How to Replace a Lost W-2

Getting your W-2 information for filing can be tough if you worked for more than one employer during a tax year. Some of them might be unorganized and delinquent with their forms. Or you simply may have misplaced a form that you received. Here's how to get a replacement so you can file your taxes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Make sure you know what year you are asking about. In most cases, it's the year that just ended. However, you should review your records, or the employer may end up sending you the wrong year.
2. Call the person your supervisor and ask them to direct you to whomever handles the company's payables. If you worked for a sole proprietor, it will be either the owner or an accountant.
3. Bypass the supervisor and call the company's HR office. Confirm they have a record of you as an employee and ask them to send a copy of your W-2.
4. Get the IRS involved. If the employer fails to send you a W-2, he could incur a fine. The employer is also responsible for providing a replacement. If you contact the IRS, it will send a reminder to your employer.
5. Get IRS Form 4852. You can use this as substitute for a W-2 if you can't get the form through any other means. Use your pay stubs to figure out what you were paid.

Tips & Warnings

• Save your pay stubs and cancelled checks from employers so you can calculate what you earned if a W-2 is lost.