Incorrect W-2

[jhp6t8]

After many weeks of trying, I can't get employer to issue a correct W-2. Wages, withholding, etc. are all incorrect and they keep telling me they will get it fixed but it just doesn't happen. The IRS help line is shutdown due to the pandemic so no luck going that route. Should I file with the info from my last pay stub and using form 4852 or keep waiting for the employer to get it right?

[VictoriaD75]

If you file a return with information that does not match your W-2, it may create a document "mismatch" with the information that the IRS has on file. This can cause your return to be rejected or put under review by the IRS. It is best to have an accurate tax form to complete your return.

What is the specific issue related to your W-2? The income in box 1 will generally not match your YTD total on your paystub, as there are items that are deductible on a pre-tax basis, such as retirement contributions or medical insurance premiums.

[jhp6t8]

Thanks for your response. The issue is not one of pre-tax deductions, every figure is incorrect. The first W-2 understated income and all withholding, a corrected W-2 overstated income and all withholding. The company was bought out mid-year and they must have some issues with data integrity across their systems.

i simply don’t know how long I should keep waiting for them to get it right. It’s taken months already.

[LeonardS]

The IRS has extended the due date to file your tax return to July 15, 2020.  You may want to consider giving your employer more time to correct your W-2.  You will not incur any penalty by waiting to file your tax return on or before July 15, 2020.  Hopefully your employer will resolve the issue before the new filing date.

[jhp6t8]

Thanks for the reply. I had hoped to get my refund asap, especially given the current economic impact of the pandemic. I have only a little hope they will correct it, even with the extended time, as they have stopped responding to emails requesting an update.

[LeonardS]

If you have filed a 2018 tax return the IRS will use the direct deposit information on that return for your stimulus check when you have not filed for 2019.

[jhp6t8]

This is not about the stimulus check, my reference was to 2019 tax refund - FYI.

[Hal_Al]

the IRS has instructions on what to do if you receive an incorrect W-2 and the employer is uncooperative: https://www.irs.gov/faqs/irs-procedures/w-2-additional-incorrect-lost-non-receipt-omitted/w-2-additi...

If they are still your employer, I would wait for them to correct it.  If you don't work there, any more, I would follow the IRS procedure.