I accidentally filed with a 2022 W-2 instead of 2023 W-2 - how do I correct this mistake?

You'll need to file Form 1040-X (Amended Tax Return) to correct this issue. This form allows you to update previously filed tax information, and in your case, replace the incorrect W-2 with the correct one. Since your accountant seems unwilling to help in a timely manner, you have two options: file the amendment yourself or hire another tax professional. If your tax situation is otherwise straightforward, you might be able to handle it yourself using tax software that supports amendments. But if you're not comfortable with that, finding another professional would be wise. As for why the IRS didn't catch this - their matching systems don't immediately flag identical W-2s across different years. They primarily compare what employers report to what taxpayers report within the same tax year. The discrepancy would eventually be caught during processing or a potential audit, which is why it's good you're being proactive.

I went through something similar last year with a missing 1099. After spending weeks trying to get my accountant to fix it, I discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it seriously saved me so much stress. It analyzed my amended return documents before I submitted them to make sure everything was correct and flagged some issues I would have completely missed. The system showed me exactly what needed to be changed on the 1040-X and even helped me understand how the income difference would affect my tax liability. It's designed for complicated tax situations just like yours where you need to make corrections after filing. Might be worth checking out if you decide to handle this yourself!

Ok so I was skeptical about taxr.ai but I decided to give it a try anyway since I was in a similar situation with a missed 1099-MISC. Honestly I'm shocked at how helpful it was. It flagged that I had calculated my new tax liability incorrectly on the 1040-X and showed me exactly how to fix it. The document analysis was super detailed - it basically compared my original return with what should have been filed and highlighted all the differences. Saved me from what probably would have been another amendment down the road. Way more helpful than the generic advice I was getting elsewhere.

If you're still trying to reach the IRS to discuss this situation, I'd recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I spent days trying to get through to a human at the IRS about my amended return last year, and it was impossible. Their callback service got me connected within an hour when I'd been trying for weeks on my own. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. They basically navigate the IRS phone system for you and get you in the callback queue without having to waste your time on hold. I was able to speak directly with someone who explained exactly what documentation I needed to include with my 1040-X.

I take back what I said about Claimyr. I was super suspicious but after waiting on hold with the IRS for 2.5 hours myself and getting disconnected TWICE, I decided to try it. Got a callback from an actual IRS agent within 40 minutes of using their service. The agent confirmed I needed to file a 1040-X and explained that I should attach a written statement explaining the W-2 error along with copies of both the incorrect and correct W-2s. She also said I might qualify for penalty abatement since I was correcting the error voluntarily. Honestly saved me so much hassle - wish I'd known about this service years ago.

For what it's worth, this sort of mistake happens more often than you might think. I'm a tax preparer and while your current preparer is handling this poorly, the actual fix isn't too complicated. Make sure when you file the 1040-X that you include both the incorrect W-2 (labeled as incorrect) and the correct one. Also include a brief statement explaining exactly what happened. This documentation will help speed up processing and reduce the chances of confusion.

Super important piece of advice: make sure you submit your 1040-X ASAP. The longer you wait, the more interest will accrue on any additional tax you owe from using the wrong W-2.