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Another option is to check with your previous employer's payroll provider. A lot of companies use services like ADP, Paychex, or Gusto for payroll, and you might be able to create/access an account there to get your W2 electronically. My company uses ADP and I can get my W2s from the past 3 years just by logging in!
Do you know if you can still access those systems if you no longer work for the company? I left my job last August but never set up the payroll portal while I worked there.
You can usually still access them even if you no longer work there. The accounts stay active for tax purposes. If you never set up the portal, you might need to register for the first time - you'll typically need your SSN, DOB, and sometimes a company code (you can call the payroll company's support line to get this). If it's ADP specifically, go to their website and look for "First Time User" registration. Similar process with other payroll services. They'll verify your identity and then you should be able to access all your tax documents!
Has anyone considered using tax software to help with this? I was missing a W2 last year and when I started my return in TurboTax, they had an option to import my W2 information electronically. Apparently they can pull the data directly from some payroll providers. Might be worth trying before going through all the hassle of contacting the IRS.
One thing nobody's mentioned yet - if you make below a certain amount, you might not even need to file taxes at all. For 2024, if you make less than $13,850 as a single person, you generally don't have to file (though you still might want to if your employer withheld taxes, so you can get a refund). Also, since you mentioned living with your grandparents - are they claiming you as a dependent? That's another factor that affects how you file and what benefits you might be eligible for.
I think I'll make around $18,000 this year if I keep working the same hours, so I guess I will have to file? And yes I'm pretty sure my grandparents claim me as a dependent since I live with them and they pay for most of my stuff. Does that change things?
Yes, at $18,000 you'll definitely need to file a tax return. Being claimed as a dependent does change things a bit. You won't be able to claim your own personal exemption, and there are some credits you might not qualify for. Make sure to check the box on your tax return that says someone else can claim you as a dependent. This is important because if you don't check it but your grandparents claim you, it will create problems for both returns. Also, as a dependent with income, you'll need to file your own return - your grandparents can't include your income on their return.
Random tip since ur new to this: SAVE YOUR W-2!! When my job gave me mine last year I just tossed it in a drawer and then couldn't find it when I needed to do my taxes. Had to request a new one and it delayed everything. Maybe take a pic of it with your phone too as backup.
This!!! Also, set a calendar reminder for mid-February to check if you've received your W-2. If you haven't gotten it by February 15th, you should contact your employer. They're legally required to send it by January 31st.
One thing nobody mentioned yet is estimated tax payments for self-employment or investment income. If you've had a good year with extra income, you might need to make a Q4 estimated payment by January 15th to avoid penalties. This isn't technically a "tax reduction" strategy but can save you money in penalties!
Good point! I got hit with a penalty last year because I didn't realize this. Is there any kind of safe harbor rule that helps avoid the penalty even if you owe a lot?
If you have kids, look into contributing to a 529 college savings plan before year end. Many states offer tax deductions for contributions. Also, review any medical procedures you might need - sometimes it makes sense to bunch them in December if you're close to exceeding the medical expense deduction threshold (which is 7.5% of your AGI).
Quick tip from someone who's been through this - if you have your last paystub of the year, it usually has your year-to-date info which is basically what goes on your W2! Most restaurants use standard payroll systems that calculate this automatically. Might be worth checking if you have that last stub somewhere.
That's a great point! I don't think I saved my last paystub, but now I'm going to check my email to see if they sent electronic copies. I vaguely remember getting emails when a new paystub was available, but I usually just checked the deposit amount. If I can find that last one from December it would solve everything! Thanks for the suggestion!
Happy to help! Even if you can't find the December one, any paystub from late in your employment might be useful since it would have the year-to-date totals up to that point. You could then estimate the additional earnings for your remaining time there. And don't forget to check your spam folder - payroll emails often end up there.
Has anyone here ever had the IRS penalize them for filing with Form 4852 instead of a W2? I'm worried my refund will get flagged or delayed if I go this route. My old employer is being difficult about sending my W2 and I need to file soon.
I had to use Form 4852 two years ago and had zero issues. The IRS actually processes these pretty routinely. As long as your estimates are reasonable and you document your attempts to get the W2, you should be fine. My refund wasn't delayed at all. The employers are the ones who typically get in trouble, not you.
Morita Montoya
5 I've worked for a brokerage firm and can tell you this is a common problem with year-end trades. Your broker probably has an automated system that sorted your trade into the 2024 tax year based on the settlement date. One thing to check - log into your brokerage account and look at your 2024 tax forms. Some brokers have already generated preliminary 1099-Bs for 2024 that you can view online. If your December trade shows up there, that confirms they're using the settlement date incorrectly.
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Morita Montoya
ā¢22 I never thought to check for preliminary 2024 forms! Just did, and sure enough, there's my December trade listed on my 2024 form. So frustrating that they got it wrong. What's the best way to approach them about fixing this?
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Morita Montoya
ā¢5 Since you found the trade on your 2024 preliminary forms, that makes your case much stronger. Contact your broker's tax department directly (not just customer service) and specifically request a "corrected 1099-B for tax year 2023" to include the December 28th trade. Mention that you understand IRS regulations specify that trade date, not settlement date, determines the tax year for reporting purposes. Be prepared to provide your trade confirmation showing the December 28th date. If the first person you speak with doesn't understand, ask to escalate to a supervisor or tax specialist. Most brokerages can resolve this fairly quickly once you reach someone who understands the issue.
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Morita Montoya
3 Just be aware that even after you get your broker to fix this, you might face another hassle. Sometimes when brokers issue corrected 1099-Bs, the IRS computers flag the discrepancy between the original and corrected forms, and you could get a CP2000 notice asking about "unreported income." If that happens, don't panic! Just respond with copies of both your original and corrected 1099-Bs, along with a brief explanation that the correction was needed to properly report the December 28 trade in the correct tax year.
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Morita Montoya
ā¢4 This happened to me last year! It was such a headache. The IRS sent me a notice claiming I owed an additional $2,300 in taxes because of a "missing" stock sale, but it was actually just reported in the wrong year. Took me three letters back and forth to resolve it.
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