Tax season: Here’s what you can do if your W-2 is wrong or never arrives
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Now that tax season is here, millions of Americans are gathering their financial records to file their returns. You can get your return fast by filing early, but what if you receive a W-2 that is incorrect?
A mistake on your W-2 could result in IRS issues, filing delays or an inaccurate tax return. W-2 errors, such as missing employer details or incorrect wages, can cause unnecessary stress.
Here’s what you need to know about spotting mistakes on your W-2 and the steps you need to take to fix them before filing.
What should I do if my W-2 is incorrect?
If your W-2 is incorrect the IRS says you should first request that your employer fix the mistake. If your employer hasn’t fixed it by the end of February, you should either call the IRS or visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center to schedule an appointment.
Your employer will get a letter from the IRS requesting that they provide you with an updated W-2 within 10 days. They will also send instructions for a Form 4852, a replacement for Form W-2, so you can estimate your earnings with it.
If you submitted a W-2 with inaccurate information, the IRS says you should submit a revised return that includes the updated data.
Visit the IRS website to learn how to file an amended return.
What if i don’t get a W-2?
Employers are required to give employees a W-2 form and tax statement by the end of January, according to the IRS.
If you don’t get one in time or if the information is wrong, the IRS says you should contact your employer to confirm the arrival date of the W-2 and if that doesn’t work, give them a call.
To ensure an easy process, the IRS requests that you have the following information ready when you call:
Your name, address, and phone number
Your Social Security number or a unique tax identification number
The dates when you were employed by the company
The name, contact information, and address of the employer
The IRS will get in touch with your company and ask for the lost W-2. They will also send you a copy of Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement to allow you to file your taxes without a W-2.
