What to Do If You’re Missing Your W-2 

Steps to Take When Your W-2 Is Missing

Steps to Take When Your W-2 Is Missing

1. Contact Your Employer Right Away

   • If you haven’t received the W-2 by the end of January, reach out to your employer (payroll or HR) to ask when — or if — it was sent. IRS+1

   • Also confirm they have your correct mailing or email address; sometimes the W-2 gets sent but delivered to an old address. TurboTax+1

2. Wait a Few Weeks — But Don’t Delay Filing Forever

   • The IRS expects most employers to issue W-2s by around January 31. IRS+1

   • If it’s already late February and you haven’t received your W-2 despite contacting your employer, it’s time to involve the IRS. IRS+1

3. Call the IRS for Help

   • Dial 800-829-1040 to report that your W-2 is missing. Have ready your personal info (name, address, SSN), and your employer’s name and contact info. IRS+1

   • The IRS can contact your employer and request the missing W-2. They’ll also mail you a substitute form to use if the actual W-2 doesn’t arrive in time. IRS+1

4. Use Form 4852 — Substitute for W-2 if Needed

   • If you still don’t have the W-2 when it’s time to file your tax return, you can complete Form 4852 using your last pay stub (or other documentation) to estimate your wages and withholdings. Attach it to your return in place of the missing W-2. IRS+2IRS+2

   • This lets you file on time — which is important to avoid late-filing penalties. IRS+1

5. If You Later Receive the W-2 (or a Corrected Version), File an Amended Return

   • Should your real W-2 (or corrected W-2c) arrive after you filed using Form 4852 — and the amounts are different — you must file an amended return using Form 1040‑X. IRS+1

6. Other Alternatives: Request a Wage and Income Transcript

   • In some cases, you might be able to get a transcript of your wage and withholding information from the IRS to help verify your income if your W-2 is missing. IRS+1

🔗 Official IRS Resource

For the most up-to-date guidance, you can always refer to the IRS page “If you don’t get a W-2 or your W-2 is wrong.” IRS

You can also find and download Form 4852 directly on the IRS website. IRS+1

Final Thoughts

A missing W-2 can feel stressful — but the good news is you still have options. As long as you act promptly, communicate with your employer, and follow IRS guidelines, you can file your return on time using a substitute form or transcript. If the real W-2 arrives later and has different numbers, filing an amended return keeps you in compliance.