Missing W2′s? Business No Longer Exists? Tips to Get Your Forms!

So what do you do if your employer does not send you your W2 forms? If the company is still in business, this could just be a matter of making a simple phone call or two, but what if the company no longer does business? How do you go about getting forms from some company that doesn’t exist anymore? Here are some ways to try to troubleshoot the problem so you don’t end up on tax day with nothing to give the IRS.

• First, try to try to contact the employer. Send a certified letter to the last known address with a return request. This will show the IRS that you did, in fact, really make an effort to try to get in touch with the employer. If they are no longer able to be contacted, your certified letter will be returned to you.
• So, if that doesn’t work…no employer. Gather your last paycheck stub from that employer and create your own W2. (for steps on this see How Do I File Taxes with No W2′s.)
• If February 15th comes around and you still have no tax forms…Contact the IRS. You will need to have the employer’s name, last known address, and all information regarding the employee (SS# etc.) and the IRS will try to help you track down your missing W2.
• While the IRS is trying to find you your paperwork, fill out the IRS’ Form 4852 “Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, or Form 1009R, Distributions Form Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRA’s, Insurance Contracts, etc.” which will serve as a substitute for your W2 for now.
• Use this form to attach to your taxes. And remember that unfortunately, the IRS does not see a missing W2 as a good reason for not filing your taxes on time.
• If, by some miracle, the IRS does come up with your missing form, you will then have to fill out Form 1040X “Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return”, update your figures and refile.

So, it is prudent to be aware of the movements of former employers to help you avoid being surprised when taxes are upon us. And now you know why your mother always told you to hold on to your paycheck stubs. You never know when they may come in handy.