Got Laid off job, How to get W2s?

Question

Hello,

I just got laid off from my job 2 weeks ago and well I don't know much about taxes and stuff but I do know that I should be getting back a W2 next year, now the businness filed bankrupcy and just picked up left the State (Also didn't pay me at the final week of their business), so how do I optain a W2 Form from them? or does the Goverment mail it to me?

Again, I appoligze I don't know much about U.S. Taxes.

Also, My Step Father is NOT going to claim me next year, (Im 19, live with GF parents, they don't want to claim me under their taxes) he already Claim this year, so can I put down "1" starting now on all W4's? (Sorry but I didn't get an answer from the previous post)

UPDATE: Okay I don't have all my Paystubs, I mean honestly I have a couple and all the checks were cashed at my Bank.

But should I wait til January 2008 for a W-2 from my old job (the one that laid me off) and if I don't receive it then call the IRS?

thanks again guys for ur responses.

Answer 1

If you don't receive a W2 before you have to file taxes you can still claim the amount you earned. Your company is still obligated to notify the IRS of your wages so if they do, you want to be sure that amount is on your return so that it matches what your company says you earned along with any taxes deducted from your pay.
Make sure you have all your pay stubs so you can get the correct total of earned income and taxes paid.

Answer 2

You should still get a W-2 from the company anyway, even if they've left the state. But be sure to save your last paystub from them, so you have the numbers to file with even if you don't get a W-2 from them, and have something to compare to if you do get one so you know it's right. That would be the last one you actually got - since they didn't pay you for the last week of work, the amount you would have gotten should NOT be included on your W-2.

And in answer to your previous question - if nobody can claim you next year, and it didn't sound like anyone would be able to if you make over $3300 for the year, then yes, you can put 1 allowance on your W-4. The $3300 is the number for 2006 - for 2007 it will be a little higher but not much.

Answer 3

Interesting problem. Companies are obliged by law to insure you receive a W-2 before January 31st of the new tax year. Considering this company's status ( or lack thereof ) I'd report this dilemma to the IRS as soon as possible and let their agents track these people down.

Answer 4

The fact that the company is in receivership doesn't relieve them of the obligation to provide W-2s. The corporate officers along with the payroll staff are held personally liable for both the payment of any payroll taxes due and the preparation of the necessary returns and forms including your W-2.

In the interim you should keep all pay stubs to date in case they fail to deliver on their obligation as you may need them to document your actual income and withholdings on next year's tax return.

Your final paycheck, unfortunately, will get lumped in with any other debts of the company as part of the bankruptcy action. It's considered an unsecured debt of the company and may or may not eventually be paid to you once any secured creditors are satisfied. As a practical matter, don't exepect to see anything from it.

Answer 5

you have made this much greater complicated than this is. The marital prestige on your withholding (W-4s) would not restrict the way you certainly report. It basically determines earnings tax withholding. You have been married as of 12/31/09. it is the only concern that concerns. You and your better half ought to report a (married) joint tax return. ALL W-2s and the different earnings are to be risk-free on that return.