Today, February 15, 2010 started out foggy in Bellingham, WA, but we found ourselves enjoying some sun from about noon on. The forecast is for sun all day tomorrow.

Today is the day! Yes, the absolute deadline day for receiving your W-2’s (or 1099’s?) is February 15, 2010 (however, no mail delivery today-so give it until tomorrow if you’ve not received yours yet). Many received their W-2 forms from their employers on February 1. An employer can send the forms electronically with your consent. If you still don’t have them by February 15, call the IRS at 800-829-1040.

 Once you get your forms, take a good look at them and check the following:  

• Match the reported earnings with your year-end pay stubs and make sure they agree.
• Make sure that your name and mailing address are correct.
• Verify that your Social Security number is correct.
• Married or divorced? Did you officially change your name? Make certain that the information is accurate on your W-2 form.

A Do’s and Don’ts Fact Sheet by Greatland can be found at its Web site, greatland.com, to help businesses avoid making mistakes with W-2 forms. (i.e. make sure all copies are readable; do include decimal points in the monetary entries; don’t complete forms by hand; don’t use dollar signs or commas in the monetary entries in Copy A).*

*Information gathered from The Bellingham Herald/business/Don’t wait to check W-2s for accuracy, February 15, 2010