No, you cannot file your tax return with only a check stub. The paycheck stub will not have the same information as the W-2. The IRS receives a copy of the W-2 not your check stub
Your employer has until 02/01/2021 to provide the W-2
The IRS will not even start accepting 2020 tax returns until late January.
With the second stimulus and multiple forms and schedules that have to be finalized it will be wise to wait until mid-February to file a tax return.
Note - Once a tax return is filed it cannot be retrieved or canceled. Any changes that need to be made to the filed return means an amended tax return has to be filed. Amended returns can take 4 months or longer to process. Don't be one of those caught in the amendment trap.
