Can't find my 2024 W2s - How does Form 4852 work for e-filing?

Thanks for the info! I don't have my final paystubs either unfortunately... my record keeping was terrible this year. I have my bank statements showing the deposits though. Is that enough to make reasonable estimates? Also, how accurate do the numbers need to be? I'm worried about getting in trouble if my estimates are off.

Bank statements showing direct deposits are definitely helpful! Use those to calculate your total income from each employer. For withholding amounts, you can make reasonable estimates based on the difference between gross pay and what was deposited. Regarding accuracy, the IRS understands you're making good faith estimates. The key is being as accurate as possible with what you have. If your actual W-2 information becomes available later and differs significantly, you can always file an amended return (Form 1040-X). Just document how you arrived at your estimates in case of questions later.

Does taxr.ai handle state tax forms too? I'm missing W-2s for both federal and state filing and I'm in New York.

I'm skeptical about these tax services... how does it know what your withholding amounts were just from bank statements? Wouldn't it only show the net amount that was deposited?

They handle both federal and state tax forms, including New York state forms. The system is designed to work with all state tax requirements and helps you complete the state-specific versions of substitute forms when needed. As for withholding estimates, you're right that bank statements only show net deposits. What the tool does is analyze your payment history and, based on your salary information, calculates the most likely withholding amounts using standard withholding tables. You can also input any information you do have (like earlier paystubs) to improve the accuracy. It's not perfect, but it creates reasonable estimates that satisfy filing requirements until you can get actual documents.

How does this service actually work? I don't understand how they can get you through the IRS phone system when it's completely jammed.

This sounds like a scam. The IRS doesn't give priority access to anyone, and they certainly don't share your tax info with third parties. I'd be very careful with services claiming to get you special access.

The service doesn't get you "priority access" - it uses an automated system that continually calls the IRS and navigates the phone tree until it reaches a point where an agent is available. When an agent is about to come on the line, it calls you and connects you directly to that agent. It's basically handling the hold time for you. They don't access any of your tax information at all. They're just a connection service that gets you through to the IRS agents, and then you speak directly with the IRS yourself. No third party ever sees your tax details. I was skeptical too, but it really just saves you from having to stay on hold for hours.

I tried that first actually! One of my employers went out of business completely (restaurant that closed) and the other isn't responding to any of my emails or calls. That's why I'm looking at the Form 4852 option as a last resort.

That's definitely a challenging situation! With the restaurant that closed, you're right that Form 4852 is your best option. For the non-responsive employer, sometimes reaching out through a different channel helps - like finding them on LinkedIn or contacting former coworkers who might have better contact information. Since you've made reasonable attempts to get your W-2s, you're absolutely doing the right thing by using Form 4852. Just document your attempts to contact them in case the IRS asks questions later.

Yes! FreeTaxUSA does support Form 4852. I used it last year when I couldn't get a W-2 from a summer job. When you enter W-2 information, there's an option that says something like "I don't have this W-2" and it walks you through creating the substitute form. It was pretty straightforward.