Missing Your W-2? Here’s What to Do Before Filing Your Tax Return

If you are ready to file your 2025 tax return but cannot find or never received your Form W-2, don't simply leave those wages off your return. Your W-2 reports important information, including your wages and the federal income tax, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from your paycheck. Employers are required to provide employees with a W-2, and the IRS recommends contacting your employer first if yours is missing.

Start by contacting your current or former employer and asking for another copy. If you moved during the year, make sure the employer has your correct mailing address. You can also check your IRS Individual Online Account for available 2025 wage and income transcript information. Keep in mind that the IRS transcript may not contain all of the state and local information that appeared on the original W-2.

What If the Employer Will Not Give You a W-2?

If you contacted your employer and still have not received the W-2 by the end of February, you can contact the IRS at 800-829-1040. The IRS can contact the employer and request the missing W-2. Be prepared to provide information about yourself and the employer, as well as the dates you worked there.

If you still cannot obtain the W-2 in time to file, you may be able to use Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. You can use information from your final pay stub or other employment records to estimate your wages and taxes withheld.

What If the W-2 Arrives After You File?

If you file using Form 4852 and later receive the actual W-2, compare it carefully with the information reported on your return. If the amounts are different, you may need to file Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to correct the return.

If you filed an extension for your 2025 individual income tax return, don't let a missing W-2 cause you to ignore your filing deadline. At Tax Services of Tennessee, we can help you determine what information is missing and what steps you can take to complete your return.

Missing a W-2 doesn't mean you should forget about the income or leave the return unfiled. Get the information you can, address the missing document, and take the next step.

Tax Services of Tennessee
Brentwood, Tennessee
615-933-8292
taxservicesoftennessee.com

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