Tax season is stressful enough. So, if your W-2 or 1099 is missing, don’t panic. There are some simple steps you can take to keep your tax filing on schedule.
Late, Missing, or Misplaced?
Employers and payers are required to send W-2s and most 1099s (including 1099-NEC) by January 31. If that date has passed and you still don’t have your form, it’s reasonable to start following up. But, before you do, try a quick sweep.
Check your mail for envelopes that may have been set aside or mistaken for junk. Look through your email for electronic delivery notices. Log in to the payroll systems or contractor portals you used last year. Many employers and companies now automatically deliver tax forms digitally. So, even if you’ve received paper copies in the past, you may have a digital version available now. If you’ve exhausted all those avenues and still can’t find it, reach out to your employer or the company that issued your income directly and ask if they can reissue or provide a copy.
Then, to prevent future delays:
- Confirm that your mailing address or email on file is correct.
- Verify how the form will be sent and, if possible, sign up for electronic W-2s.
- Keep your pay stubs as a backup.
If your employer went out of business, look at your old pay stubs to see who your pay provider was (common ones include ADP, Paychex, and Workday), as you may be able to get your W-2 directly from them.
When to Involve the IRS
If you’ve contacted the issuer and still can’t get your tax forms by mid-February, reach out to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for help. Call them at 800.829.1040 and be ready to provide your:
- Name, address and phone number
- Social Security or individual tax ID number
- Dates when you worked for the employer
- Employer’s name, address, and phone number
They will contact your employer on your behalf and send you a copy of Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. You can use Form 4852 to file your return if you don’t receive a corrected W-2 in time, but you’ll need to use your paycheck stubs to estimate your wages and withholdings.
What to Do if Your W-2 is Incorrect
If your W-2 contains errors or is missing payment information, follow the same procedure. Reach out to your employer or payroll provider first to resolve the issue and, if that fails, contact the IRS or schedule an appointment at your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. When you go to your scheduled appointment, bring a current government-issued photo ID, a second form of identification if needed, your SSN or ITIN, and any supporting tax documents related to the W-2 issue (including a copy of your tax return, if you’ve already filed).
If missing W-2s or 1099s could affect the accuracy of your return, consider filing for an extension—but remember, an extension to file is not an extension to pay. If you expect to owe taxes, the IRS still requires payment by the April deadline to avoid penalties and interest, even if your forms are delayed. And if you have questions or need help tracking down missing tax forms, the team at Maps is here to help you think through your next steps.