You’ve filed your returns and either celebrated a refund or felt the sting of owing taxes...

But then, another W2 form arrives in the mail. Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever filed taxes with only one W2 form when you actually had two or more, you’re not alone. It’s a common situation, especially for dependents or those with multiple jobs. Missing a W2 form can lead to filing errors, but don’t stress. There’s a simple solution.

Filing or amending your taxes to include all your W2 forms ensures your income is fully reported and keeps you compliant with IRS rules. Stay honest, legal, and prepared.

Read on to learn why it’s important to account for every W2 form and how to handle multiple forms during tax season.

Explaining What Happens If I'm a Dependent Filing Taxes and Only File 1 of 2 W2s

A W2 shares the number of wages you received as a business employee and taxes withheld on those wages. Simply put, W2 tax filing exposes your full income from the year to the IRS during tax season.

Many forms are associated with representing your income to the IRS, and it can be confusing. For example, W2s and W4s are both used in understanding your entire yearly income. The difference between a W2 and a W4 form is the amount you will owe when filing your taxes. You can submit a W4 to tell your employer how much to withhold from each paycheck for taxes. Withholding more throughout the year prevents large tax payouts, no matter how many W2s you file.

None of your income goes unseen, which means filing only one W2 can impact your standing with the IRS.

The IRS Tracking Method

Do you cover your yearly expenses and necessities with multiple streams of income?

If you answered yes, you need to account for filing two W2s or more from your various employers. You live a hectic life in your day-to-day. Tracking your income can be difficult if you are working two jobs and having to file two W2 forms.

However, the IRS keeps track of your job movements related to the income you bring in and taxes withheld on each paycheck. Your social security number (SSN) is the identifier that follows your income from job to job. The IRS utilizes your unique number to ensure it knows what your income is each year.

Social security numbers will prominently label each W2, tax return, and any official forms or documentation you send to the IRS. This means that each W2 you receive, even after you've filed your yearly taxes, is not something you can ignore.

The Process of Filing Only One W2

So what happens if I am a dependent filing taxes and only file one of my 2 W2s?

You need to account for all income of your income on your tax return to avoid audits and major future penalties. Filing all of the W2s you receive is a must, but there are different processes to follow if you are receiving a refund or owning the government.

If you account for the full-year income even with filing only one W2, you don't need to move forward with the following steps. This is for employees who have not accounted for all income and didn't go through filing two W2s.

When You're Receiving a Tax Refund

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of finding out you’re getting a tax refund. But did you know the IRS could delay or withhold your refund if you need to file multiple W2 forms?

In some cases, the IRS may send a notice requesting an amended return before releasing your refund. While no penalties are applied, you’ll be given a limited timeframe to submit the amendment—so act quickly to avoid delays.

Even if you receive a refund after filing just one W2 form, filing an amendment could reveal you’re owed more money based on the second W2 form. Don’t leave any of your refunds behind. File accurately and claim what you deserve!

When You Have a Balance Due

But what happens if I am a dependent filing taxes and only file one of my 2 W2s and have a balance due? You need to take action as soon as possible in this circumstance.

The Internal Revenue Service wants the full amount it's owed just as you do in filing your taxes.

Not reporting your entire income and filing only one W2 means the balance you owe may be more than what's reported. This jeopardizes your standing with the IRS and places penalties and fines on your return.

You must wait for the IRS to file your return before taking action. You will need to submit an amended tax return by the IRS deadline.

The sooner you take action, the better, as the IRS may hold future refunds from you if you don't follow up on the W2 tax filing.

You may be able to submit the first return and the amended one before the April 15th deadline if you're timely. However, with the help of a w2 generator, you can create and file an amended return after April 15th to ensure you're filing two W2s in quick succession.

Best Practices for Filing Two W2s

You don't need to fear if you are stuck with the question of what happens if I am a dependent filing taxes and only file one of my 2 W2s. Multiple streams of income and switching jobs halfway through the year are regular occurrences. But you do want to take action on W2 tax filing as the IRS tracks your income regularly through your SSN.

Filing an amended tax return is essential to keep yourself in good standing. It's not necessary in the first case but pivotal in the second. Make sure you are following up as needed if a second W2 arrives in your mailbox. Make your W2s with ease using our services so you or your employees can avoid the need for amended filing. Learn all you need to know about the form W2!

Also, read:

• What Is A W-2 Form And Who Needs One?
• How To Use A W2 Generator During Tax Season
• Can't Wait For Your W-2? Calculate Wages With Your Pay Stub Today
• Working 2 Jobs? How Do You File A W-2

PS: You can create paystubs using our paystub maker if you need a proof of income document.