Is anyone actually getting good service from them this year? I submitted on March 15th and didn't hear back until March 21st - that's 6 days not 2! With April 15th just around the corner, I'm skeptical they're managing their workload properly. Seems like they've oversold their capacity.

I've used H&R Block's virtual tax pro service for three consecutive tax years and can confirm their current processing delays. Here's what you need to do to expedite your return: 1. Login to your H&R Block account 2. Navigate to the Message Center (not the general status page) 3. Send a direct message to your assigned preparer requesting status 4. If no response within 24 hours, call the Priority Support line at their main number 5. Reference your specific submission ID when speaking with representatives Their system prioritizes returns based on both submission date and client follow-up frequency. I've consistently found that a single follow-up message moves your return higher in their queue.

Has anyone actually done the ITIN application themselves without an acceptance agent? I'm in a similar situation but don't want to pay the agent fees.

I've been through this exact process twice - once as someone who was overly cautious like you, and once after learning how the system actually works. Your acceptance agent is absolutely following proper procedure. The key thing to understand is that CAAs aren't just random third parties - they're specifically authorized by the IRS and bound by strict regulations. When they submit your package, they're essentially vouching for the authenticity of your documents with their certification credentials on the line. Here's what helped me feel more comfortable: ask your agent to walk you through their submission process step by step. A legitimate CAA should be happy to explain exactly where your documents go, what tracking methods they use, and when you can expect updates. They should also provide you with a receipt showing exactly what was submitted and when. Also, keep copies of everything before handing it over. While the agent handles the mailing, you should still have complete documentation of what was sent. Most reputable agents will actually insist on this as part of their process. The acceptance agent route really is designed to make the process smoother and faster for international applicants. Fighting the system usually just creates more delays and complications.

Has anyone else noticed that the W2 Box 12 code for deferred compensation seems to vary? My previous employer used code Y but my current one is using code D. Does the code matter for reporting purposes?

This is a great breakdown of a complex topic! One thing I'd add is that you should also verify that your employer is correctly handling the Social Security wage base limit. For 2025, once your cumulative FICA wages hit the Social Security wage base ($176,100), you stop paying Social Security tax but continue paying Medicare tax. With deferred compensation, this can get tricky because the vesting and earnings might push you over the limit in ways that aren't immediately obvious from your regular salary. I've seen cases where employees ended up overpaying Social Security tax because their payroll department didn't properly coordinate the deferred comp reporting with their regular wages. Also, make sure your employer isn't double-counting any amounts. Sometimes when corrections are made to prior year reporting, there can be overlap that results in the same earnings being subject to FICA multiple times. If you're getting conflicting information from your plan administrator, consider requesting a meeting with both HR and payroll to walk through a specific example year. Having everyone in the same room often helps identify where the confusion is coming from.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this recurring nightmare - four different W2 versions last year followed by this mess is completely unacceptable. Your employer's refusal to provide W2C forms to employees while claiming they'll "only send to the IRS" shows a fundamental misunderstanding (or deliberate misrepresentation) of their legal obligations. Here's my take after reading everyone's excellent advice: You're absolutely in the right to demand proper W2C forms. The IRS requires employers to provide corrected forms to employees, period. Their excuse about "avoiding confusion" is nonsense - the W2C form is specifically designed to show corrections clearly. Given their terrible track record, I'd recommend this approach: **Immediate steps:** - Request your wage and income transcript (Form 4506-T) to see what they've actually filed with the IRS - Send a formal written demand for your W2C forms, citing IRS Publication 15 - File Form 4868 for an extension to buy yourself time **If they continue to stonewall:** - File Form 3949-A to report them to the IRS - Consider the services others mentioned (Claimyr) to get direct IRS assistance Don't let them gaslight you into thinking this is normal or acceptable. After years of incompetence, they've lost any right to your patience. You deserve accurate tax documents, and you have every legal right to demand them. Stay strong - employers like this count on people just giving up!

This is absolutely maddening, and I completely understand your frustration after dealing with this level of incompetence for multiple years. Your employer's stance is not just wrong - it's potentially illegal. Let me be crystal clear: **Employers are legally required to provide W2C forms to employees when corrections are made.** They cannot just send corrections to the IRS and leave you hanging. The W2C form exists specifically so employees have the corrected information they need to file accurate tax returns. Here's what I'd do immediately: 1. **Document everything in writing** - Send an email requesting your W2C forms and explicitly state that IRS regulations require employers to furnish corrected forms to employees, not just the IRS (cite IRS Publication 15, Circular E). 2. **Get proof of what they've actually filed** - Request Form 4506-T (wage and income transcript) from the IRS to see what your employer has really submitted. This often reveals that companies making these excuses haven't filed anything at all. 3. **File for an extension** - Use Form 4868 to extend your deadline to October 15th. Don't let their dysfunction force you into filing with incorrect information. 4. **Set consequences** - Give them a specific deadline (10 business days) and mention that you'll file Form 3949-A with the IRS if they don't comply. After four different W2 versions last year and now this refusal, your employer has proven they can't be trusted. Stop being patient with their incompetence - you have legal rights here, and it's time to use them. They're counting on you just accepting their excuses and dealing with the mess yourself. Stand your ground. You deserve accurate tax documents, and you have every right to demand them.

This thread has been incredibly educational! I had no idea about the suspension of unreimbursed employee business expenses through 2025. As someone who frequently travels for work (though my employer reimburses most expenses), I've been assuming the old rules were still in place. @fd802658100b, I'm sorry your upgrade isn't deductible, but at least you found out before filing! This is a great reminder for all of us to stay current on tax law changes. The TCJA really did reshape a lot of common deductions that people took for granted. One follow-up question for the group: if someone is self-employed or an independent contractor rather than a W-2 employee, would the upgrade fee potentially be deductible as a business expense on Schedule C? I'm thinking the rules might be different for business owners versus employees when it comes to mixed personal/business travel expenses.

This has been such an enlightening discussion! I came in thinking about tax strategy and learned I was operating on completely outdated information. @139d9cb77778 thank you for that crucial clarification about the TCJA suspension - you probably saved me from making a filing error. And @618db9ad3f82, that list of other suspended deductions is eye-opening. I definitely need to recalculate whether itemizing even makes sense anymore. It's fascinating how @c4bc2da0165f pointed out the difference between W-2 employees and self-employed individuals. Makes me wonder if there are other scenarios where the old rules still apply that most people don't know about. For anyone else reading this thread: definitely double-check your assumptions about what's deductible under current law! I was completely wrong about unreimbursed employee expenses, and apparently so were several other people here. Better to learn this now than during an audit. Thanks everyone for turning what I thought was a simple question into a comprehensive tax education!