Before you prepare your taxes, you must have copies of W-2 forms. These forms give the government a snapshot of your earnings and withholdings for the tax year. Without them, it is difficult to file your income tax return.

Function
A W-2 form provides the Internal Revenue Service with information regarding an employee's total income as well as any withholding from the gross income. W-2 forms allow for complete and accurate preparation on income tax returns. Lack of a W-2 can cause tax filing delays or errors.

Time Frame
Employers must provide every employee with a copy of their W-2 forms. The W-2s must be received by the employee no later than January 31 of the calendar year following the tax year. This allows employees just over 2 months to complete and file their taxes by the April 15 filing deadline.

Features
The W-2 form comes with several copies for different purposes. The most commonly used copies are Copy B, which is filed with the federal income tax return; Copy 1, which is filed with a state income tax return; and Copy A, which is provided to the Social Security Administration. The W-2 also features gross wages, federal income tax withholding, state income tax withholding and any tips or other nontraditional wages.

Lost or Missing W-2s
If you haven't received a W-2 by February 15, contact the IRS with your employer's name and address, the approximate amount of wages and withholding as well as your final day of employment. The IRS can help with contacting your employer to secure your missing W-2. If you have exhausted all avenues to get a copy of your W-2, you can file your taxes with Form 4852.

AWDA W2 Pick Up
If you participated in AWDA work experiences or training, W2 forms can be picked up from AWDA headquarters located at 818 Pollard Boulevard, Atlanta, Georgia 30315. Pick-ups times are  Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Forms can be mailed at request by calling 404 546-3000.

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