How to Contact the IRS About a W-2

Your 1040 requires your W-2 information.

Each year, the deadline for employers to send out W-2s is the end of January. If you change jobs or move but don't forward your address, you may not receive your W-2. Or you may not receive it because your employer fails to send it out. In any case, if you are missing a W-2 or have questions about it, you might need to contact the IRS. The IRS has specific procedures for W-2 inquiries.

Instructions

1. Call the IRS at [phone], Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. For a transcript of your W-2, you must provide the IRS with your name; social security number; address; and employer information, such as employer address and employment dates.

2. Visit your local IRS office. The IRS' Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs) provide face-to-face tax help for inquiries that cannot be handled online or on the telephone. Your local TAC can respond to W-2 inquiries and might be able to help you prepare your tax return.

3. Use the appropriate forms to request your W-2. To request a free transcript of your W-2, complete Form 4506-T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return). Mail or fax the form to the address/number indicated on the instructions page of the form. For an actual copy of your W-2, complete Form 4506 (Request for Copy of Tax Return). Mail the form and your fee to the address indicated on the instructions page.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact your employer regarding your missing (or incorrect) W-2 before calling the IRS.

• The IRS does not respond to email-submitted tax inquiries.

References

• Internal Revenue Service: Four Steps to Follow If You Are Missing a W-2
• Internal Revenue Service: Help Using the IRS.gov Web Site

Resources

• Contact My Local Office
• Form 4506-T
• Form 4506