Are You Missing One or More W-2 Forms???

February 8th, 2013

The exclusive purpose for the information which is provided from this website is to disseminate information, and not to provide tax advice. 

If you were an employee at any time in 2012 your employer is required by law to provide you with a W-2 form which provides very important information regarding the salary, payroll taxes paid, and your employee benefits.  Beginning in 2012 there is a new code “DD” in Block #12.  Your employer is now required to report the cost of employer sponsored health care programs.  However, the amount which is reported is not taxable income to you.  If the payroll and employment information in your tax return does not agree with the IRS records, your tax return could be rejected and/or your income tax refund placed on hold, if you are entitled to a tax refund.  There are procedures to follow if you are missing one or more of your W-2 forms. 

Your employer submits all W-2 reports to the Social Security Administration annually.  This information is shared by both Federal agencies. Since the W-2 was required to be submitted by January 31st, the Internal Revenue Service will already have this information in their files when you electronically file your tax return. 

Missing Your W-2? Here’s What to Do

 

It’s a good idea to have all your tax documents together before preparing your 2012 tax return. You will need your W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, which employers should send by the end of January. Give it two weeks to arrive by mail.

If you have not received your W-2, follow these three steps:

1.   Contact your employer first.  Ask your employer – or former employer – to send your W-2 if it has not already been sent. Make sure your employer has your correct address.

2.   Contact the IRS. After February 14, you may call the IRS at 800-829-1040 if you have not yet received your W-2. Be prepared to provide your name, address, Social Security number and phone number. You should also have the following information when you call:

• Your employer’s name, address and phone number;

• Your employment dates; and

• An estimate of your wages and federal income tax withheld in 2012, based upon your final pay stub or leave-and-earnings statement, if available.

3.   File your return on time. You should still file your tax return on or before April 15, 2013, even if you have not yet received your W-2. File Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, in place of the W-2. Use the form to estimate your income and withholding taxes as accurately as possible. The IRS may delay processing your return while it verifies your information.

If you need more time to file you can get a six-month extension of time. File Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File US Individual Income Tax Return.  If you are requesting an extension, you must file this form on or before April 15, 2013.

If you receive the missing W-2 after filing your tax return and the information on the W-2 is different from what you reported using Form 4852, then you must correct your tax return. File Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return to amend your tax return.

Forms and instructions are available at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Additional IRS Resources:

  • Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement
  • Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return 

IRS YouTube Videos:

 

 

Posted by Bill Seabrooke