Most taxpayers get their W-2 forms from their employers by the end of January. Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement documents the amount of taxes that have been withheld throughout the year, and state the total amount of income earned. You need this form to file your tax return correctly. If you don’t have this form in hand by the middle of February, you should take the following steps:
- Contact your employer: Find out if your employer (or in some cases your old employer) can issue you a copy of your W-2. Be sure that you have provided the correct address as well.
- February 23: If you haven’t received your W-2 by February 23, and your employer cannot provide a copy, the IRS can intervene by sending the employer a letter. When you contact the IRS, be sure to provide:
- Name, address, Social Security Number, and phone number
- Employer’s contact information
- Your dates of employment
- An estimated amount of taxes and income that should be reported on your W-2. You can use the information provided on your final pay stub for the year to gain a relatively accurate estimate.
- Meet the deadline: File on or before April 15 regardless of whether or not you have your W-2. You can use Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement if you don’t have your W-2 by the deadline. You can estimate your wages and taxes, though you should expect a longer processing time while the IRS ensures the accuracy of your information. If for some reason you cannot file by the April deadline, you should seek an extension, requested using Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. This form can be filed either manually or electronically.
- File an amended return: After you’ve filed, if you receive your original w-2, you can file an amended return if the information is different from what you filed. Use Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
New Health Insurance Form Information
You should expect to receive a Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, if you purchased health insurance through the Marketplace. This form is necessary to complete your tax return and should arrive by the beginning of February. You’ll need the information printed on the form to calculate your premium tax credit and reconcile any advance payments made with the amount you are qualified to receive.
If your Form 1095-A has not arrived in time, contact the Marketplace to have another copy issued. You don’t have to provide the IRS with proof of your coverage, although it’s a good idea to keep a copy for your records.
