What to do if you haven’t received Form W-2
It is important to collect all your tax forms in order to file a correct income tax return. What happens when you are approaching the tax deadline and your Form W-2 is missing? You should receive your IRS Form W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) by January 31 during tax season. You will receive a separate W-2 form from each employer that you worked for in the past year. This information is key to preparing your federal tax return, and your employer should also provide the same information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Note
: This does not apply to self-employed freelance workers or independent contractors. Instead, you should receive Form 1099-NEC from any clients that paid you more than $600 during the tax year.
What if I didn’t receive Form W-2 from my employer?
It’s usually best to wait until mid-February before taking any action to track down your W-2, just to make sure it hasn’t simply been delayed in the mail. However, if the end of February rolls around and you’re still waiting for a missing form, it’s time to reach out to your employer.
Step 1: Contact your employer.The first step in tracking down your missing form is to contact your employer’s human resources department and request a copy of your W-2 form. You can contact the IRS by calling 800-829-1040 or visiting a Taxpayer Assistance Centre (TAC). All TACs operate by appointment only.
Be prepared to give the IRS the following information:
Your name, address with zip code, Social Security number, and phone number
Your employer’s name, address, and phone number
Your dates of employment for this employer
The IRS will then contact your employer and tell them to send you a Form W-2, reminding them of their responsibilities and the penalties if they don’t comply.
Step 3: File your tax return.
Whether you owe additional taxes or are due a tax refund, you should always file your tax return on time even if you have incomplete information due to missing tax forms.
- If, despite all efforts, your Form W-2 is still missing in April, file Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, with your tax return. If you choose to e-file, TaxAct(r), can assist you in this process. Fill out this form using the information on your last pay stub. You can also request an extension of time to file by filing Form 4868. This is the Application for Automatic Extending Time to File. Keep in mind that even if the IRS grants you a tax extension, you still have to pay any taxes you owe by the tax filing deadline (typically April 15).
- What if I received my missing W-2 after filing my return?
- Sometimes, your long-lost Form W-2 shows up in your mailbox or inbox after you’ve already filed. If you receive your long-lost Form W-2 after you’ve already filed, and the information differs from what you reported on your tax return, you may have to file an amended return. You may owe more tax than you thought based on your initial estimate. Use Form 1040X to amend your return. Individual Income Tax return.
