How to Report State Income When You Only Have the IRS Wage & Income Transcript

If you're filing back taxes—or even a current-year return—and all you have is your IRS Wage and Income Transcript, you might notice something’s missing: your state income details.

That’s completely normal, and we’re here to guide you through what needs to happen next so your state return can be filed accurately and completely.

What’s Missing From the IRS Transcript?

The IRS Wage and Income Transcript includes:

• W-2 wages

• 1099s (like 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-R)

• Federal income and withholding info

But it does not include:

• State wages

• State taxes withheld

• Your employer’s state tax ID number

This state-specific information is required to file a state tax return. Without it, your return could be delayed, rejected, or flagged for missing data.

What You’ll Need to Do

To make sure your state return is prepared properly, you’ll need to gather or request a few key pieces of information. Here’s what you can do:

1. Request W-2s From Your Employers

The most reliable source of your state wage and withholding info is your original W-2. If you no longer have it, contact your employer and request a copy. Many employers can provide them even for previous years.

2. Request a Wage and Withholding Summary From Your State

Some states allow you to request a summary of your reported wages and withholdings. This information is reported directly to the state by your employer and is often enough to complete your state return.

3. Locate Old Pay Stubs or Prior Tax Returns

If you’re unable to get a W-2 or state statement, old pay stubs—especially year-end pay stubs—can help us estimate your state wages and withholdings. Prior tax returns might also include helpful info if you filed them in the past.

> Note: If exact numbers aren’t available, we may be able to use well-documented estimates based on available information. We make sure everything is clearly recorded and explained to maintain accuracy and transparency.

4. Let Us Know If You Get Stuck

If you’ve hit a dead end with employers or your state agency, let us know. In some cases, we can assist with requesting certain records or help you draft a statement for your return explaining the situation. We’ll assess what’s possible based on your unique situation.

Let’s Take Control of It—Together

Missing documents don’t have to slow you down. If you’re behind on taxes or missing state information, this is something we can tackle head-on with a clear plan and the right support.

We’ll guide you through what you need, help you stay organized, and make sure your returns are filed accurately and confidently. Whether it’s one year or several, the sooner we get started, the sooner you can put it behind you and move forward with peace of mind.

Ready to get back on track?

Let’s handle it—one step at a time, together. Contact us today to get started!