Filing taxes can be stressful, and it’s even more challenging if you’re missing key documents like your W-2 or 1099. These forms report your income and are essential for filing your taxes correctly. But what happens if you don’t have them by tax time? Can you still file your taxes without them?

The good news is yes, you can still file your taxes even if you don’t have these forms, but you’ll need to take extra steps to ensure accuracy.

1. What Are W-2 and 1099 Forms?

  • W-2: Provided by employers, this form reports your total earnings, taxes withheld, and Social Security contributions for the year.
  • 1099: If you’re self-employed, a freelancer, or received income from other sources, you’ll get a 1099 instead. The most common is the 1099-NEC for non-employee compensation.

Both forms are typically sent by January 31, and you should take action if you haven’t received them by mid-February.

2. Steps to File Taxes Without a W-2 or 1099

Step 1: Contact Your Employer or Payer

Reach out to your employer or client to request the missing form. They may have sent it to the wrong address or have an electronic copy available.

Step 2: Use Pay Stubs or Bank Records

If you can’t get your forms, estimate your income using your final pay stubs or bank statements.

Step 3: File Form 4852

If you’re unable to get a W-2 or 1099, you can file Form 4852 as a substitute. Use your records to estimate your income and taxes, and attach the form to your return.

Step 4: Request an IRS Transcript

If your employer or payer filed the missing form with the IRS, you can request a Wage and Income Transcript to get the information directly from the IRS. However, this process takes time.

Step 5: File an Extension if Needed

If you’re unable to gather the information by the tax deadline, file Form 4868 to request an extension. This gives you six more months to file, but you’ll need to pay any estimated taxes by the original deadline.

3. What Happens If You File Without These Forms?

Filing without a W-2 or 1099 can lead to processing delays or IRS follow-up, especially if your income estimates don’t match what your employer or client reports. If you significantly underreport income, you could face penalties.

You can file taxes without your W-2 or 1099, but it’s essential to use accurate estimates and take the necessary steps, like filing Form 4852 or requesting an extension. Always keep your records in order to minimize delays or complications with the IRS.