How to Get a Copy of a W-2

By law, your employer(s) must provide you with your W-2 by January 31st. However, they are NOT required by law to provide you with copies in a set amount of time. Here're the best ways to request a duplicate W-2.

Things You'll Need

• Patience
• Means of communication (i.e., telephone, access to mail, email, etc.)
• A former employer (or more)
• Earned income

Instructions

1. Contact your employer and ask when the W-2 was sent. Be cognizant of the requirements for an employer to have to send a W-2 (i.e., are there cutoff amounts? is it past January 31?) If they haven't sent it, and it's like February 3, ask them to send you another copy. If they are reluctant to mail it, offer to go pick it up from them.

2. If you left your employer under dubious circumstances and they refuse to provide you with a W2, contact the IRS and advise them that the employer will not provide you with a copy. The IRS will send your employer a notice that they are required to provide this information.

3. If you need a copy of a W-2 from a prior year, and contacting the employer is not an option, you can get one from the IRS-for a fee. They will charge you around $50 for a certified copy of your last tax return (including the W2s.)

Tips & Warnings

• When asking for a copy of your W2, be NICE. You'll be a LOT more likely to get a copy if you ask nicely than if you demand your copy.

• You can usually answer most of the information requested on the 1040 tax form from your last pay stub for the year. Save all your paystubs for at least one year. Save all your tax forms for at least 7 years.

• Don't neglect to file your taxes because you are missing a W2. Contact the IRS. They are actually very easy to deal with if you contact them early.