Here’s what HIVE AI had to say about “Can I still file my return if I lost my W-2?”:

Filing Your Tax Return When You’ve Lost Your W-2

Your Form W-2 should be made available to you by January 31, 2025. If you haven’t received it or have lost it, there are specific procedures to follow regarding Form W-2 and Form 1099-R (what to do if incorrect or not received). IRS.gov Tax Topics

Options When Your W-2 is Lost or Not Received

1. Contact Your Employer First

If you do not receive your Form W-2, try to contact your employer or their representative. A good precaution is to keep year-to-date records or pay stubs until you receive your Form W-2. IRS – Publication 4128: Tax Impact of Job Loss Your employer can provide you with a replacement copy.

If an employee loses a Form W-2, the employer should write “REISSUED STATEMENT” on the new copy and furnish it to the employee. IRS – Instruction W-2 and W-3: Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3, Wage and Tax Statement and Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements

2. Request a Substitute W-2 from the IRS

If you’re unable to get a replacement W-2 from your employer:

If you are unsuccessful, the IRS can assist you in filing a substitute Form W-2 using your records. IRS – Publication 4128: Tax Impact of Job Loss

If you have not received your W-2 or you know your employers are unable to provide your W-2, you should secure your payment information and utilize one of the following resources to have a Substitute W-2 completed: a. Call the IRS Disaster Hotline at 1-866-562-5227 b. Visit your local free tax preparation site IRS – Publication 4512-B (EN-SP): Getting Your Taxes Done – Obtaining Your W-2’s (English/Spanish)

3. Use Form 4852 (Substitute for Form W-2)

Form 4852 is the official substitute for Form W-2 when you haven’t received or have lost your original W-2. You’ll need to provide your best estimate of your wages and withholding based on:

• Your final pay stub for the year
• Other records of your earnings
• Previous year’s W-2 (if your income was similar)

What Information You’ll Need

To complete a substitute W-2, gather:

• Your employer’s name, address, and EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• Your earnings information from pay stubs
• Federal income tax withheld
• Social Security and Medicare wages and taxes withheld
• Any other relevant tax information (retirement contributions, health insurance, etc.)

Filing Your Return With a Substitute W-2

The nonreceipt of a tax document, e.g., a Form W-2, does not excuse a taxpayer from his or her duty to report the income. Moreover, nonreceipt of tax documents does not constitute reasonable cause in answer to a section 6662(a) accuracy-related penalty. Additionally, reliance on an erroneous Form W-2 may indicate reasonable cause and good faith, but only if the taxpayer did not know or have reason to know that the information was incorrect. Dawson U.S. Tax Court Opinions: Benjamin J. Ashmore

This means you’re still responsible for filing an accurate return even without your original W-2.

If You Receive Your W-2 After Filing

If you receive a Form W-2 after you’ve filed your return, file an amended tax return, Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. IRS.gov Tax Topics This ensures your tax records match what your employer reported to the IRS.

For more information on amended returns, refer to Topic no. 308, Amended returns and “Should I file an amended return?” IRS.gov Tax Topics

Special Situations

If Your Employer Went Out of Business

If your employer filed bankruptcy or went out of business, how do I get my Form W-2? In either case the employer must file and report your wages and withholding on a Form W-2 at year’s end. IRS – Publication 4128: Tax Impact of Job Loss

Checking Your Wage Information Online

Individual taxpayers can create or access their IRS Online Account on IRS.gov. In addition to Forms W-2, 1095-A and 1099-NEC, people can view key details from their most recent tax return, such as adjusted gross income. IRS Newsroom – IR-2025-46

Taxpayers who are missing Forms W-2, 1098, 1099 or 5498 for the years 2021, 2022 or 2023 can request copies from their employer, bank or other payers. IRS Newsroom – IR-2025-46

Timing Considerations

Can I file an early tax return and receive any refund due? No. Individual income tax returns are based on a calendar year and cannot be filed earlier than January of the next calendar year. IRS – Publication 4128: Tax Impact of Job Loss

Forms W–2 and W–3 and any returns or statements required by the Secretary to report nonemployee compensation shall be filed on or before January 31 of the year following the calendar year to which such returns relate. IRC § 6071(c)

Conclusion

Losing your W-2 doesn’t prevent you from filing your tax return. You can request a replacement from your employer, use Form 4852 as a substitute, or get assistance from the IRS. The key is to file your return on time with the most accurate information available to you, even if you don’t have your original W-2.

Remember that you’re still responsible for reporting your income accurately, and if you receive your W-2 after filing, you should file an amended return to correct any discrepancies.

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