Has anyone tried just calling the mortgage company and asking what alternatives they'll accept? When I got my mortgage last year, I was missing one W2 and they said a final paystub from that year would work as a substitute. Might save you some time if they're flexible!

Just want to add another perspective as someone who went through this recently. If you're in a time crunch, I'd recommend trying multiple approaches simultaneously rather than going one by one. I started with the IRS transcript request online (which was fastest), contacted my old employers' HR departments, and also checked if I had any old tax prep files saved on my computer or email. The IRS transcripts came through in about 2 days and my lender accepted them without any issues. But having the backup requests going meant I wasn't stressed about timing. Also, pro tip - if you're working with a mortgage broker, they often have relationships with lenders who are more flexible about documentation requirements than if you go direct to a bank.

As a newcomer to government work, this entire discussion has been incredibly enlightening! I've been struggling with understanding our agency's reimbursement policies, and the explanations here about the "away from home" test and accountable vs non-accountable plans finally make things click. What strikes me most is how these federal tax rules seem to create unintended hardships specifically for government employees. While private companies can structure compensation packages to minimize tax impacts, we're locked into standardized procedures that don't account for the real-world consequences of things like mandatory relocations or extended day trips to remote work sites. I'm definitely going to explore some of the resources mentioned here - particularly checking our EAP services for tax consultation and looking into internal grievance processes for any questionable reimbursement classifications. The advice about getting documentation and addressing issues before they hit your W-2 is something I wish I'd known earlier. The collaborative knowledge sharing in this thread really demonstrates the value of peer support when navigating complex bureaucratic systems. It's reassuring to know that government employees across different agencies are facing similar challenges and finding practical solutions together. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and expertise!

This has been an absolutely fantastic thread for understanding these confusing reimbursement rules! As someone who works at a different government agency, I'm dealing with very similar issues and really appreciate all the practical advice shared here. The explanation of the "sleep or rest" test really clarifies why the overnight requirement exists - it's the IRS's way of determining whether you're truly incurring additional business expenses versus just eating lunch in a different location. Still frustrating for those long day assignments, but at least the logic makes sense now. I'm particularly interested in the advice about using internal grievance processes before issues hit your W-2. We had a situation where some professional development expenses got incorrectly classified as taxable income, and I wish I had known to challenge it through internal channels rather than just accepting it. The moving expense taxation really is a significant burden for government employees who often face mandatory relocations for career advancement. Unlike private companies that can offer creative compensation packages, we're stuck with standard procedures that don't account for the tax implications. Definitely keeping detailed records in case Congress restores those deductions before 2025. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this kind of peer knowledge sharing is invaluable for navigating these complex rules that seem to disproportionately affect public sector workers!

Don't forget to check what your 401k money is actually invested in! I was contributing to get my employer match for years before I realized my money was sitting in a default money market fund making almost nothing. When you increase your contribution, make sure you're invested in something appropriate for your age. At 29, you probably want to be mostly in stock funds for long-term growth. Most 401k plans have target date funds that automatically adjust your investments as you get closer to retirement age.

Great question! You're already doing the smart thing by getting that full 5% match - that's literally free money. At 29, you have time on your side which is huge for compound growth. Given your situation, I'd suggest gradually increasing your 401k contribution to around 10-12% of your salary if you can swing it. With a $62k income, that extra 5-7% would be about $3,100-$4,340 more per year, but remember it reduces your taxable income so your take-home won't drop by the full amount. The key is finding balance - your 4.2% student loan rate isn't terrible, so it's not an emergency to pay it off early. I'd prioritize the 401k increase first since you're in the 22% tax bracket and getting that deduction now makes sense. Plus, starting a Roth IRA for your house fund (as others mentioned) gives you flexibility since you can access contributions penalty-free. Don't try to do everything at once though. Maybe bump your 401k to 8% first, see how it feels budget-wise, then consider adding a small Roth IRA contribution later. The most important thing is consistency - even small increases in your contributions now will make a massive difference over the next 35+ years until retirement.

Just wondering if anyone can recommend tax software that handles these complicated custody arrangements better? I've been using TurboTax but it gets confused with Form 8332 situations.

As someone who went through a messy custody tax situation, I want to emphasize what others have touched on - you are NOT required to sign retroactive Form 8332s for years where you filed correctly. Your ex is being unreasonable demanding 7 years of retroactive forms. The IRS only cares about correcting actual errors, which in your case appears to be just 2021. For that specific year, you could consider signing a Form 8332 just for 2021 to help expedite resolution, but absolutely do not sign anything for the other 6 years where you followed your agreement correctly. Document everything - keep copies of your divorce decree, your tax returns for all years in question, and any correspondence with your ex about this issue. If he continues to be unreasonable or threatens legal action, this documentation will show you've been compliant with both your agreement and IRS rules. Your amended return for 2021 should eventually be processed (though yes, the delays are frustrating). Stay firm on your position - you're doing the right thing by only correcting the actual error year.

I've been using Free File Fillable Forms for about 5 years now and wanted to share my perspective. They're definitely not as user-friendly as paid software, but once you get the hang of them, they work fine for straightforward returns. A few tips that have helped me: - Always use the PDF versions first to map out your return before entering data online - Keep a separate document with all your numbers organized by form/schedule - File during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) to avoid slowdowns - Double-check every calculation manually - the math checks aren't perfect The biggest downside is really the lack of guidance on tax strategy. I've missed out on some credits over the years that paid software would have caught. But for basic W-2 situations like yours, they should work well and you'll definitely get your refund faster than paper filing. One thing to consider - if your income is under the threshold, the IRS Free File partner programs offer full-featured software for free, which might be worth checking out before committing to the fillable forms.

I've been using Free File Fillable Forms for the past two years and wanted to share my experience since you're considering making the switch from paper filing. The good news is that for a straightforward tax situation like yours (W-2 and basic deductions), they work pretty well. The e-filing is definitely faster - I got my refund in about 18 days last year versus the 8+ weeks it took when I mailed my return. However, there are some things to be aware of: - The interface can be clunky and you need to manually transfer numbers between forms - Save your work frequently because the system does time out - You're basically on your own for tax guidance - it won't suggest deductions or credits you might qualify for - The site gets really slow during peak filing season If you're comfortable reading and understanding tax forms and don't mind the DIY approach, they're a solid free option. But if you want any hand-holding or optimization suggestions, you might want to consider the IRS Free File partner programs (if you qualify by income) or paid software. For your first year trying e-filing, maybe prepare your return on paper first as a backup, then enter the same information into the fillable forms. That way you have a reference and can catch any transfer errors.