It’s easy to lose your W-2 and just as simple to file without it.
E-filing your tax return these days is pretty straightforward. You just plug in the numbers on your W-2 to the online tax application, take the credits and deductions you’re entitled to, and VOILA! Couldn’t be simpler.
But what happens if you don’t have a W-2? Suddenly things get a lot more complicated. Don’t worry. There are steps to take to make sure you get your tax return to the IRS.
Contact your employer
First thing’s first. Make every attempt to get the actual document itself. If your employer didn’t send you one, or sent you one that was incorrect, contact them and request that they send you the right one.
Employers are required to have W-2 forms issued to their employees by January 31. If you still don’t have it by then, it’s time to take additional action. At this point you should call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and tell them about your missing W-2. They will call your employer and tell them to send you the W-2.
