Hi all! Looking for some advice (and maybe a sanity check) on my tax situation.
I have three years of unfiled returns (2023–2025). Combination of life chaos, moving between states, and multiple jobs each year means I kept putting it off, and now it’s… a lot.
The biggest issue is that the state employer ID number for Maryland is missing from my W-2s for my main employer for both 2023 and 2025. I’m actively working with my current employer to fix it, but the older employer hasn’t resolved it and it’s been a couple of years.
What I’m thinking of doing is filing my federal returns now using something like FreeTaxUSA, then dealing with state separately. That could mean filing state returns later once I have the missing info, possibly by mail if needed, or getting help just for the state filings.
Questions:
- Is it okay to file federal now and handle state later, or will that cause issues?
- Has anyone dealt with a missing state employer ID on a W-2? What did you do?
- For older years, am I likely stuck filing state returns by mail anyway?
- Would it make sense to DIY federal and hire a CPA just for state?
- Has anyone used lower-cost services like “Brass Taxes”? Worth it or risky?
Cost is definitely a concern. I’ve been quoted around $1,000 per year by a CPA, which just isn’t realistic for me right now. Some online services look more like $300–$400 per year, but I’m a little wary about trusting them with sensitive info.
My goal is just to get everything filed this year so it’s no longer hanging over me, even if it’s not perfectly optimized.