Forgot W2 from short-term job - Already filed and got advance

Yes, you'll need to file an amended return using Form 1040-X. *cue dramatic tax music* It's not as scary as it sounds though! You'll basically be telling the IRS "Oops, I forgot something!" Since you already received your refund (or an advance on it), you'll likely owe some money back if this W2 shows additional income. The sooner you handle this, the less chance of penalties piling up. I'd be a bit worried about that advance though - those services usually require your tax situation to remain unchanged.

Been there. Done that. You need Form 1040-X. It's an amended return. Don't panic. It's pretty straightforward. Just include the missing W2 information. The key is doing it soon. The IRS will eventually get that W2 data. Better you tell them first. Tax deadline is coming up fast. Get on it this week if possible.

I'd approach this with caution. As of March 29, 2024, you still have time to properly amend before the April 15th deadline, but there are important considerations. If you received an advance from a tax preparation service rather than your actual refund from the IRS, you may have signed an agreement that your tax situation wouldn't change. Check those terms carefully. The W2 income will affect your tax liability, and depending on how much income it represents, you could face not just the additional tax but potentially underpayment penalties if it pushes you over certain thresholds.

I've seen this scenario play out dozens of times with clients. You definitely need to file that 1040-X, but first you might want to call the IRS to understand any potential penalties. Last year, I spent THREE DAYS trying to get through to an IRS agent about a similar situation. Finally discovered Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) which got me connected to an IRS agent in about 20 minutes. Saved me hours of hold music! They basically place the call and hold your spot in line, then call you when an agent is available. Worth every penny when you need specific guidance on amendment timing and potential penalties.

Here's the complete process you need to follow: 1. Get a copy of your original return 2. Complete Form 1040-X (available on irs.gov) 3. Only fill out the lines that change due to the additional W2 4. Calculate the difference in tax owed 5. Include a written explanation in Part III stating you received a W2 after filing 6. Attach the new W2 to your amended return 7. Mail it to the address in the 1040-X instructions (depends on your location) Don't worry too much about the advance - if you went through a tax preparer, they typically understand these situations. But you should contact them to let them know about the amendment. Have you checked if the additional income will significantly change your tax situation?

Been thru this exact thing last yr. Forgot a tiny W2 from a side gig. Filed 1040-X in Feb and didn't hear ANYTHING until July. Smh. IRS is ridiculously slow w/ amendments. My advice: file ASAP, pay any extra tax you calculate you'll owe, and document EVERYTHING. Keep copies of when you mailed it, what you included, etc. Don't expect this to resolve quickly - but def do it before they come after you for it. The penalties aren't worth waiting.