How to Get a Copy of Your W2 Form

Where to request your W2

Your employer is required by law to send you a copy of your W2 by January 31 each year. If you have not received it by early February, contact your employer's payroll or human resources department directly — by phone, email, or in person. Give them your full name, Social Security number, and the year you worked there. They will either mail it to you or let you know if there is a problem with your address on file.

If your employer has closed, gone out of business, or you cannot locate them, the IRS can help you get a transcript of your wage information instead. You can request a wage and income transcript from the IRS by calling 1-800-908-9946, visiting IRS.gov, or mailing Form 4506-C to the IRS address listed on the form. A transcript shows the same income information as a W2 but comes directly from IRS records rather than your employer.

Key Takeaways

Your employer must send your W2 by January 31 each year; contact their payroll department if you have not received it by early February.
If your employer is unreachable or out of business, you can request a wage and income transcript from the IRS instead.
The IRS can provide a transcript by phone at 1-800-908-9946, online at IRS.gov, or by mailing Form 4506-C.
A wage and income transcript contains the same income information as a W2 and is accepted by most tax software and lenders.

What to do if your employer will not send it

If your employer refuses to send you a W2 or ignores your requests, you can file a complaint with the IRS. Use Form 13909 (Information Referral) to report the issue. You can mail it to the IRS or submit it online through IRS.gov. The IRS will investigate whether your employer filed the W2 with them — if they did, you can get a transcript. If they did not file it, the IRS can take action against the employer for not reporting your wages.

While the IRS investigates, you can still file your tax return using a wage and income transcript or your own records of what you earned. You do not have to wait for the W2 to arrive before filing, though filing early may speed up your refund if you are due one.

Getting a W2 from a previous employer years later

If you need a W2 from several years ago, start by contacting the employer directly. Many employers keep payroll records for at least seven years. If the company still exists, their payroll or HR department can usually print and send an old W2.

If the employer is no longer in business or cannot be reached, request a wage and income transcript from the IRS for that year. The transcript will show what the IRS has on record for your wages from that employer. You will need to know the year and the employer's name or Employer Identification Number (EIN) if possible.

Using a transcript instead of a W2

A wage and income transcript from the IRS shows your gross income, federal tax withheld, and other wage information — the same data that appears on a W2. Most tax software accepts a transcript in place of a W2. Banks, mortgage lenders, and landlords also typically accept transcripts as proof of income, though some may ask for the original W2 if it is available.

The main difference is that a transcript comes from the IRS, not your employer, so it reflects only what your employer reported to the IRS. If your employer made an error on the W2 they filed with the IRS, the transcript will show that same error. In that case, you would need to contact your employer to file a corrected W2 (called a W2-C) with the IRS.

Corrected W2s and W2-Cs

If your employer sent you a W2 with wrong information — incorrect wages, wrong tax withholding, or a misspelled name — ask them to file a corrected W2, called a W2-C. Your employer files the W2-C with the IRS and sends you a copy. This corrects the record with the IRS and ensures your tax return matches what the IRS has on file.

You do not need to wait for the W2-C to file your return. You can file using the corrected information and note in your return that a corrected W2 is coming. When the W2-C arrives, keep it with your tax records. If you already filed, you may need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X) if the correction changes your tax liability.

What information is on a W2

A W2 shows your gross wages (Box 1), federal income tax withheld (Box 2), Social Security wages (Box 3), Social Security tax withheld (Box 4), Medicare wages (Box 5), and Medicare tax withheld (Box 6). It also lists any other income or deductions your employer reported, such as tips, dependent care benefits, or student loan interest paid by your employer.

The W2 includes your name, Social Security number, and address, as well as your employer's name, address, and Employer Identification Number. You receive Copy B (for your records), Copy C (for your state tax return if applicable), and Copy 2 (for your federal tax return). The employer files Copy A with the IRS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my taxes without a W2?

Yes. You can file using a wage and income transcript from the IRS, or you can file using your own records of wages earned if you have them. However, the IRS will compare your return to what your employer reported, so the information should match or you may face delays or questions.

How long does it take to get a W2 from my employer?

Your employer must send it by January 31. If you request it after that date, they typically send it within 5 to 10 business days. If they do not respond within two weeks, contact the IRS to file a complaint or request a transcript instead.

What if I worked for multiple employers in one year?

You will receive a separate W2 from each employer. You must report income from all of them on your tax return. If you are missing one, contact that employer directly or request a transcript from the IRS for that specific employer's wages.

Do I need the original W2 or is a copy okay?

A copy is fine for filing your taxes and for most other purposes. Some lenders or landlords may ask for an original, but most accept copies or transcripts. If you lose your W2, you can request another copy from your employer or get a transcript from the IRS.

What if my name or address changed since I worked there?

Contact your employer to update your address on file before requesting the W2. If the W2 arrives with an old address or misspelled name, ask your employer to file a corrected W2 (W2-C). You can also file your tax return with the corrected information and note that a correction is coming.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.