How to Retrieve a Lost W-2 Form
A W-2 form from your employer is one of the most important things you need during income tax season to complete your taxes and hopefully receive a refund from the federal government. W-2 forms are easy to lose. However, not all hope is lost if you lose your form, and it's simpler than you think to get a replacement.
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Instructions
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Contact the department at your employer that handles W-2 forms, likely payroll or human resources . The federal government requires companies to issue replacement W-2 forms to employees who lose them. Ask your supervisor which department handles W-2 forms at your company if you're unsure.
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Fill out the appropriate paperwork to receive a replacement. You will likely have to fill out paperwork to receive your replacement. It's important to notify your employer as soon as you determine that your W-2 is missing so it can replace it quickly. If you wait too long, you risk missing the April 15 income tax filing deadline.
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Notify the IRS at 800-829-1040 if your employer fails to issue you an original or replacement by February 15. The IRS will ask for your contact information, including full name, address, Social Security number, along with the contact information of your employer. The IRS will also need your information, including wages, state and federal taxes paid and retirement fund contributions. You can find this information on your last paycheck stub from the previous year. This allows them to recreate your lost W-2 and notify your employer of the missing W-2.
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Use IRS Form 4852, if all else fails. You can print this form from irs.gov, which allows you to essentially create your own W-2 and tells you exactly what information is needed. Again, you can find this information on your last paycheck stub from the previous year. You will need to create separate 4852 forms for each missing W-2.
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Tips & Warnings
It is a good idea to work with a tax professional if creating your own W-2 with a Form 4852. Your tax professional can guide you through the process and ensure you are filing out the correct information.
You don't have to refile if you file your taxes with a 4852 form and later receive your W-2. Instead, you will amend your filing with a 1040X form.
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Resources
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