Losing your W-2 form can be a frustrating and stressful experience, but don’t worry – there are steps you can take to obtain a copy.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of how to get a copy of W-2 form, whether it’s through your employer or the IRS. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent losing your W-2 form in the future.
As tax season rolls around, one of the most important documents you need is your W-2 form. It’s an essential document that shows how much money you earned and how much tax you paid throughout the tax year.
However, what happens if you lose your form W-2? Let’s dive in to find the answer:
Contact Your Employer.
The first step in obtaining a copy of your form W-2 is to contact your employer. They are required by law to provide you with a copy of your W-2 form for the tax year.
Before you reach out to your employer, it’s a good idea to gather any information you have on hand that can help them locate your records. This may include your name, address, Social Security number (SSN), and the tax year for which you need the W-2 form. Having this information readily available can help expedite the process and ensure that your employer is able to locate your records quickly.
Then, follow the steps listed below:
- Find the contact information: Look up the contact information for your employer’s payroll or human resources department. You can usually find this information on the company’s website or through a quick online search. If you’re having trouble locating this information, consider reaching out to your manager or supervisor for assistance.
- Call or email: Contact your employer by phone or email and request a copy of your W-2 form. Be sure to provide your full name, Social Security number (SSN), and any other identifying information your employer may need to locate your records. You may also want to mention the tax year for which you need the W-2 form, as this can help ensure that you receive the correct document.
- Follow up: If you don’t receive a response within a few days, follow up with your employer to make sure they received your request. This can help ensure that your employer is working on fulfilling it. You may also want to consider sending a follow-up email or letter to document your request.
Check with the IRS – Internal Revenue Service.
If you are unable to obtain a copy of your W-2 from your employer, you can contact the IRS for assistance. The IRS provides options to help you obtain the necessary documentation to file your taxes accurately and on time.
- Get the necessary information: Before contacting the IRS, gather the necessary information to help expedite the process. This includes your SSN, the name and address of your employer, and the approximate dates you worked for the employer. Having this information on hand can help ensure that you provide accurate and complete information to the IRS when you request your transcript for Wage and Income.
- Request the Wage and Income Transcripts: Once you have the necessary information, you can request a transcript of your Wage and Income from the IRS. You can do this either online, by mail, or by phone. To request online, visit the IRS website and create an account. Once you’ve logged in, you can view and print your transcript. To request by mail or phone, you’ll need to fill out Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, and mail or fax it to the IRS.
- Review the transcript: Once you’ve received your Wage and Income Transcript, review it carefully to ensure that all the information is accurate. The transcript will show all the income and taxes reported to the IRS by your employer, as well as any other sources of income you may have had. It’s important to review this information carefully to ensure that it matches your records and to make any necessary corrections.
- Use the information to file return on tax: Using the information provided in the Wage and Income Transcript, you can then file your tax return. Keep in mind that the transcript may not have all the information needed to complete your tax return, so it’s important to review it carefully and supplement it with any additional information you have on hand.
Use an Online W-2 Retrieval Service.
If you’re unable to obtain a copy of your W-2 form from your employer or the IRS, there are several reputable online services available that can help you retrieve it. Here’s what you need to know about using an online W-2 retrieval service.
- Choose a reputable service: First and foremost, it’s important to choose a reputable service that uses reliable tax preparation software. There are many options available, so be sure to do your research and choose a service that has positive reviews and is recommended by trusted sources. This can help ensure that you’re using a legitimate service that will protect your personal information.
- Provide your information: Once you’ve chosen an online W-2 retrieval service, you’ll need to provide your personal information, including your name, SSN, and the name and address of your current or former employer.
- Pay any fees: Some online W-2 retrieval services charge a fee for their services. Be sure to review any fees and understand what you’re paying for before submitting your information for W-2 retrieval.
- Wait for your W-2s: After you’ve provided your information and paid any fees, the online W-2 retrieval service will contact your employer to obtain a copy of your W-2 form. Once they have it, they will send it to you electronically or by mail, depending on the service.
- Review your W-2s: Once you’ve received your W-2 form, review it carefully to ensure that all the information is accurate. If you notice any errors or discrepancies, contact your employer to have them corrected.
File a Form 4852.
If you are unable to obtain a copy of your W-2 form by the tax filing deadline, you can file a Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage, and Tax Statements.
Simply follow these steps as listed below:
- Gather the necessary information: Before you can file Form 4852, you’ll need to gather some information, including your name, address, SSN, and the name and address of your employer.
- Estimate your earnings and taxes withheld: Since you don’t have your W-2 form, you’ll need to estimate your earnings and taxes withheld for the tax year. You can use your last pay stub of the tax year to help with the estimate.
- Complete Form 4852: Using the information you’ve gathered, complete Form 4852. Be sure to include your estimated earnings and taxes withheld for the tax year.
- File your tax return: Once you’ve completed Form 4852, you can file your tax return with the IRS. Be sure to include any other necessary forms and attachments with your tax returns.
- Keep a copy of Form 4852: Be sure to keep a copy of Form 4852 for your records.
It’s important to note that filing Form 4852 may delay the processing of your tax return, so it’s best to try to obtain a copy of your W-2 form from your employer before filing this form. If you’re unable to obtain a copy, however, Form 4852 can be used as a substitute. If you do receive a copy of your W-2 form after you’ve already filed your tax return, you may need to file amended tax returns to correct any errors or omissions.
Finally, you can reach out to a professional tax preparer who can help you collect your tax documents and maintain tax records for you. Such a tax professional can help provide all the necessary federal tax information and help you navigate the current processing tax year smoothly.
