What if I don’t get my W2?

IRS recently put up some timely advice on IRS.gov – a couple of things you can do if you do not receive a W2 form from an employer.  You are still responsible for the timely filing of your income tax return regardless of if you get a W2 form or not.

Sometimes people move, or the W2 can get lost, or an employer can go out of business – those are all legitimate reasons for not getting the form.  So, what can you do?

Some IRS tips include:

1. Contact your employer – they are required to keep W2 forms for a number of years so sending a new copy shouldn’t be a huge ordeal.
2. Contact the IRS – if you can’t get a new copy of your W2 from your employer, call the IRS (800-829-1040 but be prepared to be on hold for a while!).  Give the IRS all the info you have (how long you worked for the company, their full name & address, estimate of your wages, etc.)  The IRS does get a copy of all W2 forms and may be able to send you the relevant information.
3. File with the information you have – you can use a final paystub to estimate your return if you have to, but realize the info may not be ‘final’ so you may have to file an amended return at some point.  Use form 4852 – Substitute for form W2  (you can get a copy of the form through IRS.gov).  Always best to file a return if one is required and do so on time!  File an extension (form 4868) or through IRS.gov if you need to.

Additional resources on IRS.gov include Tax Topic 154 – Form W2 and 1099-R.  They have videos in English & Spanish as well.

If you need any additional information, or you have questions or comments, feel free to contact me using the form below.

Cheers!

Thomas C. Hodge, CPA
President

The Hodge Group
4118 N. Western Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618

773.237.6369

www.thehodgegroup.com

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