<prompt> Human: My wife is currently a student. We were married in August of last year; she moved in with me December of last year. She worked a part-time job, I think to the tune of maybe 5,000 all year. Her W2 was mailed to her mothers house where she used to live and now her mother is refusing to give them to her and said shes claiming her as a dependent, which is taking a lot of money out of our pockets during a time where were struggling because Im the sole provider.Can her mother even legally refuse to give her her W2, and can she claim her if she files a joint return with me, her husband??Edit: Youve all been very helpful, and I greatly appreciate it. I work third shift, so Ill have a chat with my wife in the morning and try to give everyone an update on what the final decision is. Thanks again.Edit: I spoke briefly with my wife. She determined that her mother is being ridiculous and just wants the money. Her mother also told her, as expected, that she wouldnt be giving her the money from her savings account. Shes going to tell her shes filing jointly with me, and that if she doesnt cooperate, well do what we can all the way up to calling the IRS and explaining. If her mother tries to claim her, shell be audited, not us. The next step is to try and actually get the W2, so well see how that goes. Thanks to everyone who commented. I love Reddit and I love you all.Update: My wife is new to reddit, doesnt have an account, but I directed her here. For everyone claiming we have such a horrible marriage, nothing has been edited here and shell see everything that was said. We have no worries. Also she says kudos for the toilet tips lol.Assistant: If the mother files first your efile might get rejected due to SSN conflict. youll just have to mail it in and let the IRS sort it out. If you file first then the mother wont be able to efile for the same reason and might just drop it thereHuman: Thats another issue. Mother has the W2 and has likely opened it.Assistant: Another point worth considering is that opening another persons mail is a federal crime. You can literally report MIL for stealing the W2 if you want to take it to that level.Human: Ive mentioned it, really dont want it to come to that.  <response>: It should come to that. The MIL is stealing money from you and your SO, and putting you in a position where your own tax situation will be fucked up.You and your SO will suffer if you dont do the right thing. The MIL is the person who should suffer in this circumstance, not you. 