Where Can I Find a Copy of My W2?

A Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, is an annual document employers provide to employees and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This form reports an employee’s wages and withheld taxes, and is necessary for filing income tax returns and verifying income.

Requesting from Your Employer

Contacting your employer or former employer is the most direct way to obtain a duplicate W-2. Reach out to Human Resources or Payroll, or access a dedicated online employee portal. Provide your full legal name, Social Security Number, the specific tax year(s) needed, and your current mailing address. Employers typically process requests within a few business days to weeks, and some may charge a small fee for duplicate copies.

Obtaining from Federal Tax Agencies

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

The IRS offers a Wage and Income Transcript, which summarizes your W-2 information but is not an exact copy. Request this transcript online through IRS.gov using the “Get Transcript Online” tool, by mail (Form 4506-T), or by calling 800-908-9946. You will need your Social Security Number, date of birth, and mailing address from your last tax return. A full copy of a previously filed tax return, which includes the W-2, can be obtained by submitting Form 4506, “Request for Copy of Tax Return.” This method involves a $43 fee per return and can take up to 75 days for processing.

Social Security Administration (SSA)

The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains wage records and provides wage information from previous years. Access this information by creating a “my Social Security” online account to view your earnings record. Alternatively, submit Form SSA-7050-F4, “Request for Social Security Earnings Information,” by mail. The SSA provides wage amounts reported by employers, but typically excludes details like federal, state, or local taxes withheld.

Exploring Other Options

Some states offer online portals or services to access duplicate W-2s, such as California’s Cal Employee Connect. Availability varies by state; check your state’s tax agency website. If your employer used a third-party payroll service (e.g., ADP or Paychex), you might retrieve your W-2 directly from their online portal by creating or logging into an account. Reviewing personal records is another option, as many individuals keep copies of past tax returns that include the W-2. If an employer has gone out of business, federal agencies (IRS and SSA) become the primary resources for obtaining wage and tax information.