Can I use Tax transcript as W2 substitute if employer never sent W2?

Thanks for explaining. But I'm wondering if there are any special forms I need to fill out when using the transcript instead of the actual W2? Like do I need to tell the IRS I'm using a substitute or attach anything special to my return?

You don't need to fill out any special forms when using the transcript information. Just enter the data from the transcript directly into your tax software or forms exactly as you would if you had the W2. The IRS already knows you're using transcript information since they provided it to you. If you're filing a paper return, you can attach a copy of the transcript where you would normally attach your W2, but this isn't strictly necessary since the IRS already has this information in their system.

How accurate is this service? I'm in a similar situation but I'm worried about getting the numbers wrong and then getting audited.

Does it work with other tax documents too? I have some 1099s that I'm trying to make sense of and wondering if it would help with those as well?

The service is extremely accurate - it uses the same information the IRS has on file, so the numbers match exactly what they have in their system. This actually reduces your audit risk because everything lines up perfectly with what the IRS already knows about your income. Yes, it absolutely works with other tax documents too! I've used it for 1099s as well, and it's great for making sense of all those different boxes and numbers. It can handle pretty much any tax form the IRS provides transcripts for, not just W2s.

How does that even work? Seems kinda sketchy that they can somehow get through when nobody else can.

Yeah right, nothing gets you through to the IRS faster. I've tried everything and always end up waiting for hours. This sounds like a scam to get desperate people's money.

It works because they have a system that continually redials and navigates the IRS phone tree until they get through. It's not that they have special access - they're just automated and persistent in a way that a human caller can't be. When they finally get an agent, they connect you directly. No, it's definitely not a scam. I was super skeptical too but was desperate after trying for three days to get through. The way it works is they only charge if they actually connect you to an agent. If they can't get you through, you don't pay anything. That's why I ended up trying it - no risk if it didn't work.

Omg I didn't even think about the state tax part! I'm in California so I definitely need that info. I think I still have my last paystub somewhere. If I can't find it, is there a way to get state tax withholding info from somewhere else?

If you can't find your last paystub, you can try contacting your state tax agency directly. Most states have their own version of a tax transcript that might show your state withholding. For California, you'd want to contact the California Franchise Tax Board. Another option is to check if your employer has an online portal for employees where your pay information might still be accessible. Some companies maintain access for former employees for a period of time after they leave.

Yes, you're thinking of Form 4852 (Substitute for Form W-2). Technically you're supposed to fill this out if your employer doesn't provide a W-2, even if you have the transcript information. It just formally documents that you didn't receive the actual W-2 from your employer.

This is really helpful clarification! I was worried I might be missing a required form, but what you're saying makes sense - the transcript IS the official record from the IRS, so it's not really an estimate like Form 4852 is meant for. I think I'll still include the form just to be safe and document everything clearly, but it's reassuring to know that the transcript itself is considered official documentation. Thanks for breaking down the difference between using estimates versus using the actual IRS data!

This is really comprehensive advice, thank you! I had no idea you could file a complaint against the employer for not sending the W-2. That's definitely something worth doing since this whole situation has been so frustrating. I've been keeping screenshots of my unanswered emails and call logs, so I'm glad to hear that documentation could be useful. And the tip about tax software having specific options for transcript information is great - I was wondering how exactly to enter all those numbers. I'll look for those "substitute W-2" options when I file. Really appreciate you sharing what you learned from going through this yourself!

This is such great advice about checking the transcript against pay stubs! I actually just realized I should probably dig through my old pay stubs to verify everything matches up. It's scary to think there could be errors that would cause problems later. Quick question - when you found that $200 discrepancy, how long did it take to get it resolved with the IRS? I'm already cutting it close to the filing deadline and worried about getting stuck in some long process if there are issues with my transcript numbers. Also, you mentioned not double-counting income - does the wage transcript show ALL income from that employer, or just W-2 wages? I did some freelance work for my old company after I quit, so I'm wondering if that would show up on the transcript or if I need to look for a separate 1099 for that work.

The wage transcript typically only shows W-2 income from that employer, not 1099 freelance work. Even if you did freelance work for the same company after quitting, that would be reported on a separate 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC form and wouldn't appear on your wage transcript. So you'll definitely need to look for that 1099 separately - they're required to send it by January 31st just like W-2s. As for resolving discrepancies with the IRS, it can vary a lot depending on how busy they are and the complexity of the issue. In my case, it took about 3 weeks to get fully resolved, but that was during a less busy time of year. If you're close to the filing deadline and find a discrepancy, you might want to file for an extension to give yourself more time to sort it out properly. Better to get it right than rush and have problems later! One thing that helped speed up my case was having all my documentation organized and ready when I called - pay stubs, the transcript, and a clear explanation of what didn't match. The IRS agent was able to look into it much faster when I had everything laid out clearly.

The spreadsheet idea is brilliant! I'm definitely going to do that before I start entering anything into my tax software. It'll help me make sure I understand what each number means before I commit to filing. Your point about benefits deductions is really important too. I did have health insurance and was contributing to a 401k, so I need to make sure those are showing up correctly on the transcript. Do you remember which specific codes on the transcript correspond to those types of deductions? I want to make sure I'm reading it right. And you're absolutely right about the 401k statements - I should check that I'm getting those separately since my old employer has been so unreliable about sending required documents. Thanks for thinking of all these details that I might have missed!