How to Get a Copy of an Old W2 Form

Where to request your old W2

Your employer or former employer is the first place to ask for an old W2. Contact the human resources department, payroll office, or the main office number and ask to speak with someone in payroll. Tell them the year you need the W2 for and your full name as it appeared on your tax return that year. Many employers keep W2 records for at least seven years and can print or email a copy within a few business days.

If your former employer is out of business, has closed that location, or you cannot reach them, the IRS can provide a transcript that shows the same wage and tax information that was on your original W2. This transcript is not the actual W2 form itself, but it serves the same purpose for most situations where you need to prove your income.

Key Takeaways

Your former employer's payroll department is the fastest source for an old W2 and should have records going back several years.
If you cannot reach your employer, the IRS can send you a wage and income transcript that contains the same information as your W2.
You can request an IRS transcript online through your IRS account, by phone at 1-800-908-9946, by mail, or in person at an IRS office.
The IRS charges no fee for transcripts, and online requests typically arrive within 24 hours.
Some states also keep wage records and can provide state-specific tax information if you need it for state tax purposes.

Requesting a transcript from the IRS

The IRS keeps a record of every W2 your employer reported to them. You can request a wage and income transcript, which shows your reported wages, federal income tax withheld, and other income details for the year you need. This transcript is not the original W2 form, but employers, lenders, and government agencies accept it as proof of income.

The fastest way to get a transcript is through your IRS online account at irs.gov. Create an account if you do not have one, sign in, and select "Get Transcript." Choose the year you need and select "Wage and Income Transcript." The transcript will be available to view and print within 24 hours, and you can often print it when ready.

If you do not want to use the online account, you can call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946 and request a transcript by phone. The IRS will mail it to the address on file with your tax return, which usually takes 5 to 10 business days. You can also mail Form 4506-C to your local IRS office, or visit an IRS office in person to request one.

What information appears on a wage and income transcript

A wage and income transcript shows the same dollar amounts that appeared on your original W2: your total wages, tips, and other compensation; federal income tax withheld; Social Security wages and tax; Medicare wages and tax; and any other income reported by your employer. It also shows the employer's name and identification number.

The transcript does not look exactly like a W2 form — it is formatted as a document from the IRS rather than from your employer — but it contains all the numbers you need to verify your income or file a tax return. Most employers, mortgage lenders, and government programs accept a transcript in place of the original W2.

Getting a W2 from a state tax agency

If you need your W2 information for state tax purposes, you can also contact your state's tax agency or department of revenue. Some states keep their own wage records separate from federal records. Your state tax agency can provide a state wage transcript or direct you back to your employer for the original form.

The process varies by state. Some states allow you to request transcripts online, while others require a phone call or mailed request. Search "[your state] department of revenue wage transcript" to find the right office and method for your state.

What to do if your employer will not provide a copy

Employers are required by law to provide you with a copy of your W2 by January 31 of the year following the tax year. If your employer refuses or ignores your request, you can file a complaint with the IRS. The IRS takes wage reporting violations seriously and can investigate whether your employer reported your wages correctly.

In most cases, though, you will not need to file a complaint. Requesting a wage and income transcript from the IRS is usually faster and simpler than pursuing a complaint, and the transcript serves the same purpose. Use the transcript while you wait for your employer to respond, or use it permanently if your employer does not have a copy available.

Fees and processing times

The IRS charges no fee for wage and income transcripts. If you request one online, it is available within 24 hours. If you request one by phone or mail, expect 5 to 10 business days for delivery. Your former employer may also provide a copy at no charge, though some employers charge a small fee for copies of old records — usually between $5 and $25.

State tax agencies also typically charge no fee for wage transcripts. Check your state's website or call ahead to confirm whether there is a fee and how long the request takes.

Using an old W2 for loans, housing, or other purposes

Mortgage lenders, landlords, and government programs often ask for recent W2 forms as proof of income. If you are explore for a loan or rental housing and need to show income from a previous year, a wage and income transcript from the IRS works just as well as the original W2. Tell the lender or landlord upfront that you have a transcript instead of the original form — most will accept it without hesitation.

If the lender or landlord specifically requires the original W2 form from your employer, ask your former employer to send it directly to them. Many employers will do this as a courtesy, especially if you explain that you need it for a mortgage or housing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back can I get a W2?

The IRS keeps wage records indefinitely, so you can request a transcript for any year you worked and had wages reported. Your employer typically keeps W2 records for at least seven years, though some keep them longer. If your employer no longer has the record, the IRS transcript will still show what was reported.

Can I get a W2 if I was paid under the table?

If your employer did not report your wages to the IRS, there will be no W2 or transcript available. You would need to contact your employer and ask them to file a corrected W2 (Form W2-C) with the IRS. If your employer refuses, you can report the unreported income yourself when you file your tax return.

What is the difference between a W2 and a wage and income transcript?

A W2 is the official form your employer sends you and the IRS. A wage and income transcript is a document from the IRS that shows the same wage information but is formatted as an IRS record. Both show your income and taxes, and most organizations accept either one as proof of earnings.

Do I need to print the transcript or can I send it electronically?

You can print the transcript and send it by mail, or in many cases you can send it electronically. Ask the lender, landlord, or organization whether they accept electronic copies or need a printed version. Many now accept PDF files or online verification directly from the IRS.

What if the transcript shows the wrong amount?

If the wage amount on the transcript does not match what you remember earning, contact your employer first. Your employer may have made an error when reporting your wages to the IRS. If your employer confirms the error, they can file a corrected W2 (Form W2-C) with the IRS, and the transcript will update to reflect the correction.

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.