You’re all prepared to start your tax return and then realize you’re missing a W-2. Now what?
There is little that is more vexing as you prepare to file your taxes than to realize that your W-2 or 1099 form has gone missing. Sure, it could have just been shuffled about with other papers. If you think this is the case, then stop reading now and go tackle that stack of paperwork on your desk.
On the other hand, if you never received it in the first place, even Spring cleaning can’t help you. Previous and even current employers often fail to observe due diligence when it comes to providing an employee with necessary tax documents. The task of obtaining them can be quite frustrating as a result.
The situation is usually made worse if you are filing a prior year tax return, at which point a company you worked for years ago may simply have ceased to exist.
Let’s take a look at the steps you can take to obtain your income statement. We’ll even let you know how to file without one altogether.
Contact your employer.
I know, I know. It’s easier said than done in some cases. This becomes less of a realistic option as time goes by and you’re trying to file a prior year return. However, if it is possible for you, this is the quickest and simplest way to go about obtaining your W-2 or other income statement.
Contact your employer’s payroll provider.
This is a good option if you just so happen to be a secondary contact for your employer’s payroll provider. For security purposes, this typically won’t be the easiest choice.
Contact the IRS.
As you may know, employers are required to submit W-2 forms to you and the IRS. If you lost your W-2 or believe that your employer only submitted income statements to the IRS, then this is another route you can take to obtain yours. However, if your employer didn’t submit income statements to the IRS at all, then keep reading.
Use Form 4852.
It’s assumed that you can’t file your taxes without a W-2 or other income statement. However, they are not absolutely necessary. You can file IRS Form 4852, which is a substitute for a W-2 or 1099-R, and use it to prepare your tax return. You will need to provide an acceptable estimate of your wages and tax withholding for the year. How in the world are you supposed to guess your income and withholding for the year? Take a look at your last pay stub. This will most likely have your ‘year-to-date’ information. Although this is the least confrontational method that we’ve discussed, it should really be your last resort as it could result in having to amend your return later on.
When in doubt, wait it out.
If you’re stressing about not receiving your W-2 and it’s not even February yet, be patient. Employers are required to issue W-2 forms by the end of January. Give it a few days before typing up your plan of action.
I was told that you can file taxes as long as the person paying you for the work write a letter saying how much you get
Can someone get all the county benefits like food stamp، medical, walfar and home rent help program
He do tax return every year and get not less than 7 to 9 thousand every year
He didn’t work
How can he do that?
What if i have multiple yrs to file and can’t find or get my w2s and don’t have my last check stubs
I received my W2 from one employer and did not receive my 2nd W2 from my other past employer. My last paystub from the 2nd employer was in April, 2018. Thereafter, I was paid in cash all the way up until my last day in July, 2019. My employer deducted a certain amount for tax on my wages from April to July, 2018. Should I go ahead and total up my withholding taxes based on the past paystubs?
Someone told me as long as u report all ur income for taxes ,u don’t necessarily need paper proof of a w2 as long as it is reported. The IRS has proof of all your income.