How to Find a Copy of a W2
Your W2 is a very important tax document and one that should be saved. Not only is it essential for filing both state and federal income taxes, but it can also be required to apply for certain state and federal certain benefits. If you want to apply for federal financial aid or certain grants and scholarships, you will need your W2 information to complete your application. W2 information can also be important if you are applying for state benefits such as food assistance or child care help. If you have lost, misplaced or were never issued your W2, there are ways to help you get a copy.
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Instructions
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Contact the employer who issued or should have issued you the W2 initially. If the employer has a human resources or accounting department, contact a representative directly to request a copy of a W2.
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Collect any previous pay stubs you might have from the employer who issued the W2 if the employer is unable to help get a copy of a W2 or unwilling to help you. A pay stub will generally list the Employer Identification Number (EIN), which will help the Internal Revenue Service locate a copy of the W2.
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Call the IRS at 800-829-1040 after gathering any previous pay stubs available to you and request the agency's assistance in obtaining a copy of the W2 in question. If you are waiting for your employer to issue you the prior year's W2, wait until after Feb. 16 of the new calendar year to contact the IRS. An employer has until Jan. 31 to issue you the prior year's W2.
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References
- Photo Credit tax forms image by Chad McDermott from Fotolia.com
