How to Get Lost W-2 Information
Employers must provide W-2 forms to their employees by January 31 after the end of the tax year. W-2 forms show your gross earnings, as well as any deductions paid for federal, state, Social Security and Medicare taxes. If you lose this form, you must take the appropriate steps to obtain the information before completing a federal and state tax return.
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Instructions
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1
Contact the employer that issued the W-2. If you've lost your W-2 form, ask the employer to issue a W-2C form, which is a copy of the original W-2. If you don't receive the new W-2 form or the employer is no longer in business, try Step 2.
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2
Call the IRS at (800) 829-1040 if you have not received the W-2 by February 16. Provide your name, address, phone number and Social Security number. Provide the operator with the employer's name, address and phone number. Give the dates that you were employed there and your estimate of gross earnings and taxes withheld. Use your last paycheck stub for the tax year in question. The year-to-date has these totals.
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3
Wait to see if the IRS has any luck getting the employer to send a new W-2. The IRS will send a letter to the employer detailing the problem and ask the employer to mail you a new W-2. If you do not receive a W-2C by April 15, you still must file your tax returns as described in Step 4.
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4
Use form 4852, which serves as a substitute for Form W-2. Enter the gross earnings and tax deductions as accurately as you can. If you have the last pay stub of that tax year, use the pay stub. If you don't have a pay stub, estimate as best you can how much money you made and how much you paid in taxes. Use this form to complete your federal and state tax returns.
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Wait for a letter from the IRS after you file your returns. If the IRS has a copy of the W-2 sent to the Social Security office by the employer, they will adjust your return. If there is no W-2 on file, they will accept your estimates and will not send out a letter.
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