What to do if you don't receive a W-2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 2/11/2025

​​​What to do if you don't receive a W-2

​​​​​​​​Most taxpayers receive their W-2 forms in plenty of time to file their returns. But for a variety of reasons, some taxpayers do not receive a W-2 they were expecting.​

If that happens to you, the SCDOR cannot send you a copy of your missing W-2. However, we do have tips to help you resolve the issue.

First steps:

• Now that January has passed, the IRS recommends that you begin to take action. It’s possible that your W-2 was mailed after the January 31 deadline.
• Confirm with your employer that they have your current mailing address.​
• If the address is correct, confirm that your employer has sent your W-2. If so, ask when and where your W-2 was mailed.
• If your employer used the wrong address, correct it with them and confirm that they’re sending a replacement.

​Next steps:

• ​If you’ve contacted your employer but still have not received your W-2 by the end of February, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have the following information handy:
  • Your name, address, phone number, and SSN or Tax ID number
  • The dates when you worked for your employer
  • Your employer’s name, address, and phone number
• The IRS will contact your employer to request your missing W-2.
• They’ll also send you a copy of the federal Form 4852. We recommend downloading a copy of the SC4852​ as well. These are forms you can use to estimate your wages if you eventually must file your return without your W-2.

If you have not received your W-2 before the deadline, you still need to file your return:

• Calculate your wages using the federal 4852 and SC4852 and attach a copy of both forms and all required supporting documentation when filing your return.
• If you file a return with a federal 4852 or SC4852, there may be a delay in processing any refund while the information is verified.
• If your W-2 arrives after you filed your return and the information on it differs from what you estimated, you must file amended return.
• Don’t forget – you can request an extension to file your ​​return if you need more time.

If your W-2 contains incorrect information:

• Contact your employer and ask them to correct the error.
• If your employer doesn’t send you a corrected W-2 by the end of February, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. The IRS will send your employer a letter asking them to send you a corrected W-2 within 10 days.

If you have misplaced your W-2, contact your employer, who can send you a “reissue statement.” Be aware that your employer can charge a fee for doing this.

Remember – 2024 South Carolina Individual Income Tax returns are due May 1, 2025, due to relief granted in October as the result of Hurricane Helene.

Stay connected

We’re providing filing tips all season long at @theSCDOR​. Plus, our Instagram account is a fun way to learn more about job openings at our agency, upcoming Taxpayer Education events, and more. 

Find more tax season resources at dor.sc.gov/iit. Follow the SCDOR on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and YouTube, and subscribe to ReveNews​ for the latest updates, resources, and reminders.​​​​

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