11 Feb I still don’t have all of my tax forms. What should I do?

Q. January is over and I still don’t have all of my tax forms. What should I do?
— Wanting to file

A. Delays in getting the paperwork needed to file tax returns can be frustrating.

Brokerage firms have a deadline to send 1099s to taxpayers by Feb. 15 and to the IRS by March 31, but they can ask for extensions.

If it’s your W-2 that you’re missing, start by contacting your employer to make sure it was not sent and lost in the mail. Many employers also offer a portal where you can download the statement.

If you don’t get the forms by the end of February, the IRS said it will help. Call the agency at (800) 829-1040 and give it your name, address and phone number, Social Security or individual tax ID number, dates when you worked for the employer and the employer’s name, address and phone number.

Then the IRS will contact your employer and request the missing W-2.

It will also send you the forms you can use to file your return without the actual 1099 or W-2, which will instruct you to estimate the income you received.

Good luck.

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This story was originally published in February 2025.

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.