Filing taxes by mail - can I attach pictures of my W-2 instead of the actual W-2 forms?

You're in a tricky situation, but there are solutions. When it comes to your W-2s, the IRS requires the actual forms rather than printed photos because the official forms contain security features and special paper that photos don't capture. However, given your international situation, here's what you can do: Ask your parents to mail the original W-2s to you in Thailand, then attach them to your return before mailing. If that's not possible time-wise, you have a few options: 1) You can have your parents mail the original return with the attached W-2s from the US, or 2) You can file Form 4852 (Substitute for W-2) for ALL your W-2s, not just the missing one. Your photos will help you complete these accurately. For mailing your return, use a secure envelope or flat rate USPS priority envelope. Make sure to send it with tracking and possibly certification so you have proof of mailing and delivery. Regular international mail isn't recommended for tax returns due to potential delays or loss. The address to mail to is on your tax forms. Don't forget to sign and date your return before mailing - unsigned returns aren't considered valid!

After reading your situation, I thought I'd share something that helped me with a similar problem. I was working in Europe last year and had the exact same issue with my W-2s being in the US while I was abroad. I tried everything until someone recommended taxr.ai to me (https://taxr.ai). It's this AI tool that can analyze your tax documents, even from photos, and help you figure out the proper way to handle them. I uploaded my W-2 photos and explained my situation, and it actually walked me through completing Form 4852 correctly for each form. It also explained exactly how to handle the submission process from overseas. The guidance was super specific to my situation of being abroad with only photos of documents. Saved me from having to pay hundreds for an international tax specialist!

Just wanted to update after trying taxr.ai based on the recommendation here. I was really surprised by how helpful it actually was! I uploaded photos of all my tax forms (had 3 W-2s and 2 1099s this year) and it immediately flagged that one of my employers had my SSN wrong by one digit. It then walked me through exactly how to handle the Form 4852 for my situation, and even pointed out a potential deduction I was missing related to my contract work. The document analysis was much more thorough than what I was getting from regular tax software. For anyone in a similar situation with only photos of documents or missing forms, it's definitely worth checking out. Wish I'd known about this tool years ago when I was working overseas!

For anyone struggling to get through to the IRS about documentation issues like this, I wanted to share something that literally saved me days of frustration. After trying for 2 weeks to get someone at the IRS on the phone about a similar W-2 issue, I found this service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). They somehow get you through the IRS phone system and have an actual IRS agent call YOU back, usually within an hour. I was completely shocked when it worked. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c When I finally spoke to the IRS agent, they confirmed that I could file Form 4852 for all my W-2s and explained exactly what supporting documentation I needed to include. The agent was actually super helpful once I got them on the phone. Saved me from making a mistake that would have delayed my refund by months.

I owe everyone an apology, especially to the person who recommended Claimyr. I was so frustrated with tax season that I lashed out and called it a scam. After continuing to struggle with getting through to the IRS myself (2 more days of trying), I broke down and tried the service. Not only did it work, but I had an IRS representative on the phone within an hour who walked me through exactly how to handle my situation with overseas tax filing. They confirmed that for a paper return, I need to attach the actual W-2s or properly completed Form 4852 for each employer. The agent also explained that I should use registered mail with tracking when sending from another country, and recommended I make copies of EVERYTHING before sending. Sorry again for being so negative - when something works after weeks of frustration, it's hard not to want to tell everyone.

Random tip for anyone filing by mail internationally: make sure you convert any foreign currency amounts correctly and document your conversion rate! I got audited last year because I was working in Japan and messed up some conversions. Also make sure you sign EVERYWHERE they ask for signatures - I had my return delayed 3 months because I missed one signature line.

Has anyone used those mail forwarding services where they'll scan your mail and email it to you? I'm wondering if that might be a solution for getting the actual W-2s digitally without waiting for international mail. My job has me traveling constantly so physical mail is always a problem for tax season.

I'm a tax preparer and wanted to chime in with some official guidance on your situation. Unfortunately, printed photos of W-2s are NOT acceptable for paper filing - the IRS specifically requires the original documents with their security features intact. Your best options are: 1. Have your parents mail the original W-2s to you in Thailand via express/registered mail 2. Complete Form 4852 (Substitute W-2) for ALL your W-2 forms using the photo information 3. Have your parents mail your completed return with original W-2s attached directly from the US If you go the Form 4852 route, attach a statement explaining why you're using substitute forms and include any documentation you have (like the photos). The IRS will likely contact your employers to verify the information. For international mailing, NEVER use regular mail for tax returns. Use Thailand Post's EMS or registered mail with full tracking. Make copies of everything before sending and get a receipt with tracking number. One important note: if you're a US citizen working abroad, make sure you're also considering the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555) if applicable - it could significantly reduce your tax liability.