Contact your former employer. Filing without it is cumbersome and is something you should avoid unless absolutely necessary; you won't be able to e-file. You can file an extension to give yourself more time to retrieve a copy. To file without the w-2, you will include a substitute and file by mail. See steps below....
If you haven't heard back from your employer yet, contact the IRS directly to let an IRS agent know you haven't received your W-2. The IRS will try to contact the employer by mail to request a W-2 on your behalf. You can contact an IRS agent by calling in at 800-829-1040 or schedule an appointment through the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.
To plan ahead for your phone call, have the following pieces of information on hand:
- Your name, full mailing address, phone number, and social security number (SSN)
- Your employer's name, full mailing address, and phone number
- If possible, your employer's identification number (EIN or Tax ID Number)
You can file a conventional paper return that includes IRS Form 4852 if you haven't been able to get a W-2 from your employer. Here's how to fill one out:
- Open or continue your return and search for W-2. Select the Jump to link in the search results to go to the W-2 entry screen.
- Fill out your W-2 using the information from your last pay stub.
- Answer any questions until you get to Let's check for uncommon situations.
- Check the box next to Didn't get a W-2 and select Continue.
- On the Let's check if you need a substitute W-2 screen, select Yes then Continue.
- Answer the follow-up questions. Select Print to download and print your IRS Form 4852.
Note: Returns including Form 4852 can't be e-filed because of IRS regulations.
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