How to Create a W-2 from Your Pay Stub: 2026 Tax Filing Guide
Tax deadline is approaching and your W-2 still hasn't arrived. Or maybe your employer went out of business. Or you lost your W-2 and can't get a replacement in time. Whatever the reason, you can use your pay stubs to estimate your W-2 information and file your taxes. Here's exactly how to do it for the 2026 tax season. Can You File Taxes Without a W-2? Yes — but not directly with just a pay stub. The IRS requires you to use Form 4852 (Substitute for Form W-2) when you don't have your official W-2. Your pay stub provides the numbers you need to complete this form. Important: You should only use Form 4852 as a last resort. First, try these options: 1. Contact your employer — Request a duplicate W-2 2. Check your employer's payroll portal — Many companies provide electronic W-2s 3. Contact the IRS — Call 1-800-829-1040 after February 14 if you haven't received your W-2 4. Request a W-2 transcript — Use Form 4506-T to get wage information the IRS h...