Employer overstated my W2 Box 1 income

My previous employer fronted me a $7,500 bonus on condition that I remain with them for one year.

I received the bonus, net of all withholdings, at $4,500 ($3,000 withheld). All fine and dandy.

I ended up leaving the job a few months later and was asked to send back the full $7,500 to my employer. I did just that.

Come January of 2026 I receive my 2025 W2 from this employer. My box 1 agrees with my pay statements for the year. But the issue is, the pay statements do not reflect the $7,500 I sent back to my employer.

What I think my W2 SHOULD look like: everything the exact same, except box 1 should be $7,500 lower. Am I right to assume this?

So I contacted my previous employer and I can’t get ahold of them. I’ve tried contacting their HR, emailing them, etc. No response.

What are my next steps? Should I call the IRS and file a 4852? Or should I just put this as a negative $7,500 on my 1040 Sch. 1 line 8z and call it “Refunded wages to employer”?

I’ll have all my documentation and work papers showing how I got to this conclusion in case I get audited.