Does the 1040-X form have to be mailed in? Or can it be e-filed? Last time I had to mail something to the IRS it took FOREVER to process.

Just to add one more thing that might help - when you file your 1040-X, make sure you attach a copy of that missing W-2 and any other supporting documents. I forgot to do this when I amended my return a couple years ago and it delayed processing by several weeks while they requested the documentation. Also, keep detailed records of when you discovered the error and when you filed the amendment. If the IRS ever questions the timeline, having that documentation can help show you acted in good faith to correct the mistake as soon as you realized it. The whole process seems scary at first, but it's really pretty straightforward once you get started. You'll get through this!

Literally just went through this nightmare. Here's my advice: 1) FILE THE 83B IMMEDIATELY. Send it certified mail with return receipt. 2) Get the company's 409A valuation in writing 3) Send a copy to your company and keep proof you did so 4) Find out if your state requires a separate filing (mine did) My buddy didn't file his 83b at the same company because he "didn't want to deal with the extra taxes now" and it was catastrophic when we got acquired 3 years later. His tax bill was over $180k higher than mine on identical grants because all his unvested shares were taxed at the acquisition price. The 30-day deadline is COMPLETELY REAL and the IRS has almost no exceptions. Courts have rejected appeals from people who missed the deadline by even a single day.

Holy cow, reading through all these responses has been eye-opening! I'm a tax professional and see this exact scenario play out constantly. Your employer's casual attitude about the 83b election is unfortunately very common, but it's also incredibly damaging to employees. What many people don't realize is that the 83b election isn't just about saving money on taxes - it also starts the clock on long-term capital gains treatment. If you file the 83b and hold your shares for more than a year after the grant date, any future gains will be taxed at the more favorable long-term capital gains rates instead of ordinary income rates. Also want to emphasize what others have said about the state filing requirements. Several states (like California) require separate 83b elections filed with state tax authorities. Missing the federal deadline is bad enough, but missing both federal AND state can be even more costly. The fact that your HR doesn't understand 409A valuations is a major red flag. Every company granting equity should have current 409A valuations - it's required for tax compliance. I'd strongly recommend getting this sorted out ASAP and maybe having a conversation with leadership about proper equity administration going forward.

Not sure if anyone already mentioned this but if your boyfriend claims your daughter, he might qualify for Head of Household filing status instead of Single which could save him a lot more on taxes. But he has to pay more than half the cost of keeping up the home (rent, utilities, food, etc) where both of you and daughter lived for more than half the year.

One thing nobody's mentioned - if your income is only $13,500, you might actually benefit MORE from claiming your daughter yourself because of the Earned Income Credit. Depending on your situation, this could potentially be worth more than your boyfriend's tax savings from the dependent deduction.

FWIW I was in the same boat. E-filed on Feb 2. Got accepted same day. Transcript showed N/A until Mar 12. Was freaking out tbh. Called IRS twice (nightmare). Finally got thru. They confirmed my return was in the system. Just backlogged. Transcript updated suddenly one day. DD hit my acct 6 days later. Hang in there. System's overwhelmed rn.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Filed on March 5th, got accepted the same day, but my transcript still shows "N/A" for 2024. It's so frustrating because I really need that refund for some home repairs that can't wait much longer. Reading through everyone's experiences here is actually really reassuring though - sounds like this is just how the system is working (or not working) this year. I guess I'll stop checking my transcript obsessively and just wait it out. Thanks for posting this question, @Dmitry Volkov - at least now I know I'm not alone in this situation!

Has anyone changed their address directly with the IRS temporarily? I found this form 8822 for address changes, but I'm not sure if it's worth filing for a 2-month temporary change.

I went through something similar when I was stationed overseas for work. One thing I'd recommend is setting up electronic delivery for as many tax documents as possible before you leave. Most employers, banks, and investment companies now offer this option through their online portals. For the documents that must come by mail, a temporary PO box is definitely a good solution. Just make sure to notify the post office of your exact rental period so they don't accidentally forward mail after you've closed the box. I learned this the hard way when some late-arriving documents got returned to sender. Also consider giving a trusted family member or friend access to check your PO box if needed, especially toward the end of your rental period when you might be transitioning back. Having that backup person can save you from missing anything important that arrives right as you're closing the box.