I tried the import option initially, but my broker (a smaller one) isn't supported for direct import. Plus I had some employee stock options that got reported weirdly. Would this still work in my situation or am I stuck with the mail-in option?

If your broker isn't supported for direct import, then unfortunately you're likely stuck with either manual entry or the summary/mail-in option. Employee stock options add another layer of complexity too. In your specific situation, I'd probably go with what you're doing - e-file the main return with the summary on Form 8949 and Schedule D, then mail Form 8453 with your detailed records. Just make sure to keep copies of everything you send. Next year, you might consider switching to a more widely-supported broker if electronic filing is important to you.

Does writing your SSN on every page actually matter? Seems excessive and kind of risky from a identity theft perspective.

Thanks for sharing your experience! How complicated was it to file the amendment? I've never done one before and I'm worried I'll mess it up somehow.

Filing the amendment through TurboTax was pretty straightforward. Since you already filed with them, you just log in, choose the option to amend your 2023 return, and follow the prompts. It'll ask what you're changing, and you'd select "income" and then add the 1099-R information. The system recalculates everything automatically. Just review the changes carefully before submitting. If your situation is simple like mine was (just adding a missed form), it shouldn't take more than 30-45 minutes. The hardest part is waiting for processing - paper amendments can take 6+ months to process currently.

Not the OP, but I think that's what they meant by "Form G" - they were referring to the distribution code in box 7. That's super important for determining the tax treatment.

You're right - it does have code G in box 7. I just double-checked the form. Does that change anything about how I should handle this?

Thanks for the advice on the tiebreaker rules. I didn't know parents get priority over non-parents. That's really helpful. I definitely have plenty of documentation showing my daughter doesn't live with the boyfriend full-time. Our custody is actually 60/40 with me having the 60%, so I have her more than half the year anyway. So even if my ex was trying to claim her in her years, sounds like I'd win the tiebreaker?

Yes, with 60% custody, you definitely have the stronger claim under the IRS residency test since your daughter lives with you for more than half the year. And you're right - biological parents do have priority over non-parents in tiebreaker situations. The fact that you have majority physical custody actually means you could technically claim your daughter every year under IRS rules, regardless of what your custody agreement says. However, be aware that violating your custody agreement (even if IRS rules would allow it) could potentially lead to family court issues. Some judges take tax provisions in custody agreements very seriously.

I'd also recommend getting the custody agreement clarified through the court if possible. My ex tried pulling something similar, and we ended up going back to court to get specific language about tax benefits added to our custody order.

7 That sounds terrifying! How long was his bankruptcy and how much extra time did it add to the collection period? I'm wondering because I did a Chapter 13 a few years ago and now I'm worried about my tax debts.

14 His bankruptcy added almost 3 years to the collection period. The CSED clock stops completely during the bankruptcy plus 6 months afterward. His Chapter 7 lasted about 8 months, but with the additional 6-month suspension, that's 14 months total that got added to his 10-year period. Chapter 13 bankruptcies typically last 3-5 years, so that could potentially add a substantial amount of time to your collection period. I'd definitely recommend getting your transcripts and having someone calculate your actual CSED dates taking the bankruptcy into account.

17 Yes, the IRS often becomes more aggressive with collection actions as the CSED approaches. Filing a Notice of Federal Tax Lien is definitely something they consider when the clock is running out. The important thing to understand is that even if they file a lien shortly before the CSED expires, the lien should self-release when the collection statute expires.

Thanks so much for breaking this down! This makes way more sense now. I found my tax return and my AGI was actually $48,500, so my adjustments were about $7,500 and then the standard deduction took me down to the $35k taxable income. Do you know what the income limits are for those education credits? I'm hoping to qualify next year.

For 2025 (taxes you'll file in 2026), the American Opportunity Credit begins to phase out at $80,000 MAGI for single filers and $160,000 for married filing jointly. It's completely phased out at $90,000/$180,000. The Lifetime Learning Credit has the same phaseout ranges. With your AGI around $48,500, you should be well within the limits to claim either credit as long as your income doesn't increase dramatically. The American Opportunity Credit is worth up to $2,500 but can only be claimed for the first 4 years of undergraduate education. The Lifetime Learning Credit is worth up to $2,000 and can be used for any level of education, including graduate courses or professional development.

Mortgage lenders will almost always look at your gross income (before any deductions) and sometimes specifically at your AGI, not your taxable income. They want to know your actual earnings capacity, not the number after all your deductions. They'll typically ask for 2 years of tax returns and recent pay stubs to verify your income.