What do you do if you don't have a W2? As tax season rolls around, some family caregivers find themselves without a W2. With or without a W2, you will still be responsible for state and federal taxes. Otherwise, you may face penalties for tax evasion. Ahead, we show you how to file for taxes even if you still need a W2.
Yes. You can file your taxes whether or not you have your W2. Use Form 4852 from the IRS website to file federal income taxes if you do not have your W2.
Form 4852 substitutes for Form W2, Form W2c, and Form 1099R when a taxpayer's employer or payer does not provide a W2 or 1099R or the W2 or 1099R are issued incorrectly.
If you received a Form W-2 or 1099-R that needs to be corrected before using Form 4852, contact your employer or payer and ask them to correct your form. They can send you a corrected W2 or 1099R with a checkbox that indicates that it is the correct version.
If you need help filing for taxes, work with a certified accountant or use a service like Givers Taxes to help you complete your taxes correctly.
If your W2 is missing, the easiest way to find your taxable income from the previous year is to use your final paycheck. The last salary should list your year-to-date pay. Use this information for your taxes. You will also need other important information to file for taxes, including your employer identification number, address, and any taxes withheld. You also need to know if you had any social security withheld from your pay.
If your total taxes owed equal less than your overall tax credits, you are eligible for a refund. However, when you file with IRS form 4852, the IRS will have to verify your information. Expect a delay in any tax refund. Receive your tax refund either by mail or through direct deposit. If you opt for direct deposit, you may receive your tax refund earlier. Keep your address and bank account information current with the IRS to avoid any delays.
To help you get your return as soon as possible and avoid IRS delays, family caregivers can file their federal and state tax returns using Givers Taxes starting January 17. Your tax return will be submitted as soon as the IRS begins accepting returns.
Is your W2 late? Will the IRS catch a missing W2? And yes, they will. For this reason, employers, by law, should send employees, like caregivers, their W2s by January 31 each year. Employers also have to send the information to the federal government. Your employer might opt for either a paper or electronic W2. Keep your e-mail information and address current with your employer and any past employers.
If the employer pays the caregiver more than $2,600 in a calendar year, they must file with the IRS. The W2 might be lost in the mail or buried in an e-mail. Check with the employer first if they still need to send their required W2. If following this avenue does not work, follow up directly with the IRS. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. The IRS will follow up on the derelict employer. Most employers will comply to avoid penalties or an audit.
Keep your tax-related documents organized to make filing easier. You should have both electronic and paper copies of your documentation. While the IRS doesn't audit individuals for minor discrepancies, so you will avoid a headache in the event of an audit. When you file online, you need specific information to apply.
If you need help obtaining some of these documents, contact your employer or previous employer directly or speak with human resources. Keep your tax information carefully documented and organized in the rare case of an audit or if the IRS needs to verify the information.
If the IRS or state tax authority does audits your return, Givers Taxes provides free audit defense. A Case Resolution Specialist will review and respond to tax notices and represents you in front of the IRS.
Filing for taxes doesn't need to be complicated. Even if you don't receive a W2, you can file your taxes using Givers Taxes. We'll guide you through filing your taxes confidently with step-by-step questions. Use your Givers card to keep track of caregiving expenses to qualify for the Child and Dependent Tax Credit, keep track of wages, and document everything. If you still have questions, reach out to contact@joingivers.com.
