You are required by the IRS to file a federal income tax return before the deadline – regardless of whether you receive your W-2 Form. Usually your employer will either give you this form in person or send it to you via standard mail. The government requires employers to distribute these records before a set deadline, but you do not want to risk getting into trouble with the IRS if you never get it.

If you have not gotten your W-2, contact your employer to verify the form has been mailed. Make sure they have the proper mailing address and allow a few days for them to re-mail it.

If you still have not received your W-2 before February 15, contact the IRS for assistance. Their toll free number is 1-800-829-1040. However, before calling the IRS you should make sure to have the following information readily available:

• Your name, address, and social security number.
• An estimated of the wages you earned last year.
• The amount of federal taxes withheld from your wages.
• The dates you began (and possible ended) employment.