Help Wanted: How to get a W-2 from missing employer
It is legal for companies to ask for W-2s or pay stubs from job applicants, experts say. Credit: Kevin P. Coughlin, 2010
Failing that, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 for help in getting your W-2. Besides having to provide basic information such as your address, Social Security number and phone number, you must also be prepared to provide the following: your former employer's name, address and phone number; your dates of employment; estimate of the wages you earned in 2011 and the federal income tax withheld, the IRS said.
If you still don't receive a W-2 in time, you can file Form 4852, which is a substitute for the W-2. "There may be a delay in any refund due while the information is verified," an IRS spokeswoman said.
If you by some stroke of luck receive your missing W-2 after you file Form 4852, and the information on the two forms differs, you will have to take another step.
"If this happens, you must amend your return by filing a Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return," the spokeswoman said.
You're doing the right thing by trying to find out how to file because the bottom line, W-2 or not, is that you still have to file or request an extension by April 17, the IRS said.
But my four-day workweek is starting to feel more like five days. The CFO continues to throw more work my way and I take care of business for the partner in Florida. I work longer days to get things done and work through lunch every day. I don't take time off during my workweek because I use Fridays for any personal appointments.
Given the extra work and hours, I believe a 10-percent pay cut is more fair. This year we've started a negotiation process of what's a fair pay cut since I would like to continue working four days a week. Is the 20-percent pay cut even legal? -- Lawful Wage?
Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, bona fide managers, who fall into the executive category, have to be paid at least $455 a week. So if your salary reduction kept you above that level, chances are your company acted legally. And as a manager, your primary duty must involve managing and you must regularly manage at least two full-time employees and you must have the authority to hire or fire or at least make recommendations along those lines.
Even though the 20-percent pay cut may be legal, that doesn't mean you shouldn't pursue a lesser reduction on the basis of fairness.
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