What If I Don't Get a W-2 From an Employer?
IRS Form W-2 is used by employers to report both to the IRS and to employees about wages, salaries and tips paid during a particular tax year. It also details taxes, retirement contributions and other amounts withheld or paid by the employer. W-2 is essential to completing an individual tax return and, generally, should be included with the return. The employer is usually responsible for providing the W-2 during the month of January.
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Due Date
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Employers are supposed to get you your W-2 form by January 31. While most do, some may be a little late, and this doesn't necessarily mean you won't get the form in time to file your taxes. According to Bankrate, you probably shouldn't even begin to worry unless you don't receive the form by about mid-February. Remember, your taxes aren't due until April 15, so getting the W-2 then still gives you about three months to complete your return.
Check with Employer
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There are several reasons why an employer might be late in getting you your W-2. They might simply be behind or have the wrong contact information for you. Or perhaps something happened to your particular W-2 in processing or in the mail. If you haven't received your W-2, and you are concerned, you should contact your employer to ensure they have your current address and to see if they have sent the form. If the form was sent to the wrong address you may need to look there for the form or see if your mail has been forwarded. You may need to ask your employer for a replacement. You can also call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and ask them to remind your employer to send you a replacement W-2.
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Substitute Information
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If, for whatever reason, you don't receive your W-2 in time to complete your tax return, you can file your 1040 with Form 4852. This form is like a do-it-yourself W-2, which allows you to provide the IRS with income information based on your own records and estimates. Most of the information you'll need, including your year-to-date wages, Social Security and Medicare taxes paid, federal state and local taxes withheld and retirement account contributions to recreate your missing W-2 will show up on your final pay stub for the year. You will also need your employer's company name, address and EIN.Note that line 10 of Form 4852 asks you to describe the efforts you've taken to locate your W-2.
Amend Return
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It may be that you receive your W-2 only after you've filed Form 4852 as a substitute. If so, you should file an amended return on Form 1040x along with the W-2. You can show on 1040x where you needed to make changes based on new information. You can include any additional taxes owed or request a refund through your amended return. Even if you e-filed your return, amended returns must be filed by mail. Penalties or interest may be due on unpaid taxes as of the original due date.
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References
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