How to Use a Paycheck Stub Instead of a W2 for Filing Taxes
The deadline for employers to send out W2s to employees is by the end of January each year. If you do not receive it by then, the IRS suggests that you contact your employer and request it. If you still do not have your W2 by the deadline to file your taxes (April 15), the IRS still expects you to file your taxes on time. Consequently, you may use your last paycheck stub to file your taxes.
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Instructions
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Go to the IRS website, and download Form 4852, Substitute for Form W2. You may either type into the form or print legibly when completing it.
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State your name, Social Security number, address, and the tax year corresponding to the W2. Check the box that states you were unable to obtain your W2.
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Enter your employer's name and address. Include your employer's Employer Identification Number, if you know it.
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Consult your last paycheck stub for your total wages/compensation, advance earned income credit payments (if applicable), Social Security wages, Medicare wages and tips, and Social Security tips. Estimate the figures to the best of your ability if you do not have your last paycheck stub.
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Refer to your last paycheck stub for your total withholding tax information, which includes federal income tax, Social Security tax, Medicare tax, and state and local income tax (if applicable). If estimating federal income tax withholding, download the Circular E for the appropriate tax year from the IRS' website. Use the wage bracket method or the percentage to estimate the tax. The Circular E also has the Social Security and medicare tax withholding rates---6.2 percent of all gross earnings, up to the annual wage maximum of $106,800; and 1.45 percent of all gross wages, respectively. If you paid state income tax, use your state income tax withholding tables to estimate the tax.
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Explain how you determined the amounts, such as via your own estimations or your last paycheck stub. State the efforts you took to try to obtain your W2, such as contacting your employer. Sign and date the form.
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Tips & Warnings
Use Form 1040 to file your tax return. Attach Form 4852 to Form 1040, and mail to the IRS.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit tax forms image by Chad McDermott from Fotolia.com
