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@merllene wrote:

Yes all attempts to obtain FEIN have been utilized.

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It's less about FEIN but more getting a copy of the W-2.  Since the employer is already bankrupt, there's little your client may be able to do.  As far as the FEIN is concerned, are you saying your client was never employed by this entity in previous tax years?

Procedurally, your client is supposed to call the IRS who would then review their records and follow up as necessary.  It's only if the IRS is not able to obtain a copy of the W-2 on time for tax return filing should your client then use the F.4852.  You may refer to the filing instructions for the steps to take.

If your client is to use a F.4852 but does not have access to the former employer's EIN (e.g. from a prior year), the only option would be to file the return on paper, which is not ideal at all given the state of affairs at the IRS.