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Can You File Taxes With Your Last Pay Stub?

2 min read


2 min read


Can you file taxes with your last pay stub – without a W-2?

If you want to get your tax refund as soon as possible, you are probably wondering if you can file taxes with a pay stub and without a W-2.

pay stubSome people go online the first week in January and prepared their tax return using the information on their last paycheck stub because they don’t want to wait to receive their W-2 from their employer! The information is similar, so what gives… Can you file taxes without a W-2?

Can You File Taxes Without a W-2?

No, you cannot file a return using your last pay stub.

Your last paycheck stub is not guaranteed to be an accurate statement of your annual earnings, and it could be missing some information that you need to file a full tax return. If you file a return that has inaccurate or missing information, you could be required to file an amended return. That could cost you more in tax preparation fees and could increase the amount of time it takes for the IRS to issue a refund.

Ways to get your W-2

Here’s a little bit of good news. Employers must furnish Form W-2 to employees by January 31. However, many employers now provide electronic W-2s that can be accessed earlier in the month.

You could also check out H&R Block’s W-2 Early Access program to see if your employer participates.

If you are worried that your W-2 is missing, we have more tips on contacting your employer, or the IRS, to get the information you need.

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