I lost my w2 for one of my jobs, I will qualify for a refund do I have to file an extension while waiting on new copy of w2?

[stefaniem]

I have not filed yet, missing w2, have a pay stub from last pay period, can I file using that while waiting on new w2?

[GeoffreyG · Accepted solution]

If you are certain that you will be receiving an income tax refund (both federal and state, if applicable), then you do not need to request a formal extension.

It is something of a popular myth that there is a penalty involved for filing (late) a tax return where a refund is due to the taxpayer; that is simply not true.  There is only a penalty imposed if the reverse is the case (i.e., taxpayer owes a liability).

Thus, it would be advisable for you to simply wait to file until your replacement W-2 arrives.  But please do not file your return until you do have that document.  Otherwise, filing a tax return without a W-2 raises a whole other set of issues.  You can read more about those matters here, if you would like:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3170112-can-i-file-my-taxes-without-a-w2

Thank you for asking this important question.