How to Get a Copy of a Previous W2 Form

Where to Request Your Old W2

Your employer is required by law to provide you with a copy of any W2 form they issued to you, no matter how many years ago. Start by contacting your former employer's payroll or human resources department directly — this is almost always the fastest route. You can call, email, or visit in person if the company is still in business and you know where to reach them.

If you no longer have contact information for the company, try searching online for their current phone number or HR email. If the business has closed or moved, a quick search may turn up a successor company or a forwarding address. Many larger employers have dedicated payroll departments that handle W2 requests as a routine matter and can send a copy within days.

Key Takeaways

Your employer must provide a copy of any W2 they issued, regardless of how long ago, so contact their payroll or HR department first.
The IRS can provide a transcript showing your reported income and tax withholding if your employer no longer exists or cannot be located.
An IRS Account Transcript or Wage and Income Transcript shows the same income information as your W2 and is accepted by most lenders and agencies.
Request a transcript online through IRS.gov, by phone at 1-800-908-9946, or by mail using Form 4506-C.
Transcripts typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days if ordered online or by phone, or 5 to 10 calendar days if mailed.

Getting a Transcript From the IRS When Your Employer Cannot Help

If your former employer is out of business, you cannot locate them, or they refuse to send a copy, the IRS keeps a record of every W2 filed in your name. You can request an IRS transcript that shows your reported wages and tax withholding for any year. This transcript is not the original W2 form itself, but it contains the same income and withholding information and is accepted by banks, lenders, government agencies, and employers as proof of your income.

There are two types of transcripts that work for this purpose. An Account Transcript shows your income, tax withholding, and filing status for a specific year. A Wage and Income Transcript shows only the wage and income information reported on your W2 and 1099 forms. Either one will work for most situations — lenders and agencies typically accept either version.

How to Order an IRS Transcript Online

The fastest way to get a transcript is through the IRS website at IRS.gov. Go to the "Get Your Tax Record" section and select "Transcript." You will need to verify your identity using either your Social Security number and date of birth, or by answering security questions based on your credit history. The IRS does not charge a fee for transcripts ordered online.

Once you log in, you can choose which years you need and whether you want an Account Transcript or Wage and Income Transcript. Select your delivery method — you can have the transcript mailed to you, or in some cases view and print it when ready online. If you choose mail delivery, the transcript typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days.

Ordering by Phone or Mail

You can also order a transcript by calling the IRS at 1-800-908-9946. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current mailing address ready. Tell the representative which years you need and what type of transcript. The IRS will mail it to you, and it usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days.

If you prefer to order by mail, fill out Form 4506-C (Request for Transcript of Tax Return) and mail it to the IRS address listed on the form. Include your name, Social Security number, the tax years you need, and your current address. Mail delivery takes longer — typically 5 to 10 calendar days after the IRS receives your form, plus mail time in both directions.

What Information the Transcript Contains

An IRS transcript shows your reported wages, federal income tax withheld, and any other income reported to the IRS under your name for that year. It includes the employer's name and Employer Identification Number (EIN), so you can confirm it matches the company you worked for. The transcript will not include state tax withholding or other details that may appear on your original W2, but it contains everything most organizations need to verify your income.

If you need the complete original W2 form with all fields filled in — for example, if you need state tax information or specific box entries — you should still try to get it directly from your employer first. However, for income verification, loan applications, and most government purposes, the IRS transcript is accepted as equivalent.

If Your Employer Still Exists But Will Not Respond

If you have contacted your former employer multiple times and they have not provided a copy, you have a few options. You can file a complaint with your state's Department of Labor, which oversees wage and hour violations. You can also contact the IRS directly — employers are required to file W2 forms, and the IRS can investigate if an employer claims they did not issue one to you.

In most cases, though, getting an IRS transcript is simpler and faster than pursuing a complaint. The transcript serves the same purpose for nearly all situations where you need proof of income, and you do not have to wait for your employer to cooperate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back can I get a W2 from?

The IRS keeps records going back many years. You can request transcripts for any year you filed a tax return or had income reported to the IRS. If you need a W2 from 10 or 20 years ago, the IRS can still provide it. Your employer may have a shorter record-keeping requirement, typically 3 to 7 years, so the IRS transcript is your best option for older years.

Will the IRS transcript work for a mortgage or loan process?

Yes. Most lenders accept an IRS transcript as proof of income and will not require the original W2 form. When you explore for a mortgage, auto loan, or personal loan, you can provide the transcript instead. Some lenders may ask for both, but the transcript alone is usually sufficient.

Can I get a transcript for someone else, like a spouse or dependent?

No. You can only request a transcript for yourself using your own Social Security number. If someone else needs their W2 or transcript, they must request it themselves. The only exception is if you have power of attorney or are an authorized representative, in which case you may need to provide documentation to the IRS.

Is there a fee for an IRS transcript?

No. The IRS does not charge for transcripts ordered online, by phone, or by mail. If a third-party website offers to get a transcript for you for a fee, you are paying for their service, not for the transcript itself — you can always get it directly from the IRS for free.

What if the IRS says they have no record of a W2 for that year?

If the IRS has no record, it means your employer either did not file a W2 for you or filed it under the wrong name or Social Security number. Contact your employer again and ask them to check their records. If they confirm they issued a W2, ask them to file a corrected form (Form W2-C) with the IRS. You can also file a complaint with the IRS if you believe your employer failed to report your income.

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.