How to Get a W2 Form From Previous Years

If you are missing a previous W2 form, you can obtain a copy from your employer or the IRS.

Employers distribute W-2 forms to their employees each January, following the end of the prior tax year. A W-2 will list your personal information along with the gross earnings and tax deductions you accumulated over the prior year. The W-2 form is needed to file federal and state tax returns. To obtain a copy of a lost or missing W-2 form from a previous year, you should start your search with your employer or past employer.

Things You'll Need

• Form 4506-T

Instructions

1. Contact the employer that issued the W-2 form. Most employers will be able to locate the W-2 information and send you a copy of the W-2. If the employer cannot provide you with a copy, you will need to get the information from the Internal Revenue Service.

2. Fill out Form 4506-T Request for Transcript of Tax. The first section is your name, address and Social Security number. Since you are asking for a W-2 form, you do not need to list a spouse. You can obtain this form from the IRS website.

3. Check box 8 to obtain a transcript of the Form W-2. If you filed your taxes and need a transcript of both your W-2 and tax return, you can check box 6 and enter the number of the tax return form that you need. Enter the year or years you are requesting, then sign and date the form. You can request a W-2 for any of the past 10 years.

4. Mail the Form 4506-T to the address listed for your state that is found on page 2 of the form. There is no fee to obtain a transcript of the W-2.

References

• IRS: Topic 159-Prior Year(s) Form W-2 (How to Get a Copy)
• IRS: Form 4506-T Request for Transcript of Tax Return