This is such a smart strategy! I've been doing something similar but wasn't as organized about it. Just started using a simple folder system on Google Drive with subfolders by year, then categories like "Prescriptions," "Doctor Visits," "Dental," etc. One tip I learned from my accountant: make sure you're also keeping track of any mileage for medical appointments since that's HSA-eligible too at the current IRS rate (65.5 cents per mile for 2023). I use a simple mileage app that logs the trips automatically. Also, for anyone worried about receipt quality over time - I scan mine as soon as I get home. Some thermal paper receipts from pharmacies start fading within months, so don't wait! Better to have a clear digital copy than a blank piece of paper years later when you actually need it.

use HSA Smart mobile app.

Thanks for this detailed thread - it's been really helpful! I'm in a similar situation but with one additional complication. I missed my RMD from an inherited traditional IRA last year, but I also have a regular traditional IRA that I did take the correct RMD from. When filling out Form 5329, do I need to include the distributions from both IRAs on line 53a, or only report the one where I had the shortfall? And should the required amount on line 52a be the combined RMD requirement from both accounts, or just the amount I was supposed to take from the inherited IRA where I missed it? I've been going in circles trying to figure out if I report everything together or handle each account separately on the form.

I missed inherited IRA RMDs for 2023 and 2024. Yesterday the IRS AI Expert Assistant explicitly stated I could sum those on a 2025 Form 5329 and report on line 52a. Today the IRS AI Expert Assistant insists separate year specific Form 5329's are required for each years missed RMD. Any clarification out there?

Another option - file a complaint with your state's consumer protection agency. I did this when my preparer messed up my home office deduction and it was pretty effective. They contacted the preparer and suddenly they were willing to cover the penalties I had to pay. Also keep all your documentation showing you provided them with the missing 1099! That's your proof they had access to everything they needed to file correctly.

I went through something very similar last year and it was incredibly frustrating. One thing that helped me was documenting everything - save all your original documents, correspondence with the preparer, and the IRS notice. This creates a clear timeline showing their error. You mentioned they want to charge you another fee to fix their mistake - that's a huge red flag. A reputable preparer should fix their own errors for free. I'd definitely recommend filing complaints with both the IRS (Form 14157) and your state's consumer protection agency. Also, for future reference, always ask preparers about their errors and omissions insurance before hiring them. Good preparers carry this specifically to cover situations like yours. And consider getting a second opinion on complex returns - even a basic review by another professional can catch mistakes before filing. The "client is ultimately responsible" line is technically true, but it doesn't absolve them of professional negligence when they fail to include documents you provided. Keep pushing back and don't let them off the hook for their oversight.

I actually went through this exact same verification process about 3 weeks ago and can confirm it's completely legitimate! The whole thing is part of the IRS's beefed-up security measures for 2025. A couple of things that might help while you're waiting: The CP01H notice they send is super plain looking - honestly looks like it could be junk mail at first glance. Mine came in a standard white envelope with just "Internal Revenue Service" in the return address. The 14-digit control number is in a clearly marked box about halfway down the page. The waiting period varies but mine took exactly 11 days from when I first hit that verification screen. I'd recommend checking your mail daily and maybe even asking neighbors if anything got misdelivered - that happened to my friend last month. Once you get the letter and enter those 14 digits (no spaces, just the numbers), the verification happens instantly and you're good to go. The system remembers you're verified so you shouldn't have to do this dance again anytime soon. The sa.www4.irs.gov domain threw me off too at first, but it's their official secure portal. I actually called the IRS to double-check (waited 2 hours on hold like an idiot) and they confirmed it was legit. Hang tight - I know the waiting sucks but the process actually works pretty smoothly once you get that magic number!

Just want to echo what others have said - this verification process is definitely real and becoming much more common this tax season. I'm a tax preparer and have had dozens of clients hit this same CP01H verification requirement over the past few months. The timing can be frustrating, but here's what I've observed: most of my clients receive their notice between days 8-16 after hitting that verification screen. The envelope is incredibly plain - just says "Internal Revenue Service" with no special markings, so it's easy to overlook. One thing I always tell clients is to avoid the temptation to keep clicking "resend notice" if it doesn't arrive exactly when expected. The IRS system can get backed up if you request multiple notices, and it might actually delay the process. Also worth noting - if you're married filing jointly, make sure the verification notice gets sent to the primary taxpayer's name and address as listed on the return. I've seen cases where couples assumed it would go to both spouses but it only goes to whoever is listed first. The sa.www4.irs.gov domain is 100% legitimate - it's their secure access portal specifically for this type of verification. Once you complete it successfully, you'll have normal access to all IRS online services and this verification typically doesn't repeat unless there are major changes to your tax situation. Stay patient - the system works, it's just slower than we'd all like!