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Missing a W-2?

February 23, 2010

Accept no substitute.

Fortunately, you can forget that slogan when events like natural disasters or bankruptcies cause your employer to neglect issuing your W-2. The IRS will accept a substitute in situations that leave you unable to obtain year-end wage statements.

  • What to do. First, make an attempt to get your W-2 by contacting your employer. You can also ask the IRS to do the nudging for you.

    If those remedies fail, your next step is to complete Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement.
  • What you'll need. Since Form 4852 is a replacement for your W-2, you'll need the same information shown on that statement, including your employer's name, address, and federal identification number. You can estimate your 2009 wages and withholdings, using pay stubs or another reasonable method.
  • What else to do. Consider waiting until April to file your return. That way you avoid having to prepare an amended return if you do receive the actual W-2 and it differs from your estimate.

    If you have to use Form 4852, mark your calendar to check next year's annual social security estimate of your potential future benefit. You'll want to be sure the wages are included in the "earnings record" portion of the statement.

Call us if you need additional information about how to proceed when you're missing a W-2.

For more information, contact Ross Rizzo at 212-404-5528, rrizzo@sb-cpa.com.

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