I actually went through something similar after my divorce two years ago - totally understand the stress of navigating tax stuff solo! I had success calling the IRS about transcript codes, but here's what worked for me: call early in the morning (like 7-8 AM) to avoid the worst hold times, and ask to speak with someone in the "Accounts Management" department specifically. They tend to be more knowledgeable about transcript codes than general customer service. Before you call, write down all your codes and have your transcript in front of you. The rep I spoke with explained each code step by step and even told me what to expect next based on the sequence of codes on my account. Don't be afraid to ask them to repeat or clarify anything - they're used to people not understanding the codes. Also, if the first person you talk to seems unsure, it's totally okay to hang up and call back to get someone else. Good luck!

Hey Keisha! First off, sorry to hear about your divorce - that's tough to navigate alone. I've had mixed success with IRS phone reps on transcript codes. Some are really knowledgeable and will walk you through each code, while others just read the basic definitions you can find online. Here's my strategy that's worked: call the main IRS number (1-800-829-1040) and when prompted, say you need help understanding your account transcript. They'll transfer you to someone who should be able to explain the codes. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and last year's adjusted gross income ready for verification. Also, write down the specific codes you're seeing before you call - like 150, 570, 971, etc. - so you can ask about each one directly. If the first rep seems unhelpful or uncertain, don't hesitate to call back and try again. Sometimes you just need to find the right person who knows their stuff. The call might take a while with hold times, but it's free and could save you the cost of a tax professional. Good luck with everything!

I work in mortgage lending and we accept the IRS Wage and Income Transcript in place of W-2s ALL THE TIME. It's actually preferred because it comes directly from the IRS and we know it hasn't been altered. Just make sure when you download it that you get the official PDF version and not just the web view.

Also want to mention that if you're having trouble with the IRS online identity verification process (which can be tricky), you can request transcripts by mail using Form 4506-T. It takes longer (usually 5-10 business days) but it's a reliable backup option if the online system isn't working for you. Just make sure to check the box for "Wage and Income Transcript" on the form, not just "Tax Return Transcript" - they're different documents and your mortgage lender specifically needs the wage information. You can download Form 4506-T directly from the IRS website and mail it to the address listed in the instructions. Given that your mortgage broker is getting impatient, I'd try the online transcript option first since it's immediate, but it's good to know you have this backup if needed!

Just to add a practical tip - I keep a specific "FHL booking log" spreadsheet that tracks all stays including days between bookings. This makes it easy to demonstrate to HMRC that I'm meeting all the FHL criteria. For repeat guests, I make a point of having them sign a specific checkout form confirming they're fully vacating the property at the end of each stay. When they return later, they sign a completely new booking form. I've been doing FHL rentals for 5 years and have had repeat guests do multiple 30-day stays within the same tax year without problems. As long as your documentation clearly shows these are separate holiday bookings, you should be fine.

This is really helpful information from everyone! I've been dealing with a similar situation with my holiday cottage in the Cotswolds. What I've learned from my accountant is that the key is demonstrating genuine commercial availability between stays. One thing I do that might help others - I make sure to update my property listing on booking platforms immediately after each guest checks out, showing it's available for the gap period between their stays. Even if the same guest has already booked the next period, having that evidence of commercial availability helps demonstrate it's not just a disguised long-term let. Also worth noting - I've found that having a minimum 7-day gap between stays by the same guest gives you a much stronger position if HMRC ever questions it. It shows the property was genuinely available to other holidaymakers and that you're not just trying to game the 31-day rule. The checkout documentation suggestions here are spot on too - I wish I'd started doing that from the beginning!

I'm currently going through this exact same situation and wanted to add some additional insights for anyone else dealing with Letter 2645C. I filed my 2023 return on January 28th and received my first verification letter on March 15th. What I've learned through multiple calls is that the third-party verification process varies significantly based on your specific circumstances. In my case, I had income from both traditional employment and freelance work, plus I moved states during 2023. The IRS rep explained that multi-state filings with mixed income sources often trigger the most extensive verification reviews. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is that you can actually request a copy of your "verification worksheet" that shows exactly what's being reviewed. You have to specifically ask for it, and not all representatives know about this, but it can give you much more detailed information about what's causing the delay. I've also found that calling first thing Monday morning (around 7 AM local time) significantly reduces wait times. I've gotten through in under 30 minutes several times using this approach, compared to 2-3 hour waits during peak times. Currently on day 95 since filing with no resolution yet, but having realistic expectations thanks to posts like this has definitely helped manage the stress. Will update when I have more news!

Thank you for starting this thread and providing such detailed information about the 2645C verification process! I'm currently experiencing this exact situation and your post has been incredibly reassuring. I filed my 2023 return on February 3rd and received my first 2645C letter on March 20th. Like you, I was initially told it would be a 60-day process, but after reading your experience I called back and confirmed they actually need 120+ days for the third-party field verification. What's been most frustrating is the lack of clear communication from the IRS about what's actually happening. The representatives I've spoken with have been polite but couldn't provide much detail beyond "your return is under review." Your explanation about the third-party company physically visiting employers to verify employment and income finally makes sense of this whole process. I'm currently on day 52 since filing and checking the "Where's My Refund" tool daily (even though it just shows "still processing"). Based on your timeline and others who have commented, it sounds like I'm still in for several more months of waiting. One thing I'm curious about - did you notice any specific updates or changes in your online IRS account before the verification was completed? I'm wondering if there are any early indicators that the process is moving forward. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and promising to provide updates. This kind of real-world information is exactly what people going through this stressful process need to see!

I'm dealing with a somewhat similar situation with property I inherited from my late father in Italy, so I really feel for your stress about the documentation issues! One thing that might help ease your immediate tax filing concerns - if the inheritance hasn't actually been transferred to you yet (sounds like it's still in the "verbal promise" stage), then there's likely nothing you need to report on your 2024 tax return. The reporting obligations generally kick in when you actually receive the assets or money. That said, I'd strongly recommend getting ahead of the documentation issue now rather than waiting. Even if official estate documents take time, try to get something in writing from whoever is handling your grandmother's affairs in the Philippines. It doesn't have to be fancy - even a simple letter on letterhead from the family member managing things, listing what you're expected to inherit and approximate values, can be incredibly helpful later. Also, start keeping a detailed log of all conversations and decisions related to the inheritance. Dates, who you spoke with, what was discussed, etc. This becomes part of your documentation trail and shows the IRS (if they ever ask) that you were tracking everything properly from the beginning. The fact that you're asking these questions now shows you're being proactive about compliance, which is exactly the right approach. Don't let the documentation gaps stress you out too much - many international inheritances start with informal family communications and get formalized over time.

This thread has been incredibly helpful for understanding foreign inheritance reporting! I'm in a similar boat with an inheritance from my grandfather in Ireland that's still being processed. One thing I wanted to add that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you're dealing with properties specifically, you might want to look into whether there are any ongoing property taxes or maintenance costs in the Philippines that you'll be responsible for once you officially inherit. My Irish property came with annual council taxes that I had no idea about initially. Also, regarding the timing of everything - don't feel pressured to rush your tax filing tomorrow if you're still unsure about major reporting requirements. You can always file for an extension (Form 4868) which gives you until October 15th to submit your return. This might give you time to get better documentation and clarity on what exactly needs to be reported. The extension doesn't extend the time to pay any taxes owed, but since inheritances generally aren't taxable income anyway, that shouldn't be an issue in your case. Sometimes having those extra months can make all the difference when dealing with international estate matters that move slowly. Just another option to consider if you want more time to get everything sorted properly!