrative Code Tax 1.12 requires "reasonable efforts" to locate taxpayers. If they made no attempt to find your current address, this could invalidate the entire levy process. **Tomorrow's Call Strategy:** - Call at 7:45 AM sharp (608-266-7879) - Ask for the "Taxpayer Advocate" division, not just collections - Reference Wisconsin Statute 73.16 (Taxpayer Bill of Rights) - Request Form A-149 (Installment Agreement) AND immediate hardship consideration - Document the call with names, times, and reference numbers **Emergency Resources While You Fight This:** - Wisconsin 211 (dial 2-1-1) connects you to local emergency assistance - WIC program can help with food for your kids immediately - Local churches often have emergency diaper funds You're not just fighting for money - you're fighting for your children's basic needs. That gives you moral authority and often moves tax agents to act more quickly. Keep us posted on tomorrow's call. This community is behind you 100%! 💪

James, I'm so sorry you're going through this financial nightmare - having your accounts wiped out without warning while trying to care for two kids is absolutely terrifying. The community has given you incredible advice here, and I want to add a few points that might help strengthen your position. **Critical Timeline Detail:** Since this stems from penalties 6-9 years old and you've had multiple address changes, Wisconsin DOR should have your forwarding address history from USPS if they truly made "reasonable efforts" to locate you. When you call tomorrow, specifically ask them to provide documentation of what attempts they made to contact you at each address. If they can't produce this, it seriously undermines their collection action. **Banking Rights:** Many people don't realize that banks are required to notify account holders before processing a levy, and you may have rights to challenge the bank's handling of this as well. Ask your bank for copies of all documentation they received from Wisconsin DOR - sometimes there are procedural errors that can help your case. **Document Everything:** Start a detailed log TODAY of every impact this has had on your family - missed meals, inability to buy diapers, stress on your children. This human impact documentation is powerful when requesting hardship relief. **Wisconsin-Specific Leverage:** Wisconsin Stat. § 71.91(8) specifically allows for partial levy releases when collection would create undue economic hardship for taxpayers with dependents. This isn't just a "maybe" - it's your legal right if you meet the criteria. You're not powerless in this situation, even though it feels overwhelming. The fact that you're a responsible parent trying to provide for your children after a divorce shows you're exactly the type of taxpayer these hardship provisions were designed to protect. We're all rooting for you - please update us after tomorrow's call!