Check your former employer’s payroll or HR portal for a downloadable W-2
Contact the payroll department of your previous employer
Ask your former manager or HR contact for the correct payroll contact
Verify your mailing address was correct with the former employer
Request that the W-2 be reissued if it was lost or never received
Wait until late January, since employers must mail W-2s by then
Check whether the W-2 was sent electronically if you consented to e-delivery
Contact the IRS if you cannot get it from the employer
Use IRS Form 4506-T to request wage and income transcripts
File your tax return using Form 4852 if you still cannot get the W-2
Keep records of all calls, emails, and requests to the former employer
