"Sadly, I have not been able to reach the IRS at their stated phone # to discuss."

The IRS tells you to get your Tax Account transcript, which is from an online access account you create.

"seems like a great place to find an answer."

Yes, if you are using Lacerte to prepare your clients' tax returns, this Lacerte Peer User community can help you with an issue related to using that program.

This is not the place for Tax help. If you are using TurboTax, then Intuit provides TT resources in the TT Community, which is not This Community.

"Sorry if it offends anyone that a mere self-preparer attempts to partake in your discussions."

You are simply lost on the internet. You walked into a Country bar where people are repairing motorcycles, and want to discuss your child's ballet lessons. Not the right crowd.