How to Get a Copy of the W2 for a Deceased Person
Companies will continue to issue a W-2 at the end of the tax year to all employees even if they are dead. Most companies will send it to the last-known address of the deceased employee. However, if the person responsible for filing the decedent's last tax return does not receive the W-2, he can request a copy from the employer.
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Instructions
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Research who at the company issues W-2 tax forms. It will normally be the human resource department. If you are unsure, contact the company and explain that you need to contact someone who is responsible for payroll-related issues.
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Draft a letter to the responsible person. Identify yourself and the decedent, and explain your relationship with her. If it is a large company you may want to give other identifying information about her, such as location, department and dates of employment.
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Tell the human resource department that the employee has died and that you need a copy of his last W-2 for tax purposes.
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Provide your contact information so a W-2 can be sent to you.
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Attach legal documentation with the letter that shows you have the authority to receive the W-2. If you are the executor of the will or appointed by a probate judge to handle the affairs, the corresponding documents should be sent with the letter for the employer's files.
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Tips & Warnings
Call the company first and speak to whomever is in charge of payroll. Explain the situation and ask what procedures they require to have a W-2 form issued. Companies may differ on the exact procedure and may also have internal forms that you need to fill out.
If you do not have any documentation from the probate court showing that you have power of attorney, employers may refuse to issue confidential tax information to you.
