Tax season can be stressful enough without chasing down a missing W-2. If you’re in Tamarac’s 33319 ZIP code and didn’t receive a W-2 from a past employer, or lost access due to job turnover, relocation, or poor communication, you’re not alone—and yes, you can still file your taxes.
At Polaris Tax & Accounting, we regularly help South Florida residents file accurate returns, even when documentation is missing or incomplete. Here’s what you need to know.
When a W-2 Is Missing: Common Scenarios
- Your former employer shut down and no longer responds
- You worked a short-term or seasonal job and never received documentation
- The employer mailed the W-2 to the wrong address
- The W-2 was lost or deleted
It’s more common than people think, especially in high-turnover industries and contractor-heavy jobs across Broward County.
➡️ Explore our Tamarac Tax Preparation Services
How to File Without a W-2 in Tamarac
The IRS allows you to file using Form 4852, a substitute for the missing W-2. You’ll need to:
- Estimate your total wages
- Calculate federal and state taxes withheld (if applicable)
- Attach Form 4852 to your tax return
If you received paystubs, direct deposits, or digital payment records, we can help reconstruct the numbers and file accurately.
➡️ Need help with unfiled returns or missing info? Start here.
What If I Never Received Paystubs Either?
That’s where our forensic tax prep service comes in. We help:
- Pull income transcripts directly from the IRS
- Analyze prior year returns or banking records
- Document income to support refund claims and avoid penalties
We’ve helped dozens of Tamarac clients fix prior year filings, respond to IRS notices, and claim refunds they would have otherwise lost.
➡️ View our IRS Notice Help for Tamarac Residents
Penalties for Not Filing Without a W-2
If you wait too long because you’re missing documents, you could:
- Lose your tax refund (you have a 3-year limit to claim it)
- Face failure-to-file penalties
- Trigger an audit flag for prior year noncompliance
Filing with an accurate Form 4852 is always better than waiting. Polaris helps you do it by the book.
What About Back Taxes or Multiple Years?
Polaris can file missing returns for any tax year, even if:
- You’re missing documentation
- The employer is out of business
- You haven’t filed in 2–5+ years
We help many Tamarac clients clean up back tax issues and become fully compliant.
➡️ Learn about our Back Tax Help in Tamarac
Our Process: Simple, Secure, Fully Online
- Digital Tax Organizer: We make it easy to enter income, job history, and supporting details—no printing required.
- Real Tax Pros: No outsourcing. You work directly with licensed professionals who handle your return from start to finish.
- Audit-Safe Filing: We document every substitute W-2 so you’re covered if the IRS asks questions later.
➡️ Check out our 2025 Tamarac Tax Prep Checklist
Take Action Now If You’re Missing a W-2
Don’t let one missing document stop you from filing.
✔️ We’ll help you estimate your income and tax withholding ✔️ We’ll complete IRS Form 4852 if needed ✔️ We’ll get your return filed accurately and fast