How to Get W2 Forms from a Former Employer

You must have Form W-2 from a former employer to file your income taxes.

In some cases, you might not receive a Form W-2 from a former employer because the employer doesn't have your current address, had a W-2 returned with address unknown or the employer doesn't send the forms out by mail. But you must have a Form W-2 from a former employer to file your income taxes, and there are ways to get one if you didn't receive it in the mail.

Things You'll Need

• Contact information of former employers

Instructions

1. Contact the former employer to ask for the original or a copy of your W-2. Most employers will adhere to the requirements and promptly give you a W-2.

2. Contact the business owner directly if business no longer exists. He must keep records for four years after filing his business tax returns even if he has dissolved the business.

3. Contact the IRS and ask for a transcript if you cannot get a W-2 from a former employer. The IRS can send you the federal information that was recorded on a W-2, but not the state information.

4. Contact your state government and request your pay transcript for the year in question.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have your last paycheck stub of the year with a year-to-date section, you can use this as a last resort, but first try the steps above to get your tax information.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish