The IRS may reject your return if you forget a W2 on your taxes. In the event this happens, you can add the forgotten document and refile it. In some cases, the IRS may accept the initial filing.
They’re a busy and understaffed agency. Unfortunately, they don’t have the staffing to catch every error. When this happens, you’ll wait for all forms to process and then file the W2 with a 1040X form.
Taxes can be complicated. Don’t worry. It happens all the time, and we’ll break it down for you, so read on.
Table of Contents
I Forgot One of My W2s – What Do I Do?
If you forget to include a W2 on your tax return, the IRS may reject it. You should check with your employer to ensure they sent it to you. If they did, the next step is to gather all the necessary information and resubmit your return with the missing W2.
The process for resubmitting your return will depend on how you filed it in the first place. If you filed electronically, you’ll need to file a paper return with the missing W2. You can do this by mail or by visiting your local IRS office.
You’ll need to submit a 1040X form if you have already filed a paper return. This is the form you use to make changes to your return after filing it. You can mail the 1040X form to the IRS or submit it electronically.
In either case, keep a copy of everything you submit for your own records.
More About the 1040x Form
If you already filed your return and then realized you forgot to include a W2, you’ll need to file a 1040X form. This is the form you use to make changes to your return after filing it.
Include a copy of the missing W2 with your 1040X form. You can mail the 1040X form to the IRS or submit it electronically.
IRS Rules for Filing an Amended Return
You have three years from the date you filed your original return to file an amended return. While you shouldn’t sleep on fixing your tax forms, it’s not quite as urgent as some people think. You have time. Use it to fill out the forms correctly this go around.
Remember that you can only amend your return to claim additional refunds. If you owe money, you’ll need to file your return and pay the amount you owe by the April deadline. You can’t amend your return to get an extension on paying what you owe.
Completing the 1040x Form
The form 1040X is pretty straightforward. You’ll need to fill out your personal information, as well as your filing status and the tax year you’re amending.
In the section labeled “Changes To Your Income,” you’ll list the income you forgot to include on your original return. In the section labeled “Changes To Your Deductions And Credits,” you’ll itemize any deductions or credits you’re now eligible for because of the additional income you reported.
You’ll also need to explain why you’re amending your return. Be as specific as possible. If you forgot to include a W2, be sure to say so.
Filing the Amended Return
You can file your amended return electronically or by mail. If you file electronically, you’ll need to use software that supports the 1040X form. Not all software does, so be sure to check before you start the process.
If you’re filing by mail, send your return to the address listed on the form 1040X instructions. Insert a copy of your original return and all the documentation supporting your changes.
Rules for Filing Late
If you forget to file a W2, the IRS may penalize you. The penalty is usually 5% of the taxes you owe for each month (or part of a month) that your return is late, up to a maximum of 25%.
The good news is that the IRS may waive the penalty if you prove there was a reasonable cause for not making the deadline. Examples of reasonable causes include illness, death in the family, or natural disasters.
If you’re facing a penalty, you can file Form 843 to request a waiver. Add as much documentation as possible to support your request.
How Does It All Work? The W2 Explained
A W-2 form is a tax form used to report wages and salaries. Employers use it to say how much they paid their employees over the course of a year, as well as how much taxes were withheld from those payments.
The W-2 form also reports other types of income, such as tips, commissions, and bonuses. Employers must provide a W-2 form to each employee by January 31 of the year following the tax year.
Employees use the information on their W-2 forms to complete their tax returns. The information on the form calculates how much taxes you owe or how much of a refund is due.
What If I Have a Second Job?
You will receive a W-2 form from each employer if you have more than one job. The documents will be different, but they will both report the same information: your total wages for the year and the amount of taxes withheld from those wages.
You will need to include all of this information on your tax return, even if you have multiple jobs. The IRS will use the information to calculate your taxes owed or refund due.
If you have any questions about how to report your income from multiple jobs, you should contact a tax professional or the IRS.
What If I Forget to File for the Second Job?
If you forget to file for your second job, you may face penalties from the IRS. The penalty is usually 5% of the taxes you owe for each month (or part of a month) that your return is late, up to a maximum of 25%.
The penalty will be similar to not filing for your main job, if not precisely the same. People who work two jobs are typically pretty busy, so it’s easy to forget about them, especially if it’s a seasonal gig.
If the IRS Owes You Money, Will They Send You a W-2?
No, the IRS will not send you a W-2 if they owe you money. The W-2 is a tax form used to report wages and salaries. They don’t use it to report refunds.
If you are owed a refund, the IRS will send you a check or direct deposit the money into your bank account. They will also send a notice telling you how much money you will receive and why.
If you have any questions about your refund, you should contact the IRS. They will be able to tell you how much money is coming and when you can expect to receive it.
What If You Owe the IRS Money, Will They Send You a W-2?
No, the IRS will not send you a W-2 if you owe them money. The W-2 is a tax form used to report wages and salaries. They will not use it to report taxes owed.
If you owe the government, the IRS will send you a bill. They may also send you a notice telling you that they are going to withhold the money from your tax refund or your wages.
Questions about your refund? Try to reach out to them. They can tell you how much money is coming and when you can expect to receive it.
Details on How To File An Amended Return
You must complete and submit a new tax return if you need to file an amended return. Be sure to write “Amended” at the top of the return.
Include a statement explaining why you are filing an amended return, along with any supporting documentation, such as a corrected W-2 form.
Mail your amended return to the IRS at the address listed on the return. Allow 8-12 weeks for the IRS to process your return and issue any refunds or bills.
Questions
The Name or Social Security Number is wrong on my W-2. What should I do?
If the name or Social Security number is incorrect on your W-2, contact your employer and ask them to issue a corrected form.
Your employer has until January 31st to send you a corrected W-2. If you don’t receive it by then, you can contact the IRS for help.
My address on the W-2 is incorrect. What should I do?
If your address is wrong on your W-2, you can contact the IRS, and they will help you get a corrected form. After that, follow the same steps as above.
My wages on my W-2 do not match my final check stub of the year. What is the problem?
If your wages on your W-2 do not match your final check stub, there may be a mistake on the W-2. Ask your employer to issue a corrected form.
The check for the last two weeks of 2021 is not included on my W-2. Is this correct?
No, your W-2 should include all of your wages for the year. If the last two weeks of wages are not present on your form, you should contact your employer and ask them to issue a corrected form. However, if the pay period includes time after the first of the year, your income could be considered taxable for the new year.
My W-2 does not reflect my current salary. How come?
Your W-2 should only reflect the wages you earned in the year 2021. It will not reflect any changes to your salary for the current year.
I think I was shorted pay. How do I research this to see if there is a problem?
If you think your pay was short, you should check your pay stubs to see if the hours you worked match the hours you were at work. Contact your employer and ask them to correct your payment if there is a discrepancy.
What is FSA on my W-2?
FSA stands for “Flexible Spending Account.” You can set aside funds for certain expenses, such as medical bills or child care. The money you contribute to an FSA is not subject to taxes.
I did not sign up for FSA. Why do I have it?
Your employer likely made a mistake if you have an FSA on your W-2 but did not sign up for one. Tell your employer to fix the problem.
I have Box 14 questions. Who do I contact on these items?
If you have questions about the items in Box 14 of your W-2, you should contact your employer. They will be able to explain each item and why it is on your W-2.
What if I didn’t have any federal or state taxes withheld according to my W-2?
If you did not have any federal or state taxes withheld from your pay, you might owe taxes when you file your return. You may also be obligated to pay penalties and interest charges.
I am a nonresident alien on a treaty. What tax forms will I receive?
If you are a nonresident alien on a treaty, you will likely receive a W-2 and/or a 1042-S form. Consult a tax professional to determine which documents you need to file your taxes.
I worked more than one job at the University this year. Will I receive separate W2s?
Yes, if you worked more than one job at the University, you will receive a separate W-2 for each job.
Will the IRS catch a missing W2?
If you forget to include a W-2 when you file your taxes, the IRS will catch it and send you a bill for the taxes you owe.
Will I still get my tax refund if I forgot a W2?
If you forget to include a W-2 when you file your taxes, you may still get a refund if you are due one. However, if you owe taxes, the IRS will send you a bill for the taxes you owe.
What happens if I already filed my taxes and got another W2?
If you forget to include a W-2 when you file your taxes, the IRS will catch it and send you a bill for the taxes you owe. You may also be subject to penalties and interest charges.
Will I get audited if I forgot a W2?
If you forget to include a W-2 when you file your taxes, the IRS may audit you to determine if you owe taxes. If you will out a 1040x and let them know about the situation and take proper steps to resolve the issue, you likely won’t be audited. The less money you make, the less likely you are to receive an audit from the IRS.
Failure to file W2 penalty
If you fail to file a W-2, you may be subject to a penalty of up to $250.
What will happen if you don t file all your W2s?
If you forget to file a W-2, you may be subject to a penalty of up to $250. You may also be subject to interest charges and other penalties.
