What happens if I did not receive my W2 from my employer?

Employers are required by law to issue your W2 by January 31 each year. If you haven’t received yours by February 14th here’s what you need to do…

1. Contact your employer – your employer may be able to provide a copy of your W2 if it did not reach you by mail.
2. Contact the IRS. If you do not receive your W-2 by the end of February and you have already contacted your employer, you can call the IRS for assistance at (800) 829-1040. You can also visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). When you call or visit the IRS, you’ll need to provide the following information:
   1. Your name, address, Social Security number, and phone number.
   2. Your employer’s name, address, and phone number.
   3. An estimate of wages and federal income tax withheld in 2018. Use a final pay stub for these amounts.
   4. Based on the information you provide to the IRS, they will contact your employer for you, request the missing W-2 form and advise your employer of the penalties for failing to issue and file Form W-2. The IRS will also send you a Form 4852, a substitute for Form W-2. Form 4852 is completed by taxpayers when their employer does not give them a Form W-2 or when an employer has issued an incorrect Form W-2.
3. File Your Return. You still must file your tax return or request an extension to file by April 15, 2019 even if you do not receive your Form W-2. If you have not received your Form W-2 by April 15, and have completed steps 1 and 2, you may use Form 4852, which the IRS sent you. Attach Form 4852 to the return, estimating income and withholding taxes as accurately as possible. There may be a delay in any refund due while the information is verified.
4. File an Amended Return. On occasion, you may receive your missing Form W-2 after you filed your return using Form 4852, and the information may be different from what you reported on your return. If this happens, you must amend your return by filing a Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. The Instructions for Form 1040X may provide you with additional details and guidance if you need to file an amended tax return.