I've been dealing with Form 3520 submissions for about 3 years now, and I completely feel your pain about the lack of confirmation. What's worked for me is creating a comprehensive filing system that treats each submission like a legal document. Here's my process: I always send via certified mail with return receipt requested, but I also include a cover letter that lists exactly what's being submitted (Form 3520 for tax year X, along with any schedules). I keep a copy of this cover letter with my records so there's no ambiguity about what was sent. I also recommend taking timestamped photos of your completed form and envelope before sealing it. Store these digitally with your tax records. While it might seem excessive, I've found this level of documentation gives me confidence that I can defend my filing if questions ever arise. One additional tip: if you're really concerned about past submissions, you might consider filing an amended Form 3520 with a note explaining that you're refiling out of abundance of caution due to uncertainty about whether the original was received. This creates a fresh paper trail, though you should probably consult with a tax professional before doing this to make sure it's appropriate for your situation.

I've been filing Form 3520 for several years and completely understand the anxiety about lack of confirmation. Here's what I've learned from experience and conversations with tax professionals: The reality is that Form 3520 operates in a different processing system than regular tax returns, which is why it rarely shows up on standard transcripts. The IRS processes these forms manually in a specialized unit, and they typically only send correspondence if there's an issue or penalty. My recommended approach combines several strategies mentioned here: 1) Always use certified mail with return receipt - this is your legal proof of timely filing 2) Include a detailed cover letter listing exactly what you're submitting 3) Keep digital copies of everything, including photos of the sealed envelope 4) Maintain a detailed log with dates, tracking numbers, and delivery confirmations For past submissions where you're unsure about receipt, the Claimyr service mentioned earlier actually does work - I was skeptical too but ended up using it successfully to confirm the IRS had received my forms from previous years. The key is getting through to the right department that handles international forms. One thing I'll add that hasn't been mentioned: if you have other international forms (like FBAR or Form 8938), keep all your international tax documentation together. Sometimes issues with one form can help resolve questions about others, and having everything organized makes it easier to work with tax professionals if needed. The bottom line is that if you've been filing consistently with proper documentation and haven't received penalty notices, your forms are likely being received and processed correctly, even without explicit confirmation.

Thanks for all the detailed responses everyone! This is exactly what I needed to know. I was worried I'd have to paper file and wait months for my refund, but it sounds like I can definitely eFile with the scanned 8332 form attached. Just to confirm my understanding: I get my ex to sign the physical Form 8332, scan it as a PDF, upload it through TurboTax when prompted, and keep the original for my records. The IRS will accept the electronic return with the scanned attachment. Does that sound right? Also, since my ex and I agreed she'll do the multi-year release (Part II), I assume she should check the box for all future odd years I'll be claiming our daughter, not just this current tax year?

I just went through this exact situation last month! You absolutely can eFile with Form 8332 attached - don't let anyone tell you that you have to paper file the whole return. Here's what worked for me: I had my ex sign the physical Form 8332 (she did Part II for multiple years like you're planning), then I scanned it as a high-quality PDF. In TurboTax, when I got to the dependent section and indicated I was claiming my son based on Form 8332, it automatically prompted me to upload the attachment. The whole process was pretty seamless. My return was accepted by the IRS within 48 hours, and I got my refund on the normal electronic timeline (about 2 weeks). I kept the original signed form in my tax files just in case of an audit. One thing to note - even though your ex is doing the multi-year release, you'll still need to attach that same scanned form every year you claim your daughter. The IRS wants to see the documentation with each return, but at least you won't need to bug your ex for a new signature each time!

I actually ran into this same issue a few years ago and found a pretty simple solution that might work for you. Since you mentioned you're comfortable with dual-booting and using different operating systems, you could purchase the H&R Block software for whichever platform you use most frequently, then use a virtual machine to run the other version if needed. For example, if you buy the Windows version, you can run it natively when you boot into Windows on your main machine, and also run it in a Windows VM on your girlfriend's MacBook using something like Parallels or VMware Fusion. The performance is totally fine for tax software since it's not resource-intensive. This approach gives you the flexibility you want without having to deal with H&R Block's customer service or pay for multiple licenses. Plus, you'll have the exact same version and data files across both setups, which makes things consistent. I've been doing this for three years now and it works great - just make sure to keep your tax files synced between the systems using a cloud service or USB drive.

As someone who's been dealing with IRS software compatibility issues for years, I can share some insight on this. The virtual machine approach mentioned by Ella is technically sound, but you should be aware that H&R Block's EULA does have some language about "authorized installations" that could potentially be interpreted to restrict VM usage, though I've never heard of them actually enforcing this for individual users. A simpler solution might be to check if your local library has computers with tax software installed - many public libraries offer free access to H&R Block, TurboTax, and other tax prep software during tax season. This could serve as your backup option without worrying about licensing or VM overhead. Also, regarding the CD backup option mentioned in the original post - I called H&R Block about this last month and was told that even if you order the CD backup, it's just a backup of whichever version you originally purchased digitally. So if you bought the Mac download version and then ordered a CD backup, you'd get a Mac CD, not both platforms. If cross-platform flexibility is really important and you want to stick with established tax software, you might consider FreeTaxUSA's downloadable version - they allow installation on multiple computers regardless of OS with a single purchase, though their interface is more basic than H&R Block's.

I've been dealing with IRS rejections for years as a tax preparer, and this 1095-A vs 1095-B mismatch is becoming increasingly common, especially for newlyweds! Here's my systematic approach that works about 95% of the time: **Step 1: Coverage Timeline Audit** Create a month-by-month timeline for both spouses for all of 2023. Include job changes, moves, any gaps in coverage, COBRA periods, and even brief unemployment. The IRS computer often picks up coverage you've forgotten about. **Step 2: Digital Archaeology** Log into Healthcare.gov accounts for both of you (even if you think you never used them). Sometimes people create accounts during job transitions or life changes and forget. Check your email for ANY correspondence from Healthcare.gov or your state exchange. **Step 3: The Nuclear Option** If steps 1-2 come up empty, request a "Coverage Information Statement" from both the federal Marketplace (1-800-318-2596) AND your state exchange if applicable. This is different from just asking if you have a 1095-A - it shows ALL coverage they have on record. The silver lining? Once resolved, joint filers often end up with better refunds than they expected. The system just needs everything to match up perfectly. Don't stress about penalties - having 1095-B coverage means you're compliant. What state are you in? Some have notoriously glitchy exchange systems that cause these false positives.

I went through this exact same headache two years ago! The most frustrating part is that the IRS rejection notice is so vague - it just says "missing 1095-A" without any context about WHY they think you should have one. Here's what I discovered after weeks of detective work: the IRS cross-references their database with the Marketplace's database, and sometimes there are phantom enrollments that show up. In my case, I had started an application on Healthcare.gov during a job transition but never completed it. Somehow the system flagged me as having Marketplace coverage even though I never paid a premium or used the insurance. A couple of quick things to check: • Did either of you ever start (but not finish) a Marketplace application, even years ago? • Any periods where you were unemployed and might have qualified for special enrollment periods? • Check if your parents claimed either of you as dependents for part of 2023 - sometimes adult children get included on family Marketplace plans without realizing it The Healthcare.gov phone number mentioned above (1-800-318-2596) is definitely your best bet. When you call, specifically ask them to check for ANY record of Marketplace enrollment or applications, not just completed ones. They can see things in their system that don't always generate 1095-A forms. Good luck! Once you get this sorted out, your return should process normally. The IRS computers are just being overly cautious about ACA compliance.

I'm currently dealing with this exact same situation and this thread has been a lifesaver! Filed our joint return in February, received a partial refund in March due to my spouse's expired ITIN, and submitted the renewal paperwork at our local IRS office about 3 weeks ago. One thing I want to add that might help others - when we went to submit the ITIN renewal, the IRS agent told us to make sure we have a copy of the original letter they sent explaining the partial refund. She said if there are any issues linking the renewed ITIN back to our original return, having that letter helps them locate our file more quickly. Also, I've been tracking everything in a spreadsheet with dates because this process involves so many moving parts. It's helped me stay organized and will be useful if I need to call them later. The uncertainty is definitely stressful, but reading everyone's experiences here gives me confidence that the remaining refund will eventually be processed automatically once the ITIN renewal goes through. Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines and tips - especially the ITIN hotline number! I'll be calling that next week to check on our status.

I'm dealing with this exact situation right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! My husband's ITIN expired and we got the partial refund in March after filing in February. We submitted the renewal paperwork about 5 weeks ago. One thing I wanted to mention that I learned from calling the IRS - they told me that the delayed portion of your refund is actually still earning interest from the original filing date. So even though it's frustrating to wait, at least you're not losing money on the time value. The interest rate isn't huge, but it's something. Also, I found out that if you filed electronically originally, the remaining refund will also be direct deposited once processed. You don't need to worry about them switching to a paper check or anything like that. They'll use the same banking information from your original return. The waiting is definitely nerve-wracking, especially when you're counting on that money for other expenses. But reading everyone's experiences here gives me hope that it really will get processed automatically once the ITIN renewal comes through. Fingers crossed we all get our remaining refunds soon!