What Do I Do If I Didn’t Receive My W-2?

A W-2, or Wage and Tax Statement, is a document employers provide to employees detailing their annual wages and the taxes withheld from their paychecks. This form is a foundational component for preparing and filing individual income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Employers are legally obligated to furnish this statement to each employee by January 31st of the year following the tax year.

Initial Actions to Take

If your W-2 form has not arrived by the typical delivery period, contact your employer’s payroll or human resources department. You should inquire about the status of your W-2 and verify that they have your correct mailing address on file. This is especially important if you have moved recently, as an incorrect address is a common reason for non-receipt.

Ask when and how the W-2 was initially mailed, such as via standard postal service or if electronic delivery options are available. Many employers now offer secure online portals where employees can access and print their W-2 forms electronically. After confirming with your employer, allow until mid-February for the form to arrive, accounting for potential mail delays.

Contacting the IRS for Assistance

Should your employer be unable to provide your W-2 by mid-February, or if their attempts to resend it are unsuccessful, you can then seek assistance from the IRS. Before calling, gather specific information about yourself and your employer to facilitate the process.

Provide your full name, current mailing address, Social Security number, and phone number. Have your employer’s complete name, address, and phone number ready; if known, their Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also helpful. Be prepared to estimate your wages and the federal income tax withheld, which can often be found on your last pay stub of the tax year.

The IRS will then contact your employer on your behalf and request the missing W-2. The agency may also send you a Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, along with instructions. Maintain detailed records of all communications with your employer and the IRS.

Filing Your Tax Return Without a W-2

If you still have not received your W-2 by the tax filing deadline, you can proceed with filing your tax return using Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. This form allows you to report your wages and withheld taxes based on the best information available to you. You can estimate your income and taxes withheld by referencing your pay stubs, bank statements, or other financial records from the tax year.

Form 4852 must be completed and attached to your federal income tax return, typically Form 1040. On Form 4852, you will provide details about your employer and explain the efforts you made to obtain your W-2. Make the most accurate estimates possible based on your available documentation.

Should your official W-2 arrive after you have already filed your return using Form 4852, compare the information on the received W-2 with what you reported. If there are significant discrepancies between the amounts, you may need to file an amended tax return using Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Not having your W-2 does not exempt you from the tax filing deadline, which is generally April 15th.