Need to know how to get your W-2 from a previous employer? When preparing for tax season, tracking down your W-2 forms should be at the top of your to-do list. This important document, also known as the Wage and Tax Statement, contains your earnings and how much you paid in taxes last year.
If you’ve changed jobs recently, you might wonder how to get your W-2 from your former employer. Legally, your former employer must send you this tax document. The IRS requires all employers to provide W-2s to current and former employees. This applies to those who earned $600 or more during the tax year.
Missing a W-2 from an old job can delay your tax filing and potentially lead to penalties. That’s why knowing how to get old W-2 forms and understand your rights as a former employee is essential. Keep reading to learn how to track down your W-2.
- Why do I need a W-2 from my previous employer?
- How to obtain a W-2 from a past employer
- What if I can’t get a W-2 from my previous employer before the tax filing deadline?
- Frequently asked questions
- Resolve your W-2 issues and file with ease
Why do I need a W-2 from my previous employer?
Your W-2 is essential for completing your tax return and determining if you owe taxes or will get a refund. When preparing for tax season, this document contains crucial information to file state taxes and complete your federal return.
Here’s what you’ll find on your W-2:
- Your name, address, and Social Security number
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Your wages, Social Security wages, and Medicare wages
- Federal, Social Security, and Medicare tax withheld
- State and local wages and income tax
- Retirement plan contributions
- Dependent care benefits
- Non-qualified deferred compensation
Knowing how to get a W-2 from an old job is essential for your tax documents to be complete and accurate. Missing even one W-2 form can cause serious problems when filing your taxes. You might face delays in processing your return or even tax penalties.
How to obtain a W-2 from a past employer
You have until mid-April to file your tax return. However, most people like to start on their taxes earlier. This requires having your W-2s available either as a paper or digital copy.
If you’re missing a W-2 from a former employer, here’s what you can do:
1. Check the deadline for W-2 form distribution
The IRS requires employers to send W-2s to current and former employees annually by January 31st. Some employers will wait until the last day of January to mail your W-2, so you may not get yours until February. The latest a W-2 can arrive is February 14th.
2. Look through your email
While working at your previous job, you may have opted to receive paperless tax statements. In this case, thoroughly check your email inbox and junk or spam folders. Employer emails will include a secure link to access your W-2 form without any security risk.
3. Reach out to your former employer
If you don’t have your W-2 form by February, contact the Human Resources department of your old company. Then, ask about the status of your W-2 form. They should be able to see if your form was mailed and sent to the correct address.
4. Update your address if you’ve moved
If you’ve moved since leaving your previous job, complete a change-of-address form online or at your nearest United States Post Office. Once you file the form, it can take seven to 10 days to process, so keep an eye on the mail.
5. Speak with the payroll administrator
Some businesses employ an outside company to handle their payroll. If this is the case, you’ll need to contact someone from that payroll company to check on your W-2.
6. Contact the IRS for help
If you’ve tried these methods and still can’t locate your W-2 form, contact the IRS online or by calling 800-829-1040. You can also make an in-person appointment at your local IRS office.
Be sure to have your former employer’s EIN, your Social Security number, and your contact information ready. You can find the company’s EIN on an old paystub or previous W-2s.
What if I can’t get a W-2 from my previous employer before the tax filing deadline?
There’s no need to panic if you haven’t received your W-2 from a former employer. Here are a few things you can do to avoid penalties from the IRS:
Request an extension
To request an extension to file your tax return, submit Form 4868. If the IRS accepts your application, you’ll receive an extra six months. This gives you more time to track down your W-2 and file your taxes without a penalty.
File your tax return without a W-2 form
Sometimes, you may have to file your taxes without a W-2 form. For example, if your previous employer has gone out of business and can’t send the form.
In this case, you can submit Form 4852. You’ll use information from a previous pay stub to estimate your earnings and tax withholding.
If you receive your W-2 after filing Form 4852, you can submit Form 1040-X to update your tax return.
Frequently asked questions
How do I obtain my W-2 without contacting my former employer?
The easiest way to get your W-2 without contacting your former employer is to request a wage and income transcript from the IRS. This document shows all the money you made and the taxes you paid as reported to the IRS by your former employers.
You can get this transcript in three ways:
- Go to IRS.gov and create an account
- Fill out Form 4506-T and mail it to the IRS or fill out this online form
- Visit your local IRS office in person
If you request to get your transcript by mail, you can expect it within 5-10 business days.
How can I get a previous W-2 from a company that’s no longer in business?
If your old company has shut down, you can still get your W-2. First, try the IRS. They keep records of everybody’s W-2s, and they can get you a copy of yours. Just call them at 800-829-1040 or visit an IRS office near you.
If that doesn’t work, you can also try your state’s labor department. They often keep company records even after businesses close.
Additionally, if your former employer used a payroll company like ADP or Paychex, you can try contacting them directly. You may still even have access to your old online account. These companies often keep W-2 records for years, even after a company closes.
Is it possible to access a W-2 from several years ago?
Yes, it’s possible to get a W-2 from several years ago. The IRS keeps records of your W-2s for up to 10 years, and getting copies is simple. You can easily get a wage and income transcript showing all your old W-2 information.
What should I do if my previous employer refuses to give me a W-2?
Your previous employer must legally provide you with a W-2. If they refuse, the first step is to contact the IRS at 800-829-1040. They’ll reach out to your former employer for you.
Have this information ready when you call:
- Your name, address, phone number, and Social Security number
- Your former employer’s name, address, and phone number
- The dates you worked there
- Your best guess at how much you earned and how much tax you paid
While you wait for the IRS to help, don’t miss your filing deadline. You can file your taxes using Form 4852 instead of a W-2. This form is essentially a replacement W-2 that you fill out yourself. You’ll use your last pay stub of the year to fill in the numbers as accurately as you can.
Any company that doesn’t send W-2s when they have to can get in big trouble with the IRS. Most employers will send you your documents quickly once the IRS contacts them.
Resolve your W-2 issues and file with ease
Not receiving a W-2 form from a former employer can be frustrating. Fortunately, this won’t happen often, and you should receive your W-2 on time. Plus, the IRS requires employers to keep employee W-2s for years, meaning they’re available and accessible.
Once you have your tax documents, file easily with Sun Loan. We offer online, in-person, and drop-off tax preparation services. Get started today.
