Tracking Down a Lost W-2
Missing information can slow your tax-return preparation -- and your refund.
Getting ready to file your 2010 tax return? Make sure you have all of your documents before you start. You should receive a Form W-2, “Wage and Tax Statement,” from your employer --or each employer if you had more than one during the year. Employers had until February 1, 2011, to send you a 2010 Form W-2 earnings statement. If you haven’t received your W-2, follow these steps:
1. Contact your employer. Ask whether and when the W-2 was mailed. If it was mailed, it may have been returned to the employer because of an incorrect or incomplete address. Allow a reasonable amount of time for the employer to resend or issue the W-2.
2. Contact the IRS. If you do not receive your W-2 by February 16, contact the IRS for assistance at 800-829-1040. When you call, you must provide your name, address, city, state, zip code, Social Security number and phone number, and have the following information:
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
•Employer’s name, address, city, state, zip code and phone number.
•Your dates of employment.
•An estimate of the wages you earned and the federal income tax withheld. You can base your estimate on year-to-date information from your final pay stub.
3. File your return. Even if you have not received your W-2, you still must file your tax return by April 18. If you have not received the W-2 by then and you’ve contacted your employer and the IRS, you may use Form 4852, “Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement.” Attach Form 4852 to the return, estimating income and withholding taxes as accurately as possible. There may be a delay in any refund due while the information is verified.
Or you can apply for a six-month extension to file your tax return, by filing Form 4868 electronically or by mail. But remember, an extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. If you owe money on your 2010 tax return and don’t pay by April 18, 2011, interest and penalties will accrue.
4. Amend your return. If your missing W-2 arrives after you have already filed your return using substitute Form 4852 and the information on the W-2 is different from what you reported on your return, you must amend your return by filing Form 140X, “Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.”
-
Keeping Your Number When You Switch Phone Plans: What Can Go Wrong and How to Avoid ItA simple checklist to keep your number, avoid delays and protect your phone plan deals.
-
The 'Take That Uncle Sam' Rule of Retirement SpendingHere's how to reduce your tax bill when you withdraw money in retirement.
-
6 Key Ways to Plan for Financial Success in 2026Use last year's tax data to help guide you as you consider this year's taxes, asset allocation and sources of the regular income you'll need in retirement.
-
Don't Overpay the IRS: 6 Tax Mistakes That Could Be Raising Your BillTax Tips Is your income tax bill bigger than expected? Here's how you should prepare for next year.
-
Oregon Tax Kicker in 2026: What's Your Refund?State Tax The Oregon kicker for 2025 state income taxes is coming. Here's how to calculate your credit and the eligibility rules.
-
Will IRS Budget Cuts Disrupt Tax Season? What You Need to KnowTaxes The 2026 tax season could be an unprecedented one for the IRS. Here’s how you can be proactive to keep up with the status of your return.
-
3 Retirement Changes to Watch in 2026: Tax EditionRetirement Taxes Between the Social Security "senior bonus" phaseout and changes to Roth tax rules, your 2026 retirement plan may need an update. Here's what to know.
-
IRS Tax Season 2026 Is Here: Big Tax Changes to Know Before You FileTax Season Due to several major tax rule changes, your 2025 return might feel unfamiliar even if your income looks the same.
-
12 Tax Strategies Every Self-Employed Worker Needs in 2026Your Business Navigating the seas of self-employment can be rough. We've got answers to common questions so you can have smoother sailing.
-
A Free Tax Filing Option Has Disappeared for 2026: Here's What That Means for YouTax Filing Tax season officially opens on January 26. But you'll have one less way to submit your tax return for free. Here's what you need to know.
-
When Do W-2s Arrive? 2026 Deadline and 'Big Beautiful Bill' ChangesTax Deadlines Mark your calendar: Feb 2 is the big W-2 release date. Here’s the delivery scoop and what the Trump tax changes might mean for your taxes.
