How To Get W2 From Previous Employer In A Few Steps

If you’re looking to get a W2 from your previous employer, you’ll need to reach out to them directly. While this is one way to get it, there are other ways you can also get your W2.

Did you recently switch jobs? Want to know how to get W2 from previous employer? A W-2 is an essential document employees need to file taxes when it’s tax season. Another employee document that’s useful is your pay stub, which can be created using an online paystub generator.

In this article, we'll explore how to get your W2 from an old job or how to find old W2s if they're missing. Let's get into what you need to know. 

Why Do You Need Your W-2? 

Your W2 form is known as your "Wage and Tax Statement." It outlines the compensation you received from your employer over a year. At the beginning of the year, specifically on January 31st, employers are usually required to send this form. 

Your wage and tax statement can be used to determine your earnings as an employee. That said, the W2 offers more than just a summary of your compensation. It shows how much you contributed to your retirement plan (such as a 401 (k)), and if you made any other deductions. Furthermore, you may need your W-2s or other past tax returns for loan applications, mortgage approvals, or income verification purposes.

If you ignore your W2, you'll likely be hearing from the Internal Revenue Service. Expect to pay some hefty fees and penalties. This single tax document is important for an accurate tax return.

Read more: How Can You Find Pay Stubs From an Old Job After Leaving?

How To Get W2 From Previous Employer

As a general rule of thumb, if your W-2 doesn't arrive by mid-February (usually by the 14th or 15th), you'll need to take some action steps. We'll explain to you how to get W2s from old jobs.

1. Reach Out to Your Former Employer

Ask your former HR representative for a copy. Make sure that you have provided them with the correct address. Were you working for a very small business or startup? They may not have an HR representative. In that case, it's more than appropriate to reach out to your boss directly for access to your W2.

During this process, try to be firm with your request. Employers are aware of the laws, so they should be able to give you your document after your request. This first contact is the most straightforward way when asking how to find W2 from previous employer. 

2. Investigate With the Payroll

This step is also highly important to know "How can I get a W2 from an old job?" You may be able to obtain your W-2 by contacting your payroll administrator. You can typically contact them by phone or email.

You will need to confirm the necessary details of your employment. You will also need to verify your current address. If the payroll administrator reports they have already mailed it, ask them to confirm the date. You can also request a replacement form. 

3. Contact the IRS Directly

If your former employer is unresponsive or refuses to provide access to your W-2 by mid-February, contact the IRS. You can contact the IRS by calling 1-800-829-1040. Have the following information ready:

• Your name, current mailing address, Social Security number, and phone number.

• Your former employer's name, address, and phone number.

• Your employment dates (should include the start and end dates).

• Estimate of wages earned and federal income tax withheld for the tax year.

• Company's Employer Identification Number (EIN). It can be located on your last pay stub or a previous year's Form W-2.

When calling, explain that you have been unable to obtain your W-2 from your previous employer. The IRS will then contact the employer to have them send the form to you. They may also mail a Form 4852, which is a substitute W-2 form, to use in the meantime.

Read more:How Many Pay Stubs Do I Need For A Car Loan?

How To Get Old W2 Online

A modern solution that individuals may forget is to check for electronic delivery. This is often the answer to "How do I get old W2?"

Your previous employer or their payroll service may have a portal or company page. Check emails for any messages about tax documents. It's still possible to access an old online account to download your W-2s. This method is also useful for how to access W2 from previous employer online.

How To Get a W2 From an Old Job if the Company Is Out of Business

So, how to get a W2 from a previous employer if the company no longer operates? Don't worry too much. The IRS still has the tax records, so request a wage and income transcript. This transcript is available via your IRS online account or by mailing Form 4506-T. It shows all the wages earned and taxes reported to the IRS for that tax year. It works if you're looking for a substitute for the physical W-2 form.

Also check: Are you looking for a pay stub creator? Create your document right here. 

What To Do if Your Form W-2 Has Errors

Like all documents, you should review your Form W-2 thoroughly upon receiving it. Do not file your tax return with incorrect information. Employers may leave out a 0 in your SSN or your amount, or they may spell your last name wrong by a letter, making your information incorrect. If this is the case, you need to notify your employer of the error. Even a small error can create major issues with the IRS and the Social Security Administration. The IRS can fine your employer for such mistakes. 

Your employer is responsible for issuing a corrected Form W-2, known as a W-2c. They must provide this to you and file it with the Social Security Administration. Employers face penalties for not providing these tax records, so this step has weight. Ensuring your Social Security Number (SSN) is correct is especially important for your Social Security records.

Legal Limitations and Employer Deadlines for W-2 Forms

As we mentioned above, the IRS requires that employers provide W2 forms to the government and employees by January 31st. They may face penalties for not providing these tax records, so it's important that they do so.

Note that this doesn't mean you'll receive your W2 by January 31st. It just means that your employer must get it into the mail by that date. While not required, they can also send employees W-2s electronically.

If you quit your job, your ex-employers can still wait until January 31st to send your form. However, you can ask for it earlier. While requesting, confirm that your current mailing address is on file to avoid delays. Knowing this deadline is important when trying to figure out how to get W-2 from previous employer.

Also check:Check out our pay stub templates here to create your professional pay stubs. 

How Can I Get a Copy of My W2 if I Lost It: Requesting an Extension

If you need more time to find your W-2, especially if lost, request an automatic 6-month extension to file your tax return by submitting Form 4868 by April 15th, 2026 

Note: This is an extension to the file, not to pay. It's important to still estimate and pay any taxes owed by the original deadline. It's to avoid any interest fees and penalties.

Further reading:Employer Not Giving Pay Stubs? Here Is What To Do

Alternative on How To Get Previous W2: Filing Your Tax Return Without a W-2

Regardless of when a W2 is received, the tax return is still due on April 15th. It could also be April 18th in some years, due to weekends or holidays. That means you may need to estimate your withholdings and earnings in order to complete your return on time. The IRS allows individuals to use Form 4852 as an alternative to W2 form. The IRS Form 4852 is a Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, and is used when:

• Employers do not provide W2 forms.

• Employers provide wrong or inaccurate information on the forms.

However, try and secure your W2 first before seeking this option. On this form, provide your wages, tips, and other compensation. Also, indicate whether you notified the IRS of not receiving a W2 (or receiving one with errors). Always keep a copy of Form 4852 for records.

This will be needed in the event of an audit. It may also be needed to receive Social Security benefits for that particular work year.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to get W2 from previous employer, you may as well take action. Therefore, it's important to get your taxes done as soon as possible. Getting a W2 from an old job, getting a copy, or finding old W-2s is manageable. To begin, contact your former employer to request your W2, and be persistent. Don't hesitate to use IRS resources. This way, it's possible to secure any tax documents and file an accurate return when it's tax season.

As a business owner who needs to generate W2 forms for employees, or an employee who needs one for self-reference, use our W2 generator now! You'll definitely not be disappointed. While doing so, remember to check out the pay stub creator as well, if you require a pay stub.