As tax season begins, W-2s and 1099s are landing in mailboxes and inboxes. Before you file your return, it is important to take a few minutes to review these forms for accuracy. Catching errors early can help prevent delays, IRS notices, or amended returns later.

How to Review Your W-2 or 1099 for Errors

Start by checking your personal information. Make sure your name, Social Security number, and address are correct. Even small typos can cause issues when your return is processed.

Next, review the income amounts. Compare the wages or payments reported on the form to your own records, such as pay stubs, invoices, or bank deposits. For W-2s, check that federal and state withholdings look reasonable based on your pay history. For 1099s, confirm that the income reflects what you actually received during the year, not what was billed or expected.

If you received multiple forms, make sure each one comes from a legitimate source you recognize and that there are no duplicates.

What to Do If Income Information Is Missing or Incorrect

If you believe a W-2 or 1099 is missing, start by contacting the employer or payer directly. Many issues are resolved quickly with a corrected or reissued form.

If a form is incorrect, ask the payer to issue a corrected version. For W-2s, this is called a W-2c. For 1099s, the payer can file a corrected 1099 with the IRS and provide you a copy. It is important not to file your tax return using incorrect income information, even if the error seems small.

If you cannot get a corrected form in time, don’t panic. In many cases, there are other records that can be used to accurately report your income while staying compliant.

From the Employer’s Perspective: Handling Corrections

If an employee or contractor comes to you reporting that a W-2 or 1099 is incorrect:

  1. Verify the issue. Review your payroll or payment records to confirm whether the employee’s claim is accurate.
  2. Issue corrected forms promptly. For W-2s, file a W-2c. For 1099s, file a corrected 1099 with the IRS and provide a copy to the individual. Correcting errors quickly helps prevent complications for both the taxpayer and your company.
  3. Document communications. Keep a record of when and how the correction was requested and issued, in case questions arise from the IRS later.
  4. Double-check your systems. Errors can indicate a larger issue with payroll, accounting, or reporting processes. Use the opportunity to verify that similar mistakes won’t happen in the future.

Why This Step Matters

The IRS receives copies of your W-2s and 1099s directly from employers and payers. If the income on your tax return does not match what the IRS has on file, it can trigger notices, delays, or additional review.

Taking a few moments to review your tax forms now can make the rest of the filing process smoother. If something does not look right or you are unsure whether a form is complete, it is better to address it early rather than after your return is filed. Careful review helps ensure your information is accurate and reduces the chance of delays or follow-up questions later on.