To get your W-2 form from an old job, follow these steps:
- Contact Your Former Employer's HR or Payroll Department
Reach out to the Human Resources or Payroll department of your previous employer. Provide your full name, Social Security Number, and specify the tax year you need the W-2 for. They can confirm if your W-2 was mailed and to which address, and can send you a replacement if necessary
- Verify Your Mailing Address
If you have moved since leaving the job, ensure you have updated your address with the employer or filed a change-of-address form with the USPS. Incorrect or outdated addresses can cause your W-2 to be sent to the wrong location
- Check Your Email
Some employers provide electronic W-2s. Check your email inbox, including spam or junk folders, for any messages containing your W-2 or instructions on how to access it online
- Contact Payroll Service Provider if Applicable
If your former employer uses a third-party payroll service, you may need to contact that company directly to obtain your W-2
- Wait Until Mid-February Before Taking Further Action
Employers have until January 31 to send W-2s, and it may take a week or two to arrive. If you haven’t received it by mid-February, take additional steps
- Contact the IRS if You Can’t Get Your W-2
If your employer is unresponsive or you cannot get your W-2 by mid-February, call the IRS at 800-829-1040. Have your former employer’s Employer Identification Number (EIN), your Social Security Number, and your contact information ready. The IRS will contact the employer to request the missing form and can guide you on how to file your taxes without it using Form 4852 (a substitute for the W-2)
By following these steps, you can obtain your W-2 from a previous job to file your taxes accurately and on time.
