In college, it was like a $500 scholarship from Oak Ridge National Labs. Tons of little scholarships like that in STEM fields.
In 2007, I get a letter from the IRS saying I didn’t claim income and I owe $5000 in unpaid taxes and fees. After a bazillion phone transfers and days on hold to get to the correct IRS person, the 40 second conversation goes like this:
Me: Um, you say I worked for someone and didn’t claim income. Can you tell me the company?
IRS: Yes, it was Oak Ridge National Labs
Me: I have never worked for them.
IRS: Prove it.
Me: You want me to prove that I never worked for someone? How do I do that?
IRS: That’s for you to figure out.
Me: Um. Thanks. I guess.
The navigation through Oak Ridge National Labs was long. But everyone so nice and just wanted to help and get it figured out. Which we eventually did. The CEO and HR/payroll person sent a certified letter to the IRS explaining their mistake.
But I also thought how badly it could have ended. What if the company was bankrupt or didnt exist anymore. Or were jerks and didnt want to help. Even though the letter came in 2007, it was for work performed in 2005. Is the IRS 2 years behind on actually processing this stuff? Anyway, it is something I hope to never go through again.