What can I do if my previous employer doesn't provide corrected W2 for me?

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
March 5, 2023
2 replies
12 views

The number in my W2 Box 1 from my previous employer is not correct. I contacted the HR many times but they just ignored my requests. I contacted IRS and they said they will send a letter to the employer. What should I do if my employer still ignores my request and IRS request? Can I input the correct number in Turbotax directly? Can I still e-file my federal tax return and state tax return? Thanks!

VolvoGirl

Level 15

Why is box 1 wrong? There can be several pretax items deducted from box 1. Is box 1 less than box 3 or 5? It can be tricky to calculate box 1 and it usually doesn't match your paystubs.

User123120Author

Level 3

There is one item "Other Pretax/Wage Limit" added to my wage, but I can't find it in my pay stub. It increased my wage.

DMarkM1

Level 15

Please clarify where you are seeing the "Other Pretax/Wage limit" and when/where do you see a wage increase? For example which box(es) codes on the W2 and/or which box(es) or amounts are you comparing to see an increase?

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Hal_Al

Level 15

Your description of "the problem" indicates that you're not very sure that the W-2 is wrong.

My recommendation is you file with the W-2 as is. If you get a corrected W-2 later (based on the IRS initiative), or figure out exactly what is wrong, you can file an amended return later.

That said, the IRS has instructions on what to do if you receive an incorrect W-2 and the employer is uncooperative (and it ain't easy): https://www.irs.gov/faqs/irs-procedures/w-2-additional-incorrect-lost-non-receipt-omitted/w-2-additional-incorrect-lost-non-receipt-omitted

User123120Author

Level 3

The same thing happened last year when I was still an employee of this company, and HR couldn't identify the source of the number in that box and thus issued me a corrected W2. This year I left the company, and they just ignored all my requests and communications. So if they still do not respond to my request, can I e-file my federal and state tax return using Turbotax? Or I have to send a print copy to IRS and State? Thanks!