That's a great idea! Do you know if there's a specific category I should select when filing a CFPB complaint about tax forms? And roughly how long did it take from filing to getting a response from your servicer?

When you file with the CFPB, select "mortgage" as the product, then "problem with a lender or mortgage servicer" as the issue. In the details section, specifically mention they're refusing to provide required tax documentation (Form 1098) despite your repeated requests, and explain briefly that the property is in a family trust but you're the payer and taxpayer who needs the form. In my case, I received acknowledgment from the CFPB within 1-2 days, and my servicer contacted me about 5 business days later. They're required to respond to the CFPB within 15 days in most cases, but serious issues often get faster attention. Most mortgage companies have dedicated teams just for handling regulatory complaints, and these teams typically have much more authority to resolve issues than regular customer service.

That's really helpful advice! Would you suggest requesting this letter specifically from the Escrow Department or another particular department? I always struggle with knowing who exactly to ask for when calling these big mortgage companies.

Are there any special forms I need to file if Section 965 applies to me? My tax software doesn't seem to have anything specific about this.

Yes, there are specific forms and worksheets required. You'll need to file Form 965 along with your tax return, and potentially several schedules that go with it. Most consumer tax software doesn't handle Section 965 calculations well, which is why professional help is recommended. The IRS also requires a Section 965 Transition Tax Statement to be attached to your return. Additionally, if you elected to pay the tax over installments (which was an option when the law first passed), there's ongoing reporting for that as well. If you're using consumer tax software, this is one area where it might not have the capabilities to properly guide you through the complex requirements.

Thanks for explaining that - makes much more sense now! One quick question: if I already paid foreign taxes on this income in the country where it was earned, can I claim foreign tax credits to offset the Section 965 tax?

5 These are great suggestions. I didn't think about maxing out retirement accounts! I haven't contributed much to my 401k this year so I could definitely increase that. How would I know if I have any investments at a loss that I could sell? Would I just look at my current portfolio and check what's down from my purchase price?

14 Yes, exactly! Just look at your current portfolio and identify any investments that are currently valued lower than what you paid for them. Those are your potential tax-loss harvesting opportunities. Your brokerage should show your cost basis and current value for each position. Remember that if you sell something at a loss and buy the same or a "substantially identical" security within 30 days before or after the sale, that's considered a wash sale and you can't claim the tax loss. You can buy something similar but not identical to maintain market exposure while still harvesting the tax loss.

9 I talked to my Fidelity advisor about almost this exact same situation last year. They basically confirmed what everyone here is saying - you're stuck with the tax bill for the year the gains were realized, but they did help me put together a tax-loss harvesting strategy for the following year to minimize the ongoing impact. Depending on your broker, they might offer free consultations that could be helpful.

Does requesting all three types of relief make the process take longer? I'm trying to get this resolved as quickly as possible and don't want unnecessary delays.

Requesting all three types actually doesn't extend the processing time at all. The IRS evaluates your case for all types simultaneously, not sequentially. They automatically consider which type you qualify for, starting with innocent spouse relief, then separation of liability, and finally equitable relief. The biggest factors affecting processing time are completeness of documentation and current IRS backlog. Making sure you provide thorough documentation up front is the best way to avoid delays. If you only request one type and don't qualify, they'll reject your case entirely rather than considering if you might qualify under another type.

They process innocent spouse claims year-round, but there's definitely slowdown during filing season. My claim took 9 months last year, with 4 of those months being during tax season when it basically didn't move at all. You might not hear anything until May or June.

For partial work from home situations, you can only deduct the business percentage of your internet if you're self-employed. W-2 employees lost the ability to deduct unreimbursed business expenses after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, unless you're certain specific professions like armed forces reservists, qualified performing artists, or fee-basis state/local government officials.