W2

[Kierrabgreen98]

My job just informed me that due to a change in the payroll schedule we won’t have access to our w2s until the end of February. I like to file early in January, can I just provide recent paystubs instead of the w2?

[Critter-3]

No you can't  AND  inform the employer they MUST either give you electronic access to the W-2 by 1/31/23  OR  mail out a paper form.   Waiting until the end of Feb is not an option.

[johnd84]

As stated above W2s are due to employees on January 31 of each year. There is an extremely rare extension that the IRS may grant. I have never seen it done, and I would be willing to bet that neither a change in payroll schedule nor advanced knowledge of this issue 3 months in advance will be acceptable reasons for an extension. 

[Kierrabgreen98]

We’re told to expect the w2s in February. I am in the military however from what you’re saying 1/31/23, excludes no one. 

[TimS5 · Accepted solution]

The simple answer is No, you can not use your last pay stub of the year to report your earnings and withholdings.  The information on your final pay stub may not reflect your tax situation.  The gross pay reflected on the pay stub is not necessarily your Taxable Wages that will be reported in Box 1, Wages, tips and other compensation.  For example, if you are a member of a Section 125 plan, your gross wages on your pay stub will include this amount and it will be shown as a withholding item.  However, on your W-2, this amount will be excluded from Box 1.  The W-2 may also contain other taxable items that are not included on your pay stub, such as taxable life insurance premiums.  

[Critter-3]

Let me explain things better ... first if the IRS doesn't have the W-2 from the employer your return will just be put on hold until they get the information from the employer so trying to file faster than the IRS gets the info from the SSA is futile.  Next, if you work for the military, your w-2 form should be available online thru DFAS and if they will be delayed in getting them there then I am sure they have already applied for an exemption.  Do NOT try to file off the LES.   Watch the DFAS site for details in January ... www.mypay.gov

[SuziM]

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