Form W-2 - Use Final Pay Stub as Substitute:
Although it is possible to prepare a preliminary tax return based on your final pay stub for the year, your pay stub is not the official IRS-recognized document for your income.
Taxpayers should not use their final pay stub, a similar substitute form, Form 4852, or Form 1099-R to file their income tax return before the receipt of an employer-provided Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement. If your employer hasn't sent a Form W-2 by the time you need to file your taxes, go to our website under Tax Client Resources and request a copy of your 2023 Wage and Earning Statement to prepare your taxes.
***Failure to use official W2s could result in your return being held or audited by the IRS!***
The amount of gross wages showing on the final pay stub may not match what your employer will enter in Form W-2, Box 1 Wages, tips, or other compensation due to any of the following reasons:
* Tax-deferred contributions (i.e. 401k, 403b, etc.)
* Pre-tax health, dental, or vision insurance premiums
* Dependent care or medical reimbursement account deductions made from your pay during the year
* Premium amounts for the value of group life insurance coverage over $50,000
* Various other taxable benefits that the employer must add to the final W-2 Form
If you receive a Form W-2 or Form W-2C Corrected Wage and Tax Statement after your return is filed, and the information differs from that reported on your return, you must amend your return by filing Form 1040-X Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.