My W-2 form had an incorrect SSN. What to do to fix it

[PurevsurenCh]

I've filed a tax refund with my W2 form but on the form, my SSN was not correct. So when I was filling it I entered my correct SSN every single time and sent it and it said it got accepted. But some of my colleagues are telling me that they had that issue too and even if it says "accepted" it never deposits to your bank and they've been waiting for it for a year now after correcting it and amending it. So I have no hope of amending I guess and also some of the comments I read said even if you get that corrected W2c form it still does not give you your tax refund and has so many problems. Is it really that hopeless to get my tax refund? I could use some extra money fast but now I can't help but feel but concerned that even after 21 days I would not receive it. Someone, please advise me on this.

[AnnetteB6]

If you have filed your return using a W-2 that was not correct because the Social Security number (SSN) was wrong, then you need to request a corrected W-2 from that employer as soon as possible.  

If the SSN is incorrect, then it is unlikely that the IRS will process the tax return since their records will not match the return that you filed.  Until the employer issues the corrected W-2 to you and to the IRS, the IRS has no way to know which document is correct.  

When you do get the corrected W-2 from your employer, check to be sure that the only thing that changed was your SSN.  If everything else has remained the same as it was on the W-2 when you filed your return, then you would not need to file an amended tax return.  Your return should then be processed by the IRS based on the receipt of the corrected W-2 from your employer.

[PurevsurenCh]

@AnnetteB6 Thank you for your help. So after I get my corrected W-2 do I have to file a new request here or is it possible to just switch out my incorrect W-2 with the correct one on the TurboTax account?

[AnnetteB6]

If nothing except your SSN changes on the corrected W-2, then you will not need to do anything else in TurboTax.  The incorrect W-2 will be switched out in the IRS system with the correct one and then your return can be processed.

When you enter your SSN in the Personal Info section, that SSN is copied to all the tax forms that you enter.  You could not have entered an incorrect one when you put in your W-2 information unless it was also incorrect in the Personal Info section.  

If some of the amounts in the income boxes on the W-2 also change along with your SSN, then you should file an amended return to change the income amounts.  

@PurevsurenCh 

[PurevsurenCh]

@AnnetteB6 Hello. How have you been? 

As you've advice I asked for a correct W-2 for my employer and they replied that they submitted the new one and the correct one should be sent to me in 10-12 days. Should I also ask for my employer to send the new corrected W-2 to IRS directly? Or is there no need to? I'm quite dreading that if they don't send it it's not gonna get processed because you said that "the employer has to send the correct W-2 to me and the IRS" 

[AliciaP1]

When your employer completes the corrected W-2 they are required to send it in so you will not need to worry. 

@PurevsurenCh 

[PurevsurenCh]

@AliciaP1 Thank you so much for the help. I really appreciate it. 

[PurevsurenCh]

@AliciaP1 Hello, How have you been? 

As you advised, I contacted my employer for the W2c form immediately. But only yesterday did they upload my correct document. I'm a little worried as it's been 2 months since and is it still okay to just wait for the tax refund to be deposited? Should I contact IRS too just in case? And if it is okay how long does it take for IRS to process the new document and deposit the refund? Thank you so much for all your comments and advice. 

[PurevsurenCh]

@AliciaP1 Hello, How have you been? 

As you advised, I contacted my employer for the W2c form immediately. But only last Friday did they upload my correct document. I'm a little worried as it's been 2 months since and is it still okay to wait for the tax refund to be deposited? Should I contact IRS too just in case? And if it is okay how long does it take for IRS to process the new document and deposit the refund? Thank you so much for all your comments and advice. 

[Carl]

I've filed a tax refund with my W2 form but on the form, my SSN was not correct.

What SSN did you enter into your tax return that you filed with the IRS?

[PurevsurenCh]

@Carl I entered the correct one but because it's still not deposited and is saying processing for 3 months now I think the incorrect form is the cause here. I requested for W2C to be issued and I only recently got the corrected file. So I don't know what I should do now. Should I just wait for IRS to check my new W-2C and approve and send my tax return or do I contact IRS directly too? And if it gets issued naturally with the new form how long does it take to deposit it? these are my questions. Thank you so much for responding. 

[Carl]

Should just be a matter of waiting, and keep an eye on your mailbox in case you get a letter from the IRS. Once it's been at least 3 weeks since the W2C was issued, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to inquire about it.

[PurevsurenCh]

@Carl thank you so much