Does anyone know if you have to wait for the IRS to process the federal amendment before filing the state amendment? Or can you do both at the same time?

You can generally file both federal and state amendments at the same time - you don't need to wait for the federal to be processed first. However, you should make sure the information matches on both amendments. Some states do want you to include a copy of your federal amendment with your state amendment, so have that ready when you prepare your state forms. And definitely check your specific state's deadline - while many follow the federal 3-year rule, quite a few have different timeframes that could work in your favor.

The only exception I know of is if you were physically or mentally unable to manage your financial affairs during that time. It's called "financial disability" and requires certification from a doctor. It's in Internal Revenue Code section 6511(h) if you want to look it up.

I've heard military members deployed in combat zones get extensions too, and there might be something for people in federally declared disaster areas. But from everything I've read, they're super strict about that 3-year limit for regular situations.

Thank you for the insider perspective! That's really helpful. Do you know if there's any way I can request that they issue a proper W-2C instead of just this "updated W-2"? I'm worried about potential issues with my amended return without the proper documentation.

You should contact your payroll department again and specifically request a W-2C, explaining that you've already filed using the incorrect W-2 and need the proper correction form for your amended return. Mention that this is the standard procedure according to IRS guidelines. If they continue to refuse, you can still file your amended return with the documentation you have. Include a written explanation that you requested a W-2C but the employer only provided an updated W-2. The IRS is familiar with employers not always following proper procedures, and your explanation should help prevent any issues with your amended return.

Does H&R Block software handle this too? I'm in a similar situation but using H&R Block and can't figure out how to enter the correction.

Good point about the dependent status. I'm 25 and completely support myself, so my parents definitely aren't claiming me as a dependent. And I'm filing as single. With my $29k AGI, do you know which percentage tier I'd fall into exactly?

For a single filer with a $29,000 AGI in tax year 2024 (filing in 2025), you'd qualify for the 10% Saver's Credit tier. The 50% tier cutoff for single filers is $21,750, the 20% tier goes up to $23,500, and the 10% tier extends to $36,500. So with your contribution to your Roth IRA, you'd get a tax credit worth 10% of your contribution amount, up to a maximum credit of $200 (which would be based on a $2,000 contribution). Every bit helps when it comes to tax savings!

I used H&R Block last year and it handled the Saver's Credit correctly. The software asked if I was a full-time student for at least 5 months during the year (yes/no question) rather than asking for all the specific months. Make sure you're answering based on the 5-month rule, not just whether you were in school.

Thanks for this advice! Would it help if I started paying a portion of the rent directly to the landlord instead of giving the money to my boyfriend? I'm worried that the Cash App transfers labeled "rent" might not be enough proof since the actual rent receipts are in his name.

That would definitely strengthen your case! If you can arrange to pay even a portion directly to the landlord, that creates a clearer paper trail. Ask the landlord if they can note your payment specifically in their records, even if the lease remains in your boyfriend's name. The Cash App transfers labeled "rent" are still useful evidence, especially if they show a consistent pattern that aligns with rent due dates. But direct payments to the landlord would be more compelling. Also, consider getting a simple written statement from your boyfriend acknowledging that your Cash App transfers are contributions toward household expenses - this adds another layer of documentation.

I used TurboTax last year with a similar HOH situation. It asks you the basic qualifying questions but doesn't really get into documentation issues. It'll let you file HOH if you say you meet the requirements, but doesn't help you prove it or explain the gray areas. You might want to consult with a tax pro if you're uncertain.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Did you have any issues after filing with TurboTax? Like did the IRS question your HOH status afterward or did everything go through okay?

I hadn't thought about the backdoor Roth approach. Would that still work if my tax liability is already zero? And would I still need to worry about the documentation of foreign expenses if I go that route?

The backdoor Roth works regardless of your tax liability because you're making non-deductible contributions to a traditional IRA first, which doesn't require you to have tax liability. You'd report these non-deductible contributions on Form 8606. No need to worry about foreign expense documentation for this approach. You can take the full standard deduction, apply your FTCs to reduce your tax to zero (carrying forward any excess), and still do the backdoor Roth. The only documentation you need is for the FTCs themselves (foreign tax statements or equivalent), not itemized expenses.

FTCs can only be carried forward, not backward. You can carry them forward for up to 10 years, but you can't apply them to prior year returns unfortunately.