Document everything you've tried so far - save those emails with your boss, screenshots of the ADP login issues, dates of when you requested help, etc. This paper trail will be crucial if you need to escalate to state labor authorities or the IRS. Also, since your boss keeps claiming he "can't do anything," that's simply not true. ADP's employer admin portal absolutely allows them to resend registration codes, reset employee access, or even generate new invitation links. I manage payroll for a small business and have done this for former employees multiple times. One more thing - if this company is still operating and has other employees, try reaching out to a current coworker you trust. Sometimes they can put in a word with the boss/HR or even forward your request directly to whoever actually handles the ADP admin duties (it might not even be the boss himself). The fact that HR is the boss's wife with no direct contact method is definitely problematic from a business practices standpoint, even if not strictly illegal depending on company size and your state's laws.

This is such a frustrating situation, but you're definitely not powerless here! Based on what you've described, your former employer is clearly violating their legal obligations. Here's my recommended action plan: **Immediate steps:** 1. Send one final certified mail letter to both your boss AND his wife (find her name through business registration records if needed). State clearly: "This is my final request for access to my payroll records as required by law. Failure to provide access within 10 business days will result in complaints being filed with state and federal agencies." 2. While waiting, request your wage and income transcripts from the IRS at irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript. This will at least give you the W2 income information that was reported, even if it doesn't have all the detailed breakdowns. **Escalation options (use multiple simultaneously for maximum pressure):** - File a complaint with your state's Department of Labor for failure to provide access to personnel records - Contact the IRS Business Tax line at 800-829-4933 to report missing W2s - File a complaint with your state Attorney General's consumer protection division - If they received PPP loans (check the database), mention this in your complaints as it adds extra government oversight concerns **Documentation is key:** Save every email, screenshot every ADP error, and keep records of every attempt you've made. This paper trail will be crucial for any government complaints. The fact that HR is inaccessible creates additional compliance issues that government agencies will take seriously. Don't let them wear you down - you have strong legal rights here!

Has anyone had the IRS question their TTS status when they had another job? I've been trading about 20-25 hours a week while working full time in healthcare and am worried about audit risk.

I was in a very similar situation last year - working part-time as a graphic designer while day trading. Based on my experience and research, you definitely have a strong case for TTS qualification. Your 15-20 trades per week and 4-5 hours daily commitment are well within the range that courts have recognized as "substantial" trading activity. The fact that you're generating more income from trading than your regular job actually strengthens your position. The IRS looks at factors like frequency of trades, time devoted to trading, and whether you're seeking to profit from short-term price movements rather than long-term investment gains. A few practical tips: Make sure you're keeping detailed records of your trading time (I use a simple spreadsheet), maintain separate accounts for trading vs. personal finances, and document your trading strategy/methodology. Consider setting up a dedicated trading workspace at home if you haven't already - this can support home office deductions. One thing to be aware of: if you decide to elect mark-to-market accounting, you need to make that election by the tax filing deadline (including extensions) for the year you want it to take effect. So if you're planning to claim TTS for 2024, you'd need to make the MTM election by the 2024 tax filing deadline. Your situation sounds very promising for TTS qualification. The key is proper documentation and maintaining clear separation between your trading business and employment.

Just wanted to throw in my 2 cents as someone who made a similar mistake years ago. For S-corps, you MUST take a reasonable salary through proper payroll before any distributions. The IRS is actually cracking down on S-corps that don't pay reasonable compensation to owner-employees. In my experience, your CPA might suggest one of these options: 1. Report all S-corp distributions as wages on your personal return 2. Amend your S-corp return to show proper officer compensation 3. Potentially initiate late payroll filings with penalties Also, keep in mind that QBI is calculated AFTER your wages are paid. So the higher your salary, the less QBI deduction you get. It's a balancing act.

Has anyone considered the W-2 wage limitation for QBI? Since OP is in the 24% bracket with joint income, they might face QBI limitations if they don't have sufficient W-2 wages. The deduction could be limited to 50% of W-2 wages paid by the business. Also for 2023, did you take any money out of the business? If so, the IRS might reclassify those as constructive dividends which wouldn't qualify for QBI. The cleanest solution might be filing an amended S-corp return showing reasonable compensation.

Under IRC §32(m) and §24(e), as amended by the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (P.L. 114-113, Div. Q), the IRS is prohibited from issuing refunds for tax returns claiming the EITC or ACTC before February 15th. This applies regardless of when you file - January 1st or February 14th, the earliest possible refund date remains the same. For business owners specifically, this typically only affects you if your business is a pass-through entity (Schedule C, S-Corp, Partnership) AND your personal income falls within EITC thresholds (for 2024: below $63,398 with three or more qualifying children, $59,478 with two children, $52,918 with one child, or $17,640 with no children). If your business is profitable enough to exceed these thresholds, PATH Act holds won't directly affect your refund timing.

I've been filing taxes for over 20 years, and I remember the pre-PATH days when early filers with EITC could get refunds by late January. One alternative approach I've seen work well: if you need your refund quickly and typically claim these credits, you could adjust your W-4 withholding throughout the year to be more accurate. This reduces your refund amount but puts more money in each paycheck. Then the PATH delay affects a smaller portion of your annual tax benefit. I've found this especially helpful for my clients who are small business owners who also have W-2 income from a side job or spouse.

Had this exact same issue a few months back and it was maddening! Here's what finally got me through: First, definitely try that phone number Oliver mentioned but call right at 8am EST when they open - I got through in about 20 minutes vs the 3+ hour waits later in the day. Second, while you're waiting for ID.me to sort itself out, you can still get your transcripts other ways. The IRS2Go mobile app lets you check basic refund status without ID.me, and you can request transcripts by mail using Form 4506-T (just takes about a week). Also, if you're on Twitter/X, try messaging @IDmeSupport - their social media team actually responds way faster than email support. Hang in there, it's frustrating but you'll get through it! 🤞

Ugh, I feel you on this! ID.me suspended my account last year right when I needed to file an extension. What finally worked was a combo approach: I called their phone support at exactly 8am EST (way shorter wait), AND I also submitted a complaint through the IRS website about being unable to access my account. The IRS complaint seemed to light a fire under ID.me because they called me back within 24 hours to resolve it. Also, while you wait, you can still check your basic refund status using the "Where's My Refund" tool on irs.gov without needing ID.me - just need your SSN, filing status, and refund amount. Hope this helps!