@xmasbaby0 is correct. The IRS taxes you on the total amount of money you made for the year, so it’s best to wait until you have all your tax information before filing — otherwise you’ll have to amend your return when you receive your other W-2.
If you file a partial tax return you may have to pay back part of your refund or wait for an additional refund from the second W-2. Processing amended returns can take 16 weeks (four months).
What if I don't get my W-2?
If you’re unable to get your Form W-2 from your employer, contact the Internal Revenue Service at 800-TAX-1040. The IRS will contact your employer or payer and request the missing form. Let them know:
- your name, address, Social Security number and phone number;
- your employer’s name, address and phone number;
- the dates you worked for the employer; and
- an estimate of your wages and federal income tax withheld. You can use your final pay stub to figure these amounts.
If, after contacting the IRS, you still do not have your Form W-2, you have two choices:
- File your return by the April due date and use Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. Try to estimate your wages and withholding as best you can.
- Ask for more time to file by using Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S Individual Income Tax Return. You can even e-file the request.
- If it turns out the information on the Form W-2 is different than you reported, you will need to file an amended tax return using Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to make the change.
Related Resources:
Can I get a transcript or copy of Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, from the IRS?
Form W-2 Missing? IRS Can Help
How do I file a substitute W-2 using Form 4852?
What To Do If You Haven't Received a W-2
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