How to Get a Copy of a 2005 W-2

There are several ways to obtain tax information from past years.

There are occasions when one may need a W-2 from a previous year; for example, when a mistake is found in the social security records of a person's work history, as legal documentation for other agencies or even for current tax purposes. It is possible to get the information even if the company in question has closed. The IRS will provide a listing of the information that was filed under your name and social security number for 2005. There is a fee to get an exact copy from the IRS.

Instructions

1. Contact the company that issued the W-2 if they are still in business. If they have closed, track down the former owner and request a copy. If the owner cannot be found, or no longer has the information, the IRS may be the only alternative.

2. Contact your tax preparer for that year, if applicable, and ask for a copy. Tax preparers are required to keep a copy of customers' W-2s.

3. Retrieve the appropriate IRS mailing address for your geographical area from the IRS website. Send a written request to the IRS asking for the tax information they have for you for the year 2005. They will send you a summary of all the information they have for your name and social security number for that year. There is no charge for the summary.

References

• IRS addresses and information