What to Do If You Lost Your W-2 Form
Navigate the challenge of a missing W-2. Get practical guidance to retrieve your income details and file your tax return accurately, even without the original form.
A lost W-2 form can create uncertainty when preparing to file your taxes. This document details your annual wages and the federal, state, and local taxes withheld from your pay. Without it, accurately completing your tax return can be challenging. This guide provides steps to navigate the situation if your W-2 is missing.
Obtaining a Copy from Your Employer
Contacting your employer is the first step if you have not received your W-2 form. Employers are required to issue W-2s by January 31 each year. If it is past this date, reach out to the payroll or human resources department.
When contacting your employer, be prepared to provide identifying information. Include your full name, Social Security number, current mailing address, and employment dates for the tax year. Also provide your last pay period or an estimate of your wages and federal income tax withheld, which can be found on your final pay stub. Many employers can provide a duplicate copy, sometimes through an online employee portal or by mail.
Employers usually issue a duplicate W-2 within a few business days to a couple of weeks. If your employer is no longer in business, unresponsive to your requests, or mailed the W-2 to an incorrect address, further steps are necessary to acquire your wage and tax information.
Requesting Wage and Income Transcripts from the IRS
If you are unable to obtain a copy of your W-2 from your employer, the IRS can provide your wage and income information. The IRS offers a Wage and Income Transcript, which summarizes data from various information returns, including Forms W-2, 1099, and 1098. This transcript does not include state or local tax information.
You can request a transcript through the IRS “Get Transcript Online” tool. This online service requires identity verification using personal and financial information. Once verified, you can view, print, or download your transcript immediately.
Alternatively, request a transcript by mail using Form 4506-T, “Request for Transcript of Tax Return.” Specify the tax year and select the Wage and Income Transcript option. Mailed requests take 5 to 10 days for delivery. You can also request a transcript by calling the IRS automated phone transcript service at 800-908-9946; this also results in a mailed transcript with a similar delivery timeframe.
Filing Your Tax Return Without Your W-2
If you cannot get your W-2 or an IRS Wage and Income Transcript by the tax filing deadline, you can still file your tax return using Form 4852, “Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement.” This form allows you to report your estimated income and federal income tax withheld.
To complete Form 4852, estimate your wages and withheld taxes based on available records. Use documents like your final pay stub, bank statements showing direct deposits from your employer, and previous year’s tax returns for comparison. Provide your employer’s name, address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN), if known. Also explain the efforts you made to obtain your W-2.
After completing Form 4852, attach it to your Form 1040 when filing your tax return. You generally cannot e-file with Form 4852; a paper return must be mailed to the IRS. If you need more time to gather information or obtain your W-2, file Form 4868, “Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.” This grants an automatic extension to file, though not to pay any taxes owed.