Don't some people create LLCs or S-Corps specifically to write off stuff though? I know a guy who has a "consulting business" but seems to write off his car, travel, meals, etc., and I'm pretty sure he only has like 2 clients a year. Is that legal?

The IRS has gotten much more sophisticated with data analytics in recent years. They use algorithms to identify patterns that suggest tax fraud, including businesses that consistently show losses while claiming large deductions against W-2 income. One thing people don't realize is that the IRS cross-references data from multiple sources. If you claim a "travel consulting business" and write off vacations, but they see no business income reported, no business bank account activity, no marketing expenses, no client communications, etc., it paints a clear picture. They also look at lifestyle vs. reported income. If someone making $50K W-2 income is writing off $20K in "business" expenses for luxury items but shows no corresponding business revenue or growth trajectory, that's an obvious audit trigger. The key is that legitimate businesses leave paper trails everywhere - bank statements, client contracts, invoices, marketing materials, business licenses, professional development, etc. Fake businesses created just for tax avoidance lack this ecosystem of supporting documentation. Beyond audits, the IRS can also impose accuracy-related penalties (20% of underpaid tax) or fraud penalties (75% of underpaid tax) plus interest. The risk-reward math just doesn't work out for these schemes.

For the 2025 filing season, if anyone wants to avoid these issues in the future, file as early as possible! I filed the first week returns were accepted and had my refund in 8 days without ever seeing any weird codes. The longer you wait, the more backlogged the IRS gets, and the more likely you are to see delays even without any problems on your return.

I went through this exact same panic last year! Tax Topic 152 is basically the IRS's way of saying "we're working on it" - it's not a red flag at all. Since you filed through TurboTax 3 weeks ago, you're still well within the normal processing window. The IRS has been pretty backed up this season, so even straightforward returns are taking closer to 3-4 weeks instead of the usual 21 days. I'd only start getting concerned if you hit the 6-week mark without any status updates. Keep checking "Where's My Refund" every few days, but try not to obsess over it (easier said than done, I know!). The good news is that Tax Topic 152 almost always means your refund is coming - it's just a matter of when, not if.

Just wanted to chime in that the IRS online account only shows the last few years - completely normal. Had a similar panic when I could only see back to 2020. For peace of mind until you can call, check if you have any old tax prep software files on your computer. Sometimes they save copies of previous returns. Also, check your email - if your ex e-filed, there might be confirmation emails from TurboTax or whatever software you used.

I went through almost the exact same situation after my divorce two years ago! The stress of not knowing what was actually filed is horrible, but you're taking the right steps. A few things that helped me piece together my tax history: 1. Check if you have any old copies of tax software on shared computers - I found TurboTax files going back years that my ex had saved locally 2. Look through old bank statements for IRS refund deposits or payments - this can confirm which years returns were actually filed 3. If you have old pay stubs, compare your year-end totals to what should have been reported - this helped me spot a year where income wasn't properly reported The most important thing is getting those transcripts from the IRS to see your official filing history. Don't stress too much about the online account only showing recent years - that's completely normal. For your 2022 return, you can still e-file without the prior year AGI by using the PIN option or indicating you didn't file the previous year. The IRS will process it and you can sort out any discrepancies later. You've got this! It's overwhelming now but once you have the facts from the IRS, you'll know exactly what needs to be fixed.

I work in payroll and see this type of error more often than you'd think! Code T for adoption benefits is definitely something that stands out on a 68-year-old's W-2. The good news is that most employers are pretty responsive to these kinds of obvious mistakes once you point them out. When you contact HR/payroll, be specific about what you're seeing - mention the exact code (T), the amount ($4,300), and that it doesn't apply to your father's situation. Ask them to check what the correct code should be for that amount. As others mentioned, it's likely a retirement contribution that got miscoded. One tip: if you're having trouble reaching the right person at his company, try calling first thing in the morning or right after lunch. Payroll departments are usually swamped at certain times but more available during those windows. Also, get the name and direct contact info of whoever helps you in case you need to follow up. Don't file without the corrected W-2 - trust me, the headaches from IRS notices later aren't worth trying to save a few weeks now.

Just wanted to add my experience here - I had a similar W-2 error last year where my employer accidentally coded my health savings account contributions as something else entirely. Like everyone's saying, definitely don't try to fix it yourself or file with the error. One thing that really helped speed up the process was when I called HR, I had all my paystubs from the year ready. I could show them exactly what the correct amount should be and where it appeared on my stubs versus what was wrong on the W-2. This made it super easy for them to see the mistake and know exactly what to fix. Also, if your dad's company uses a payroll service like ADP or Paychex instead of doing payroll in-house, the HR person might need to contact them to get the corrected form issued. Just be patient if they say it might take an extra few days because of that - it's pretty normal. The corrected W-2 will be worth the wait to avoid any issues with the IRS later!

I'm sorry for your loss, Isabella. Dealing with finances after losing a parent is never easy, and it's smart that you're asking these questions upfront. Everyone here has given you solid advice - the $15,000 gift from your aunt won't be taxable to you, and since it's under the $18,000 annual exclusion limit, she won't have any tax obligations either. One thing I'd add is to keep good records of this gift for your own files. While you won't need to report it on your taxes, it's always good to have documentation showing the source of the money in case you ever need it for things like mortgage applications or other financial situations where large deposits might be questioned. Also, regarding your student loans - make sure you understand how receiving this money might affect any income-driven repayment plans or financial aid if you're still in school. Generally gifts don't count as income for these purposes, but it's worth double-checking with your loan servicer if you have any special circumstances. Your aunt sounds wonderful for wanting to help you during this difficult time. The money will be much more useful going toward your education than sitting in smaller chunks trying to avoid non-existent tax problems!

I'm really sorry for your loss, Isabella. Losing a parent is incredibly difficult, and it's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by financial questions during this time. The advice you've received here is spot-on. As the recipient of a gift, you won't owe any taxes on the $15,000 your aunt wants to give you, regardless of how it's transferred. Your aunt can give you the full amount at once without any tax consequences since it's well under the $18,000 annual gift tax exclusion for 2025. One additional consideration: if you're receiving any need-based financial aid or benefits, you'll want to check whether receiving this gift could affect your eligibility. While gifts generally don't count as income, some programs have asset limits that could be impacted by suddenly having $15,000 in your account. Also, when your aunt sends the money through Cash App, she should make sure it's sent as a personal payment (not for goods/services) and consider adding a note like "gift" to create a clear record. This helps avoid any confusion down the line. Your aunt's generosity during this difficult time is truly touching. It's wonderful that she wants to help you with your student loans - that money will make a real difference in your future financial stability.