Wage and Income Transcript

I don’t think this is a reason to panic. On the other hand, I do think this is a reason to take proactive steps, which you have already been doing.

If you have not already done so, I recommend you prepare and file your return showing just the one Form W-2. You should not show the duplicate Form W-2. Hopefully, you’ve been documenting (writing down dates, times, names, phone numbers called, etc.) for all your contacts (with your employer, Social Security Administration, and Internal Revenue Service). Because you’re in a panic and quite motivated now (and the details are fresh in your mind), you should compose a letter to the Internal Revenue Service right now, to explain why you reported just one Form W-2 and to document all your efforts (even though unfruitful) to make things right.

Once you file your return, the Internal Revenue Service will process it. You can expect that they will send you a notice for what they perceive is unreported income. Don’t be surprised if they also assess penalties and interest. However, if you write your letter now, you will have most of the details on hand for when you get the IRS notice. Then, you’ll just need to tweak your letter to directly address the points raised in the IRS notice. If you choose, you could even include a copy of your letter when you file the return (if you paper file it). However, I don’t recommend it. The letter will probably be ignored. Also, if you paper file, the processing of the return will definitely be delayed.

So, I wouldn’t panic. You haven’t done anything wrong. Unfortunately, know that you have a long road ahead of you. There is light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s a long tunnel ahead of you.