How Can I Get My W2 From Last Year?

It is common to need a W-2 form from a previous year, whether lost, never received, or due to a change of address. The Form W-2, “Wage and Tax Statement,” is an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) document employers use to report wages paid and taxes withheld. This form provides information for filing federal and state income tax returns, summarizing earnings and deductions. This document is important for proper tax reporting and can impact refund calculations or tax liabilities.

Obtaining Your W-2 from a Former Employer

When seeking a W-2 from a former employer, contact their human resources or payroll department. Before contact, gather information to help them quickly locate your records:
Your full legal name as it appeared during your employment
The last four digits of your Social Security Number
Your exact dates of employment
Your last known address used while working there

You can reach out by calling the HR or payroll department, sending an email, or checking if the employer maintains an online portal. Many companies offer electronic delivery options for W-2s, providing faster access. Clearly state you need a copy of your W-2 for the specific tax year.

Employers are required to provide W-2 forms by January 31st of the following tax year. If you request a W-2 after this deadline, employers often have 30 days to provide it. If your initial contact does not yield results, a follow-up call or email is appropriate.

Getting Your Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS

If obtaining your W-2 directly from a former employer proves unsuccessful, the IRS offers an alternative: the Wage and Income Transcript. This document summarizes income and tax withholding information reported by employers and other payers to the IRS. It includes data from W-2s and other income-related forms, serving as a substitute for filing your tax return.

You can request this transcript online through the IRS Get Transcript tool. To use the online service, create an account and verify your identity, which involves providing your Social Security Number, date of birth, and financial account information or a mobile phone number. Once verified, you can view, print, or download your Wage and Income Transcript instantly for current and past tax years.

Alternatively, you can request a transcript by mail using Form 4506-T, “Request for Transcript of Tax Return.” This form requires you to specify the tax year, your Social Security Number, and the address from your latest tax return. Mail the completed form to the appropriate IRS address; expect to receive the transcript within 5 to 10 calendar days. A phone request is also an option by calling the IRS automated transcript service at 1-800-908-9946. Transcripts requested by phone also arrive by mail within 5 to 10 days.

Filing Your Tax Return Without a W-2

If you are unable to obtain your W-2 or an IRS transcript in time for the tax filing deadline, you can still file your taxes. The IRS allows taxpayers to file using alternative documentation to estimate income and tax withholdings. You can use your final pay stub for the tax year, which provides year-to-date totals for wages and taxes withheld, or review bank statements to track direct deposits from your employer.

When filing without an official W-2, complete Form 4852, “Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement.” This form requires you to enter estimated wages, tips, and other compensation, along with estimated federal and state income tax withheld. You must also provide an explanation of efforts made to obtain your missing W-2 from your employer.

It is important to file your tax return by the deadline, even if using estimated figures on Form 4852, to avoid late-filing penalties. If you later receive your actual W-2 or an IRS transcript and the information differs from what you reported, you may need to amend your tax return. This can be done by filing Form 1040-X, “Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.”