You can find your W-2 form in several ways:
- From your employer: The fastest way to get your current year W-2 is to request it directly from your employer or their payroll/HR department. Employers are required to send W-2s by January 31, so check with them if you haven't received it by mid-February
- Online employer portal: Many employers provide electronic access to W-2s through an online payroll or HR portal. Log in to your employer's system or check your email (including spam folder) for a link to download your W-2
- Previous employer: If you need a W-2 from a former employer, contact their HR or payroll department. If they use a third-party payroll provider like ADP, you may be able to access your W-2 online if your account is still active; otherwise, you must contact the employer directly
- IRS: If you cannot get your W-2 from your employer by mid-February, you can contact the IRS at 800-829-1040. The IRS can send a reminder to your employer to issue your W-2. You can also request a Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS, which shows data reported by your employer to the SSA and IRS, though it may not include all details or state/local info
- Social Security Administration (SSA): You can request copies or printouts of your W-2 forms from the SSA for any year from 1978 to the present, often free of charge
In summary, start by checking with your employer or their online portal. If that fails, contact the IRS or SSA for assistance in obtaining your W-2 or wage transcripts
