Can I still file taxes without my W-2 or 1099? – Get It Back (2024)

FAQs

Can I still file taxes without my W-2 or 1099? – Get It Back? ›

If you cannot get a copy of your W-2 or 1099, you can still file taxes by filling out Form 4852, “Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement.” This form asks for information about your wages and taxes that were withheld.

You still must file your tax return on time even if you do not receive your Form W-2. If you cannot get a W-2 by your tax-filing deadline, you may use Form 4852, “Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement,” but it will delay any refund due while the information is verified.

Often, the IRS will recalculate your tax return by including the missing income and determining the amount of tax they think that you owe. This can include penalties and interest. If you realize that you didn't include some income on your tax return, you can file an amended return that includes the missing information.

In that case, the IRS requires you to provide a copy of your W-2 form as well. And if you fail to do so, the IRS will likely send you a letter requesting your missing document.

If the taxpayer doesn't receive the missing form in time to file their income tax return by the filing due date, they may complete Form 4852 or Form 1099-R to estimate their wages and earnings. They then attach the relevant form to their tax return when they file.

If you qualify for tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, you can receive a refund even if your tax is $0. To claim the credits, you have to file your 1040 and other tax forms.

Typically, if you do not have any taxable income, you do not need to file a tax return. However, the stimulus payments in recent years have shown us how important it is to have your information updated with the IRS, so filing returns without any taxable income has become very normal.

If you did not receive a 1099 form from your employer, you are still required to report your income on your tax return. You can do this by using Form 1040 Schedule C. This form is for self-employment income and expenses. You will need to provide your Social Security number and the EIN of your business if you have one.

We'll contact your employer and request the missing W-2. We'll also send you a copy of Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. You can use this to file your tax return without your W-2.

You cannot file a prior year's W2, along with this year's tax return. You must file it by amending that year's tax return. There is a time limit on amending the return. You have three years from the date you filed your original tax return or two years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.

Do I have to file a W-2 under $5000? ›

You will not owe taxes since your $5000 is less than the standard deduction (that is, unless you are self-employed and owe FICA taxes). If you don't owe anything, you are not required to file.

If you are still unable to get a copy, you can still file your taxes without your W-2! As mentioned above, the IRS offers Form 4852 as an alternative to Form W-2.

In fact, you're almost guaranteed an audit or at least a tax notice if you fail to report a Form 1099. Even if an issuer has your old address, the information will be reported to the IRS (and your state tax authority) based on your Social Security number. Make sure payers have your correct address so you get a copy.

Form 1099G tax information is available for up to five years through UI Online.

Taxpayers can request a copy of a tax return by completing and mailing Form 4506 to the IRS address listed on the form. There's a $43 fee for each copy and these are available for the current tax year and up to seven years prior.

Unfortunately, not having a 1099 form for your earnings doesn't mean you can skip reporting them. The IRS counts cash payments as part of your self-employment income. That means you're still expected to report it — and pay taxes on it.

Filing taxes with your pay stub and Form 4852

If the tax filing deadline is approaching, you've contacted your employer and the IRS, and you're still waiting for your W-2, you can use your pay stub to help fill out IRS Form 4852: Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement.