Has anyone tried going above HR directly to the payroll provider? I had a similar issue with my W-2 last year (wrong state tax withholding) and discovered my company uses ADP. I called ADP's customer service, explained the situation, and they were able to initiate the correction from their end much faster than going through my company's disorganized HR department.

Another option if you're really stuck is to check if your employer has an employee self-service portal or app where you can view your pay history and year-end tax documents. Sometimes these systems show the correct information even when the printed W-2 has errors. You can screenshot or print these pages as supporting documentation when you contact HR or the payroll company. Also, if your employer is part of a larger corporation, try reaching out to the corporate payroll department instead of just your local HR. They often have more resources and authority to expedite corrections. I've seen cases where local HR takes weeks but corporate payroll fixes it in days. One last thing - if you're union represented, your union rep might be able to help escalate this issue. Payroll errors affecting multiple employees often get faster attention when the union gets involved.

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now and found this thread incredibly helpful! My wife and I filed jointly in February, were supposed to get our refund in April, and it's now July with no money in sight. The IRS keeps saying it was "issued" but our bank has no record of any deposit attempt. I've been hesitant to file the Form 3911 because I wasn't sure about the process, but reading all these success stories has convinced me to move forward. The step-by-step advice about finding the correct service center address, using certified mail, and making sure both spouses sign has been invaluable. One question for those who've been through this - did anyone have to deal with interest or penalties during the refund trace period? I'm worried that while we're waiting for this to get resolved, we might get hit with late payment notices for estimated taxes or other issues. Our refund was supposed to cover our next quarterly payment, so the delay is really throwing off our financial planning. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and timelines. It's reassuring to know this process actually works, even though it's frustratingly slow!

I just successfully completed this process a few months ago and wanted to share a crucial detail that isn't mentioned much - make sure to check the "Form of Payment" section carefully on your Form 3911. Since you mentioned the IRS says your refund was "issued" but you never received it, you need to indicate whether you were expecting direct deposit or a paper check. If you originally chose direct deposit on your return but never received it, check the appropriate box AND include your current banking information in case there was an error with your account details. In my case, the IRS had somehow corrupted one digit of my routing number, so the direct deposit failed but their system still showed it as "issued." The Form 3911 allowed them to identify this error and reissue the refund to the correct account. Also, don't forget to include your daytime phone number in case they need to contact you for clarification. The IRS actually called me during the trace process to verify some details, which helped speed things up rather than having to send additional forms back and forth. The whole process took about 5 weeks from mailing to receiving my replacement refund. Certified mail is definitely the way to go - I paid about $6 for the peace of mind and tracking confirmation.

As a newcomer to this community, I just want to express my gratitude for all the incredibly helpful advice shared in this thread! I'm currently facing this exact same H&R Block situation - trying to access my 2023 return for a home loan application and running into their paywall. The IRS transcript solution that multiple people have mentioned is a total revelation! I had no clue this was even possible, and hearing from the mortgage lending professional that lenders actually prefer IRS transcripts makes this seem like the obvious first step rather than a workaround. I'm planning to contact my lender first thing tomorrow to confirm they'll accept an IRS transcript, then head straight to the IRS Get Transcript website. If for some reason they need the original H&R Block format, I'll definitely try the local office approach that so many people have had success with. It's honestly mind-blowing that the free, official government option is actually better than what these tax prep companies charge for. This thread has potentially saved me both money and hours of frustration - exactly why I love community forums like this for navigating these bureaucratic headaches! Thanks to everyone who shared their real-world experiences and step-by-step solutions. This is the kind of practical advice you just can't get anywhere else!

As a newcomer to this community, I have to say this thread has been absolutely incredible! I'm currently dealing with this exact same H&R Block access fee frustration for a mortgage application, and I was starting to panic thinking I'd have to pay just to get my own tax information. The IRS transcript solution that so many people have mentioned is a complete game-changer - I genuinely had no idea this was even an option! And hearing from the mortgage lending professional that lenders actually prefer IRS transcripts over original tax prep documents makes this seem like the obvious solution rather than a last resort. I'm definitely going to call my mortgage broker first thing tomorrow to confirm they'll accept an IRS transcript, then go straight to the IRS Get Transcript website. If they specifically need the H&R Block format for some reason, I'll try the local office approach that has worked so well for everyone else. It's honestly shocking that the free, official option from the IRS is actually better quality than what H&R Block charges for! This community discussion has potentially saved me both money and enormous stress during an already complicated mortgage process. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their real-world experiences and detailed solutions - this is exactly the kind of practical advice that makes online communities so valuable for navigating these bureaucratic nightmares!

Paolo, I've been through this exact situation and want to share what I learned. First, don't panic - but also don't ignore it. The Form 8828 is legitimate and the IRS does track this through the 1099-S from your home sale. Here's what saved me thousands: I discovered that my original lender had made an error in calculating the recapture amount on my initial disclosure. They used the wrong income threshold for my county and didn't account for a cost-of-living adjustment that applied to my area. When I recalculated using the correct figures, my recapture dropped from $2,400 to just $180. A few things to check before you file: - Verify the income threshold calculation is correct for your specific county and family size - Make sure you're using the right "applicable median family income" for the year you purchased (not current year) - Double-check if your area received any federal disaster declarations during ownership that might qualify you for exemptions - Calculate your actual gain after accounting for ALL improvements, even small ones add up The $2,000 figure on that old form might not be accurate anymore. I'd strongly recommend getting the calculation verified before you pay anything. Even if you do owe something now, remember that if your income drops next year, you can potentially get a full refund through Form 8828-R. Don't let this financial stress ruin your holidays - there are legitimate ways to reduce or eliminate this tax burden if you know where to look.

Paolo, I completely feel your pain on this - discovering Form 8828 after the fact is like finding a hidden landmine in your tax situation. I went through something very similar when we sold our FHA home after 7.5 years. Here's the reality check: yes, you absolutely need to deal with this. The IRS receives a 1099-S from your home sale, and they have automated systems that can flag potential recapture situations. Ignoring it is like playing Russian roulette with your tax compliance. But before you resign yourself to paying the full $2,000, take a deep breath and verify everything. That dusty form you found might have outdated or incorrect calculations. Here's what I'd do immediately: 1) Double-check if you actually had a taxable gain after accounting for ALL improvements - even small ones like new appliances, flooring, paint, landscaping, etc. Many people underestimate their basis adjustments. 2) Verify the income thresholds are correct for your specific area and family size. These vary significantly by county and are adjusted annually. 3) Check if any exemptions apply - job relocation (50+ miles), unforeseen circumstances, or disaster declarations in your area during ownership. The good news is that even if you do owe something now, it's not necessarily permanent. If your income drops below the threshold next year (which sounds possible with all your new house expenses), you can file Form 8828-R for a full refund. Don't let this ruin your holidays - there are legitimate ways to minimize or eliminate this burden if you approach it systematically.

I'm in a similar situation with my disabled sister (she has severe MS) and I've been claiming her for 3 years now. Even though she was also denied SSDI initially, I've never had any issues with the IRS. I keep a folder with her medical records, a letter from her neurologist stating she cannot work, and a spreadsheet of all the expenses I cover for her. One tip: have your brother sign IRS Form 2120 (Multiple Support Declaration) if your mother is also contributing to his support. This confirms that even though multiple people provide support, you're the one claiming him as a dependent. It's not always required, but it's good documentation to have if questions come up.

One thing that might help ease your concerns about potential audits is to create a comprehensive "dependent file" for your brother that you keep with your tax records. Based on what you've described, you have a strong case, but good documentation is key. Include: (1) A doctor's letter specifically stating his disability prevents substantial gainful activity and is expected to last 12+ months - this addresses the IRS definition directly, (2) Medical records documenting his spine surgeries and ongoing treatment, (3) A detailed expense log showing what you pay for (housing, food, utilities, medical costs, etc.) - this proves the support test, (4) Documentation that he lived with you the full year (lease/mortgage showing his residence), and (5) Evidence of his zero income (bank statements, etc.). The SSDI denial actually works in your favor here because it shows he truly has no income, which helps meet the gross income test for dependents. The IRS disability standard is different from Social Security's - they focus on whether someone can engage in substantial gainful activity, not specific job categories like "cashew sorter." Keep receipts for everything you spend on his behalf. Even seemingly small expenses add up and help demonstrate that you're providing the majority of his support. With 9 spine surgeries and documented chronic pain, plus your clear financial support, you should be well-positioned if any questions arise.