Lost W-2 form, former employer not returning my phone calls. What do I do?

Factual Questions
1

The April 15 date is looming, and I can’t find my W-2 form. I’ve repeatedly emailed and called my former employer to try to get another copy, but my messages have so far been unreturned.

I feel I’m at the end of my rope here. What can I do to fulfil my civic duty and keep IRS agents from kicking down my door? :stuck_out_tongue:

2

Is it possible for you to just stop in and talk to them? If not, you might call the IRS and ask them what to do if you’ve lost your W-2 and the employer won’t give you a new copy.

3

You contact the IRS. See: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=106470,00.html

4

Tried it, the manager told me to call the owner (who I haven’t be able to reach).

Guess I’ll have to contact the IRS. Thanks for the advice.

5

Do you have your final pay stub listing your YTD pay and income tax withheld? That ought to give you enough info to fill out the tax return, no?

6

It is simple to file for an extension - but if you think you owe taxes, I think you have to send in an estimated payment.

Your library or turbotax should have a copy of the form.

Gives you some additional time to work out the issues with your employer.

7

The IRS can generate you a copy of w-2’s filed by the employer but at this point it probably will not get to you by the 15th.

8

If I were you (and I’m not, just saying, this is what I would do, it’s not tax or legal advice)…

I’d file an extension. I might not need it, but given today’s date it wouldn’t hurt for just in case.

I’d contact the IRS for the W-2 information, as mentioned.

Remember - with an extension you need to pay any tax you owe, all it gives you is an extension on sending in all the forms.

9

If your pay stubs have the YTD totals fill out the tax forms and file. I believe there is a box or form to file with a missing W2 form.

10

Submit a substitute W-2 form if you have your last pay stub with the yearly cumulative totals.

11

Did you make significantly more or less than last year? If not, just use last years numbers. (I am not your accountant, don’t take advice from strangers on the internet.)

12

Since you told me to, I won’t. I mean, I will. Or won’t. Or…

Dammit!