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Lost your W-2? JK Harris offers advice on getting a new one
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – By now, you should have received your W-2, the Wage and Tax Statement that is crucial to filing most income tax returns. Employers have until January 31 each year to provide a W-2 to their employees, although you may need to allow up to two weeks to receive it in the mail.
“If your address changes, it is important to let your employer know so that you will still receive your W-2 in a timely manner when tax time rolls around,” said Ralph Havens, an Enrolled Agent and Director of Professional Services at JK Harris, the nation’s largest tax resolution firm. “Not keeping your employer updated can cause delays when you are ready to file your tax return.”
If you have not received the W-2, you can contact your employer to determine why. It is possible it was returned to them if your address changed or if the address listed on the W-2 was incomplete. After contacting your employer, allow a reasonable amount of time for the W-2 to reach you if you are unable to pick it up.
If you have still not received your W-2 by February 15th, call the IRS for assistance at 1-800-829-1040. When you call, the IRS requests that you have the following information available:
- Your employer’s name, address, city and state with zip code
- Your name, address, city and state with zip code and your Social Security number
- An estimate of the wages you earned, federal income tax withheld, and the period you worked for that employer. (Use your final pay stub of the year for this information)
“Be aware that you must still file your taxes on time, even if you do not have your W-2,” said Havens. “Attach Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2 to your tax return and be as accurate as possible, although this may cause a delay in any refund due, you will not be penalized.”
Form 4852, as well as all tax forms and publications can be found at the IRS’ website at www.irs.gov.