Tax Tips – What to Do If You Don’t Receive a W-2

As tax season gets underway, most employees should have received their W-2 forms by now. However, if you haven’t received yours, the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) has provided guidance on how to address the issue.

First Steps

Before taking further action, confirm with your employer:

• That they have your correct mailing address.
• Whether your W-2 has been sent, when it was mailed, and where it was sent.
• If your address was incorrect, request that your employer resend the W-2 to the correct location.

Next Steps

If you haven’t received your W-2 by the end of February:

• Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 with the following information:
  • Your name, address, phone number, and SSN or Tax ID.
  • Your employer’s name, address, and phone number.
  • Your employment dates.
• The IRS will contact your employer and may provide you with Form 4852 (substitute W-2). You should also download SC4852 for South Carolina filing.

Filing Without a W-2

If your W-2 is missing but the tax deadline is approaching, you still need to file your return using:

• Form 4852 (Federal) and SC4852 (State) to estimate your wages.
• Supporting documentation such as final pay stubs.
• Be aware that using these forms may delay your refund while your information is verified.

If your W-2 arrives after filing and the information is different, you must file an amended return.

Incorrect or Misplaced W-2

• If your W-2 has errors, request a corrected version from your employer.
• If they do not send a corrected W-2 by the end of February, call the IRS for assistance.
• If you misplaced your W-2, request a reissued copy from your employer (note that some may charge a fee).

📅 South Carolina Individual Income Tax Returns are due May 1, 2025, due to Hurricane Helene relief measures.