My employer messed up my W2 (I received two, with different/incorrect information on them), can I file for an extension while payroll corrects this? Should I get a CPA?

[darceymccready]

I moved states and kept my remote job, but my boss didn't change my address correctly with payroll. That payroll company continuously taxed me incorrectly for about 9 months. We then got a new payroll company and I was told this issue was corrected & taxes were being withheld for the correct state that I live in. Early this year, I got two W2s--one from the old payroll company that was withholding taxes from the wrong state for me--and the other W2 has taxes from both the state I work in and the state I live in, but the income information is incorrect. The current payroll company is trying to correct everything and give me a new, complete, correct W2. I don't want to get stuck with having to file my taxes last minute, as I will owe money to the state I live in. Do I file for an extension? Do I just hire a CPA to help with this?

[TerukoL]

Each state has its own rules regarding extensions. Please click the following links to learn more:

How do I file an IRS extension (Form 4868)?

Do I need to file an extension for my personal state taxes?

[JWings]

All/Most states will allow you to file an extension, but you have to pay the taxes on time (April 15).   You need to file a Federal extension also, since your state taxes can effect your federal deductions.   You still need to calculate your federal and state taxes as best you can by April 15.  If you calculate your taxes and say you owe $500 Federal and $300 state, you need to file for an extension for both Federal and State, PLUS pay the $500 to Federal and $300 state by April 15.    If you end up over estimating the dollar amounts, you will get a refund when you send in your taxes.   If you underpaid, you will need to pay again.