As most people know about employment income tax, any income you earn from an employer must be reported. This is done on the tax return by filling out the respective IRS form and attaching the completed W2 form received from your employer. Employers are required by federal-tax-return law and regulations to distribute employee W2 forms annually by January 31 in 2011 for any employee’s wages in the previous tax year, even if the person is no longer employed. However, because W2 forms are sent by mail in bulk from employers, and taxpayers themselves file a lot of other letters, it is possible from time to time to lose the required form. This can typically be done when an amended W2 form is also included.
If the W2 is missing for the first time, it is up to the taxpayer/employee to be proactive and start the process so that a new tax return is due before it is due. The first step is to contact the employer to confirm the W2 was sent and to which address. If the mailing is confirmed, check to see if the employer received the W2 backup as a return mail. This often happens when the address may be wrong or missing critical elements for a successful mailing. If so, I suggest you wait at least two to three weeks to get a new W2 form.
If you still haven’t received your W2 by mid-February and you know you’re owed a refund, then you have a good idea to bring the IRS into action. You can do this by contacting the agency at 800-829-1040. In doing so, you will need to provide certain identifying information so that the IRS can track down your employer. This will include your name and home address information as well as your social-security-benefits number and phone number. You should also provide your contact information, address and phone number. It is also helpful to have an idea of how much you have earned from the employer.
If at the point tax return was notified (typically April 15 for most) then your letter without missing W2 if m. This avoids you getting caught for not filing your taxes on time. When doing so, make sure to include Form 4852 – Substitute for W2 with the filing. Include the form in your package and keep a copy for your own records. When the W2 is missing, the tax process will be delayed. If the information differs from your return when you finally get your official W2, just correct the taxes filed with an IRS form 1040X.
Additional information on both Form 4852 and Form 1040X can all be found on the Internet at www.IRS.gov, or you can call the IRS for a printed copy at 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
Sources:
Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4852.pdf
Amended US Details Income Tax Return http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/ f1040x.pdf
