Getting an old W2 when nobody has access

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
September 13, 2024
6 replies
47 views

I lived in PA and IL in 2018. I worked in PA, was unemployed in IL. Now IL is claiming I owe back taxes for income earned in PA because the income showed up on my Federal return. I forgot to file in PA (and I'm actually willing to fix that) but IL wants their pound of flesh and PA will want two pounds if I can't prove my state withholding.

Nobody seems to have access to the W2 with state information.

Employer is defunct...purchased by a company that was purchased by a company that is overseas and non-responsive.

Payroll provider doesn't keep records that old and wouldn't share for privacy reasons anyway.

SS and IRS don't provide state info (which is what I need)

PA and IL Departments of Revenue, and PA DLI all claim they don't have access to W2.

Either way, I need the W2 for state withholding. Do I have any options?

TBBT Leonard: "What would you be if you were joined to another object by an inclined plane wrapped helically around an axis?”

VolvoGirl

Level 15

SS doesn’t have the state info? I thought you can get an actual copy from SSA for $126.

https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-02501

tedphAuthor

Level 2

From the article you cited: "However, state and local tax information isn’t available if you e-filed your tax return."

I always e-file.

Mike9241

Level 15

PA and IL Departments of Revenue, and PA DLI all claim they don't have access to W2.

baloney. how would they know you filed correctly - wages and withholding if they didn't have access.

Mike9241

tedphAuthor

Level 2

PA hasn't contacted me. I've reached out to them.

IL is relying on the fact that I filed my federal return to decide that I owe them money because I was a resident for the second half of the year. They apparently don't have any other information. Since I can't show them the W2, I'm guilty until proven innocent.

They would accept a copy of my PA filing (which I don't personally think they're entitled to but I wouldn't fight it) but I missed filing. So, I'm trying to file with PA but they won't provide a W2 so I can file properly.

Bottom line, nobody will provide the W2, but IL still thinks they're entitled to my money and I can't prove otherwise. Napoleonic law: Guilty until proven innocent.

xmasbaby0

Level 15

You misunderstood. That article is telling you that the IRS does not have your state or local W-2 information if you e-filed---so you cannot get the state information for free from the IRS's transcript. You can, however, pay Social Security $126 for a complete copy of your W-2.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**