What Do I Do If I Don’t Get My W-2?

Receiving your Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, is expected each tax season, but sometimes this document does not arrive. The W-2 form reports your annual wages and taxes withheld, making it necessary for filing your federal and state income tax returns. Not receiving this form can create uncertainty about how to proceed with your tax obligations.

Initial Steps to Locate Your W-2

Employers are required to mail W-2 forms to employees by January 31st each year. If this deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date shifts to the next business day. If you have not received your W-2 by early February, a proactive approach is necessary.

Begin by confirming your mailing address with your employer’s payroll or human resources department. An incorrect address is a frequent reason for a missing W-2. Inquire about the date the W-2 was mailed, the address it was sent to, and whether a duplicate copy can be provided, physically or through digital access. Many employers offer online portals where you can access and print your W-2.

Contacting the IRS for Assistance

If your employer is unresponsive or unable to provide your W-2 after your initial inquiries, seek assistance from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS suggests contacting them if you still have not received your W-2 by mid-February. You can reach the IRS by calling their toll-free number.

When contacting the IRS, be prepared to provide specific details. These include your full name, current mailing address, phone number, and Social Security Number. You will also need your employer’s name, address, phone number, and their Employer Identification Number (EIN), if known. An estimate of your wages earned and federal income tax withheld for the year is helpful, which you can usually find on your final pay stub. The IRS will then contact your employer to request the missing W-2 on your behalf.

Filing Your Tax Return Without a W-2

If the tax filing deadline approaches and you still have not received your W-2, even after contacting your employer and the IRS, you can still fulfill your tax obligations. Gather alternative documentation to estimate your income and withholding amounts. This documentation can include your final pay stubs, bank statements showing direct deposits, or year-end earnings statements.

You will then use IRS Form 4852, “Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement,” to report your wages and withheld taxes. This form allows you to provide an estimate of your income and taxes based on the information you have collected. Form 4852 is submitted along with your tax return. If the actual W-2 arrives after you have filed using Form 4852 and the information differs, you may need to file an amended return using Form 1040-X to correct any discrepancies. Filing your return on time, even with Form 4852, helps avoid potential penalties for late filing.