How do you get those transcripts? Is that something available online or do you have to request them by mail?

You can get your transcripts online pretty easily through the IRS website. Go to IRS.gov and search for "Get Transcript Online." You'll need to create an account if you don't already have one. They use a verification process that requires some personal info like a credit card number or loan account number to verify your identity. If you can't access them online for some reason, you can also use Form 4506-T to request them by mail, but that takes several weeks. The online method gives you immediate access and you can download PDFs of your transcripts right away.

Yikes, that's what I was worried about - some massive bill showing up years later with penalties. I never thought about it being a tax preparer error with similar names/SSNs. That actually makes a lot of sense! I'm definitely going to request those transcripts and submit that identity theft form. When I've called the IRS before, I feel like I never get to talk to someone who can actually see the details behind these payments. Between the transcript analysis and getting through to the right department, hopefully I can get this sorted before it becomes a bigger problem. Thanks everyone for the suggestions. This has been driving me crazy for years!

This is why I always double check SSNs when I prepare tax returns. One wrong digit can cause chaos! OP's situation is a textbook example of why tax preparers need to be careful.

You're right, I haven't updated my W-4 since getting promoted. I assumed the payroll system would automatically adjust everything. How do I figure out the right amount to add for additional withholding? Is there a calculation or formula I should use?

Take the amount you owed this year ($1,300) and divide it by the number of pay periods remaining in the year. For example, if you're paid twice a month and it's currently April, you have about 16 pay periods left, so you'd add about $81 of additional withholding per paycheck ($1,300 ÷ 16). You might want to add a bit more if you expect your income to continue rising. The IRS has a tax withholding estimator on their website that can help you calculate this more precisely based on your specific situation. Remember that this adjustment only affects future withholding, not what you currently owe.

This is exactly right. I'm an accountant and see this all the time with sales people. The 22% supplemental wage withholding is just a simplified method employers use, but your actual tax liability is based on your total income for the year across all sources.

Thank you for bringing up the state tax issue! I hadn't even considered that. Do you know if I should contact the state tax department now or wait until I resolve things with the IRS first?

In your situation, focus on resolving the federal CP2000 issue first. Most states won't take action until after the IRS assessment is finalized, which gives you some time. Once you've submitted your response to the IRS and have a resolution, then you can be proactive with your state tax department if needed. Just keep copies of all documentation and correspondence with the IRS, as you'll likely need the same information for the state. This approach lets you handle one tax authority at a time rather than juggling both simultaneously.

Is it better to call early morning or late afternoon to get through? I've heard conflicting advice about this.

Can you explain more about what this means? My unfiled return is just from last year, so does that affect anything?

Since your unfiled return is only from last year, you're well within the 3-year assessment period. This means the IRS has 3 years from the date you file to audit your return and assess additional taxes if they find issues. The 10-year collection statute doesn't start until taxes are assessed, which happens after you file. Once assessed, the IRS has 10 years to collect. For most people with straightforward tax situations and relatively small balances like yours, audits are unlikely. The important thing is just getting current with your filings, which you're planning to do.

Wait, I thought the nanny tax was just for household employees like babysitters and housekeepers? Would that apply to someone helping with my actual business? It's a small woodworking operation if that makes a difference.

You're right - I should have been more clear. The nanny tax specifically applies to household employees, not business employees. For a woodworking business, your helper would be considered a regular employee. In your case, you'll need to follow standard employment tax procedures, including getting an EIN, filing quarterly 941 forms for federal tax withholding, and annual W-2/W-3 forms. Most states also require quarterly unemployment tax filings. Since you mentioned woodworking, make sure you have proper workers' compensation insurance too - it's especially important in trades with injury risks.

I use Square Payroll for my small business with 2 part-time employees. It's about $35/month plus $5 per employee. Totally worth it IMO. They handle all the tax calculations, filings, and W-2s automatically. You just enter hours and pay rate, and it does everything else. Much better than trying to figure out all the withholding calculations yourself.