Form W-2 is an employer-issued statement showing annual wages, taxes withheld, and other payroll information. It is an important document for preparing your individual income tax return, but it is not the return itself.
Reference: IRS — Filing Forms W-2 and W-3
What Should I Review?
Check your name and Social Security number, compare wages and withholding with payroll records, and review the state and local information.
If you changed employers during the year, you may receive multiple Forms W-2. Gather the statements from each employer.
What Matters for Expatriate Employees?
Review how compensation paid in Japan, allowances, and employer-paid taxes are reflected in U.S. payroll reporting. Income not shown on Form W-2 may still be reportable, so a complete overview of compensation is important.
What If It Is Missing or Incorrect?
Contact your employer or payroll department first. A correction may require Form W-2c.
Missing documents do not remove the need to address filing deadlines. Depending on the circumstances, substitute documentation or a filing extension may be appropriate.
Reference: IRS — If You Don’t Get a W-2 or Your W-2 Is Wrong
We support coordination between expatriate payroll information and individual income tax filings. Form W-2 contains confidential information; please provide only an overview in your initial inquiry rather than attaching the document.
This answer provides general information. The necessary review and procedures depend on individual circumstances.
Information reviewed: October 14, 2026
