Check your personal records, tax files, or email for saved W-2 copies
Log in to your employer’s payroll or HR portal and download prior W-2s
Contact your former employer’s payroll, HR, or accounting department and request copies
Create or access your account with the payroll provider used by your employer, such as ADP, Workday, or Paychex
Review your previous tax returns, since W-2 information is often attached or included in your tax documents
Request a wage and income transcript from the IRS using your online IRS account or Form 4506-T
Contact the Social Security Administration if you need wage history information
Check with your state tax agency if you filed state income taxes and need related wage records
Ask your tax preparer if they have copies of your prior W-2s on file
Keep future W-2s in a secure digital and paper folder for easier access later