How to Obtain a W-2 Form to File Your Taxes

A W-2, otherwise known as a Wage and Tax Statement, is a form that is filled by an employer showing the amount of taxes withheld and paid to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) for that employee. If you are an employee, you need this form to prepare, verify and pay yearly income tax. All employers must make six copies of this form. Two of the copies will go to the employee to enable them to file their state and federal income tax. The other copies go to the Social Security Administration, the employer's records, the state taxing authority, and one to enable the employee to file their state income tax. It is important to have a W-2 form to file your income tax. If you do not have your W-2 form by February 14, here are some ways for you to be able to obtain it.

Things You'll Need:

A telephone

A computer with Internet connection

Your personal data

Step 1:

Ask your employer. The easiest and fastest way to obtain your W-2 form is to ask your employer, by phone or in person. Inquire if the form has been sent to you by mail and if your employer has your correct address. You can also ask politely for a second copy.

Step 2:

Call the IRS for their assistance. You can find the number to call your local IRS office for assistance or dial 1-800-829-1040 . Be ready with your personal data such as mailing address, Social Security Number, and dates of employment. Also, be prepared to provide the name, address, and phone number of your employer. The IRS will remind your employer to send the W-2 form to you.

Step 3:

Download Form 4506 and fill it out. If after doing the above steps and you still do not have the W-2 form, you can fill out and submit form 4506. This is a request for a copy of tax return. What the IRS will do is send you a copy of the W-2 form that your employer has submitted to the IRS . Other forms that you can submit for paying your tax are forms 4506T or 4506T EZ.

Step 4:

Download Form 4852 and fill it out. If all the above steps fail, you will be allowed by the IRS to estimate your wages based on your paystubs. This is done by filling out and submitting form 4852. You will, however, be required to amend your tax returns once you have your W-2 form using a form 1040X.

Tips
Take your time and make sure that you fill out your forms carefully and accurately.
Do not hesitate to ask assistance from the IRS.

Warnings:
Do not commit fraud when filing taxes. You will be caught.

References
1. W-2 Form
2. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form W-2 - Wage and Tax Statement
3. Missing Your W-2 Form, Corrected W-2s, and Multiple W-2s
4. Four Steps to Follow If You Are Missing a W-2
5. IRS.gov