| The W-2 form is one of the basic elements of any | | | | you haven't received it by the middle of February, it is |
| salaried person's taxes. Ah, but what do you do if an | | | | time to take action. |
| employer has not sent your W-2 before it is time to | | | | Your first step is one of common sense. You should |
| prepare your taxes? | | | | contact the employer. If it is your current employer, the |
| A W-2 form is one of the basic IRS forms. It is used | | | | HR department should be able to give you a copy of |
| by an employer to report the wages an employee has | | | | the form. If it is a former employer, they should do the |
| earned. This is usually your salary, but there can be | | | | same. There is no advantage to them not doing so. |
| adjustments. These modifications include anything from | | | | For whatever reason, you might run into a situation |
| bonuses to money you moved to 401(k) plans and the | | | | where an employer just isn't kicking out your W-2 |
| like. | | | | form. Maybe the business is in trouble with taxes. |
| The IRS uses the W-2 form as a checklist of the | | | | Maybe they administration is just a mess. There are all |
| finances of both you and the employer. If the W-2 | | | | kinds of reason, none of them good. |
| issued for you says you made $50,000 in salary and | | | | In this type of situation, you have only one real option. |
| you report $35,000, the IRS is going to have some | | | | That option is to contact the IRS at 800-829-1040. The |
| questions for both you and the employer. | | | | IRS has a real sore spot about employers not paying |
| Employers are required to send a W-2 form to each | | | | or reporting employment taxes. You can be sure that |
| and every employee. They have till January 31st of | | | | the agency will light a fire under your employer, but |
| each year to do it. That is the mailing date, so you | | | | keep in mind the employer is not going to be to happy |
| should receive it within a reasonable time thereafter. If | | | | about it. |