Your W2 was due by January 31st. What happens if you didn't get yours?

January 31st was the deadline for employers to send employees their W2 for filing taxes. But what happens if you didn't get yours?

First, don't panic! The IRS has guidelines on how to handle this situation: (https://www.irs.gov/filing/if-you-dont-get-a-w-2-or-your-w-2-is-wrong).

Start by contacting your employer, in writing, to request your legally required W2. If you don't receive it by mid February, contact the IRS (https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office), who will contact your employer.

But how do you file if you don't receive your W2 in time?

You need IRS form 4852 (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4852). Form 4852 works best when you have supporting records, such as pay stubs, bank deposit records, a work agreement, hours tracked in an app or notebook, or even prior-year tax records.

If this all sounds too complicated, you might be tempted to forgo taxes altogether. While it might seem easier, the legal consequences can be steep. By filing correctly, you are protecting yourself and your eligibility for things like Social Security, unemployment, disability benefits, and future housing or loans.

To find out what to do if you're given the incorrect tax documents, check out my post on what to do if your employer gives you a 1099 here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Knh2rFMdE/?mibextid=wwXIfr

And for a free contract that outlines your rights and nanny employment laws, including taxes, find the 2026 Knowledge for Nannies™️ Employment Agreement here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13z5weSOD-0LKdpvDiG8jhuQmDjNCPFavhOKIwyZP6rE