To get an old W-2 form, here are the main ways:
- Contact your former employer's payroll or HR department directly to request a copy. Employers are required to keep W-2 records for at least four years, and sometimes longer, and they can provide duplicates.
- If the employer is unreachable or unable to provide the W-2, you can request a W-2 transcript or a copy from the IRS. The IRS maintains W-2 records for up to 10 years and offers a "Get Transcript" service online to access wage and income transcripts for free. For an exact copy of the W-2, you need to fill out IRS Form 4506 and pay a fee (around $50 per form), with processing taking up to 75 days.
- The Social Security Administration can also provide a W-2 copy for a fee if needed.
It's recommended to first try your former employer, then the IRS if that fails. Additionally, if you cannot get a W-2 in time to file taxes, you can file using IRS Form 4852, a substitute for a W-2, along with your last pay stub information.
