Just want to add one important thing - if you're still sharing the mortgage with your ex even though he's gone, make sure you understand how the 1098 reporting works. The form usually only lists one borrower (primary) so if it has your ex's SSN on it, the IRS computer system is expecting him to report that interest. If you're claiming the interest on your return (which you probably should if you're making the payments), you need to include a statement with your tax return explaining that you're a co-borrower responsible for the debt and made the payments, but the 1098 was issued with the other person's info.

I went through something very similar when my ex moved out suddenly and left me dealing with all the mortgage paperwork alone. Here's what worked for me: First, definitely call your mortgage company directly - as a co-borrower, you have every right to request the 1098. Have your SSN and loan number ready when you call. Most companies can email you a copy immediately once they verify your identity. If your mortgage company is being difficult or you can't get through, you have a few backup options: 1. Check if they have an online portal where you can download tax documents 2. If you paid through a bank account, your bank statements showing the mortgage payments can serve as backup documentation for the interest portion 3. For property taxes, if you paid them directly to the county (not through escrow), use those receipts One thing to be careful about - if the 1098 was issued with your ex's SSN as the primary borrower but you're claiming the deduction, include a brief statement with your return explaining that you're a co-borrower who made the payments. This helps avoid IRS matching issues later. The good news is that mortgage companies deal with these situations all the time, especially with divorces and separations. They should be able to help you get what you need for your tax filing.

Reason #47293 why I'm now making sure I owe a tiny amount each year instead of getting a refund. I'd rather pay them $50 than let them hold my $2000 hostage for a year with no recourse.

I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare with the IRS. Your situation sounds incredibly frustrating and unfortunately all too common. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like you have several good options to try: 1. **File Form 911 for Taxpayer Advocate Service** - This seems to be the most recommended route for cases like yours where normal channels have failed 2. **Contact your Congressional representative** - Multiple people here have had success with this approach, with some getting results in just 3 weeks 3. **Try to get the specific fax number** for the department handling your EIC case - one person mentioned this worked after 14 months of waiting The fact that you've been dealing with this since 2021 and haven't received a refund since then is absolutely unacceptable. The IRS's antiquated systems and understaffing issues don't excuse holding taxpayers' money hostage for years. I'd definitely start with the Taxpayer Advocate route and congressional contact simultaneously. Document everything - dates of calls, names of representatives, case numbers, etc. You shouldn't have to fight this hard for your own money. Hang in there and don't give up. Your refund belongs to you, not them.

Maybe I'm paranoid but I've had my identity stolen before and it was a NIGHTMARE to fix. I wouldn't give copies of my SS card to ANYONE, not even my mom lol. There's zero reason they need a copy vs just the number.

Trust your instincts - this is definitely not standard practice and you're right to be concerned. I've been preparing taxes for over 15 years and have never required clients to provide physical copies of their Social Security cards. The SSN itself is all that's needed for tax preparation and filing. Your accountant's explanation about "security purposes" is actually backwards - keeping copies of SS cards creates MORE security risk, not less. If their office is breached or files are stolen, your most sensitive identity documents could be compromised. I'd recommend having a direct conversation with your accountant about this. Ask specifically why they need copies rather than just the numbers, and what their document security protocols are. A legitimate professional should be able to explain their reasoning and should be willing to work with you on alternatives, like verifying the cards in person without keeping copies. If they're unwilling to budge on this unusual request without a valid explanation, that might be a red flag about their practices in general.

Has anyone successfully done this using regular tax software like TurboTax or H&R Block? I have my original 2018 return I did through TurboTax but not sure if I can use it to create the 1040X or if I need to start from scratch.

I went through this exact situation last year with a missing W-2 from 2018! Here's what I learned that might help: First, don't panic - it's really not as complicated as it looks. The key is being methodical about it. Make sure you have your original 2018 return handy and the missing W-2. One thing I wish I'd known earlier: if the missing W-2 results in you owing additional tax, you'll want to pay that amount when you file the 1040X to minimize interest charges. The interest runs from the original due date (April 15, 2019) regardless of when you actually file the amendment. Also, keep copies of EVERYTHING. Your university will probably want proof that you filed the amendment, and with current IRS processing times being 20+ weeks, having documentation that you submitted it will be crucial for your financial aid office. The explanation section (Part III) doesn't need to be elaborate - just clearly state "Amendment due to missing W-2 from [employer name] not included in original filing" and attach the W-2 copy. Don't let the form intimidate you - most people overthink it. You've got this!

Cycle 05 updates are different from cycle 20 in a key way. With 05, your transcript typically updates Thursday night/Friday morning, whereas cycle 20 updates daily. If you verified 2 weeks ago on cycle 05, you've probably missed 1-2 update windows already. Compare this to 2023 when post-verification updates were taking 3-4 weeks due to backlog. This year seems faster based on what I'm seeing across different forums.

I'm also cycle 05 and verified about 10 days ago through ID.me. Reading through everyone's experiences here, it seems like the timing really varies even within the same cycle. What's been helpful for me is checking my transcript early Friday mornings since that's when cycle 05 typically updates. I've noticed that some people are getting their 846 codes faster this year compared to 2023, but like Mateo mentioned, I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much. Has anyone else noticed if the method of verification (phone vs ID.me) actually makes a difference in processing speed? The IRS agent I spoke with wasn't clear on that detail.