How Can I Get My W-2s? Steps for When They’re Missing
Learn the essential steps to find and obtain your W-2s if they are missing, ensuring you can accurately file your taxes on time.
A W-2 form is an annual Wage and Tax Statement detailing wages earned and taxes withheld by an employer. It is essential for preparing and filing federal, state, and local income tax returns. Individuals need W-2 forms for tax filings, loan applications, or income verification. Its absence can complicate these processes.
Confirming Your W-2 Status
Before pursuing alternative methods for obtaining a W-2, confirm its status. Employers must furnish W-2 forms by January 31st of the year following the tax year. If this deadline has passed, check all potential delivery locations.
Check physical mail and digital communications, including online payroll portals. Verify your mailing address and contact information with your employer’s HR or payroll department. Common reasons for non-receipt include a change of address, employer oversight, or electronic delivery without your awareness.
Contacting Your Employer for a Copy
After initial checks, contact your employer’s human resources or payroll department. Provide your full name, Social Security Number, the tax year needed, and current mailing address.
Employers often provide copies via online portals, email, or phone. Some may require a written request. If your employer is unresponsive, no longer in business, or refuses to provide the W-2, the IRS can assist by contacting them on your behalf.
Accessing W-2 Information Through the Social Security Administration
If employer contact is unsuccessful, the Social Security Administration (SSA) can provide wage information. Employers report wage data to the SSA, creating a separate earnings record. You can request this information directly from the SSA.
Request this information using Form SSA-7050, “Request for Social Security Earnings Information.” A fee is generally associated with obtaining an itemized statement. The SSA advises allowing up to 120 days for processing. The SSA provides an earnings summary, not an exact W-2 copy, which may lack details for some tax software or financial applications.
Requesting a Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS
As a final option, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can provide a Wage and Income Transcript. This comprehensive document consolidates information from all income-related forms reported to the IRS, including W-2s and 1099s. It serves as an official record of your reported earnings and withholdings.
Request this transcript online via the IRS “Get Transcript Online” tool, which requires identity verification. Alternatively, request it by mail using Form 4506-T, “Request for Transcript of Tax Return,” or by phone.
This transcript provides federal tax information reported to the IRS but generally excludes state or local tax withholding details. Wage and income data is usually available on IRS transcripts by late May or early June following the tax year. Therefore, it might not be available immediately after the January 31st W-2 deadline for current tax filing.