My previous employer has gone out of business and is not responding to calls or emails. I need to get my w2 from him so I can file my taxes. How can I get from the IRS?

[DawnC]

If it's already near the end of February, and 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:

1. 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.
2. Fill out your W-2 using the information from your last pay stub.
3. Answer any questions until you get to Let's check for uncommon situations.
4. Check the box next to Didn't get a W-2 and select Continue.
5. On the Let's check if you need a substitute W-2 screen, select Yes then Continue.
6. 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.