2008 W-2 Information

You will probably notice that your W-2 has changed this year. The IRS has moved several boxes around in order to protect you and your social security number. It seems that when employers were mailing out employee W-2's in window envelopes, it was possible in some cases for the employee's social security number to be seen. To correct this problem, they moved the social security number from Box D to Box A. The Control Number which is used by some employer's to identify their employees was moved from Box A to Box D.

W-2 forms must be furnished to you by January 31, 2008. This means that your employer must have your W-2 postmarked before or on the date of January 31, 2008. Failure to comply will result in penalties for your employer. If you do not receive your W-2, you can take action. Your first course of action is to contact your employer and inform them that you have not received it.

If you have not received your W-2 by February 15, 2008, the IRS states that you should call them at 1-800-829-1040 and provide them with your name, address (including zip code), phone number, Social Security Number, dates of employment, your employer name, address (including zip code), and phone number. They will then contact your employer for you and will send you a Form 4852 to complete. This also applies to 1099's.