How to Get Previous Years' W-2s From the IRS

Employers must file Forms W-2 with the Social Security Administration (SSA) annually for all employees. They must send employees a copy of their W-2 statements by the last day of January. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) imposes civil penalties against employers of up to $50 for each late W-2. If they've intentionally disregarded their tax obligations, they may pay a $100 penalty for each missing W-2. Employers have until March 31 to file electronic W-2 forms, but if they file paper copies, they must file them by Feb. 28 or 29. Taxpayers can request their W-2 forms from the IRS if they misplaced their forms from previous years.

Things You'll Need

• Form 4506

Instructions

1. Call your employer or your previous employer. The IRS recommends that you first contact your employer to obtain a W-2.

2. Download Form 4506 if you cannot obtain your W-2 from your employer. Form 4506 is the Request for a Copy of Tax Return.

3. Complete Form 4506 by typing directly into the form or printing a copy.

4. Enter your name on Line 1a and Social Security Number (SSN) or tax identification number on Line 1b.

5. Enter your address on Line 3.

6. Write "W-2" on Line 6.

7. Enter the years for which you are requesting your tax returns. If you need more than eight years of W-2 forms, you need to submit another Form 4506.

8. Draft a check for $57 for each year of your request. Make your check payable to the United States Treasury. You can also use a money order.

9. Write "Form 4506 request" and your SSN or employer identification number on your memo line.

10. Enter your total payment on Line 8c and the number of returns that you are requesting on Line 8b.

11. Sign Form 4506.

12. Send the form and your check to your local IRS center. You can find your local center on Page 2 of the Form 4506 Instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• You will receive your entire tax return after you file a Form 4506. The IRS does not keep copies of past W-2 forms, unless you attached it to your tax return. Generally, you are not required to submit your original copy of your W-2 form to the IRS if you filed your taxes electronically. If the IRS does not have your Form W-2, you will have to call SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

• Do not confuse Form 4506 with Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. Although the IRS allows you to request past tax returns at no charge using Form 4506-T, you cannot request Form W-2 using Form 4506-T.

References

• IRS: Here is What to do If You Are Missing a W-2
• IRS: Instructions for Form 1040X (PDF)
• IRS: Topic 159 - Prior Year(s) Form W-2 (How to Get a Copy)
• IRS: General Rules and Specifications for Substitute Forms W-2 and W-3 (PDF)
• IRS: Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3 (PDF)
• SSA: General W-2 Filing Information

Resources

• IRS: Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return (PDF)