How to get a W-2 from a former employer that still hasn't arrived?

Thanks for the info! So would I need to wait until after February 14th to contact the IRS? Or can I do that anytime since my employer said they already sent it two weeks ago? Also, do you know if the IRS would have a copy of my W-2 already that they could just give me directly?

You should wait until after February 14th to contact the IRS about this issue. That's their official cutoff date for when they start intervening with employers who haven't provided W-2s. The IRS doesn't typically have immediate access to your current year W-2 until after you and your employer have filed taxes. However, once you call them after February 14th, they can send a formal notice to your employer, which usually resolves the situation pretty quickly. If you need to file before getting your W-2, the IRS can also provide instructions on using Form 4852 (Substitute for W-2) as a replacement.

That sounds interesting but I'm confused - how does it work exactly? Can this actually replace your W-2 legally for filing purposes? I thought only the official W-2 or the IRS substitute form would work.

I'm skeptical about this. Wouldn't the numbers be off since the paystub doesn't have the final tax calculations? My understanding is that there are adjustments made at year-end that wouldn't show up on your last paystub.

It works by analyzing your last paystub which usually has year-to-date totals for all your earnings and withholdings. The system helps identify all the numbers you'd need to complete Form 4852 (the IRS substitute for a W-2) if your employer never provides one. It's completely legal because you're using your actual income data to file. The year-end adjustments are definitely a consideration, but for most regular employees, the final paystub is surprisingly accurate. The system also helps you account for any benefits or deductions that might affect the final numbers. It's definitely not perfect, but it's a solid option when you're stuck without a W-2.

Wait, how does this actually work? You pay someone to wait on hold for you? That seems weird - how do they get you to the front of the line when everyone else is waiting?

This sounds like a scam. The IRS phone system is what it is - nobody can magically get you through faster. And paying for something the government provides for free? No thanks. Just use the official IRS website or keep trying the normal way.

It's not about getting to the front of the line - they use technology to wait on hold for you. Basically, their system stays on hold instead of you having to listen to the hold music for hours. When an actual IRS agent picks up, their system calls your phone and connects you directly to the agent who's now on the line. You don't waste hours of your day waiting. They don't provide any tax services themselves - they just solve the hold time problem. The service just means you don't have to waste half your day listening to hold music and can go about your normal activities until an agent is actually available to talk to you.

I tried looking at the IRS site but got totally confused trying to create an account. It asked for some credit card info I don't have for verification. Is there another way to register?

The IRS verification process can be tricky. They ask for a financial account number (credit card, loan, mortgage, etc.) to verify your identity. If you don't have a credit card, you can use a student loan account number, home equity loan number, or auto loan account number. If you can't pass the online verification, you'll need to request the transcript by mail instead, which takes 5-10 days. There's also an option to use Form 4506-T to request your wage and income transcript, but that will also take several weeks to process. If you're in a hurry, the phone methods others mentioned might be faster.

This! I had the same problem last year and just showed up at HR. Got my W-2 reprinted on the spot. Sometimes the direct approach is best.