Contact your former employer’s payroll or HR department
Request a copy of the specific tax year W-2
Check your online payroll or employee portal if you had one
Contact the payroll provider used by your employer
Request a wage and income transcript from the IRS
Use IRS Form 4506-T to request a transcript by mail or fax
Contact the Social Security Administration for wage records if needed
Check your personal tax records, files, or tax software account
Ask your tax preparer if they have a copy
If your employer no longer exists, contact the IRS for guidance
If the W-2 is still unavailable, use Form 4852 as a substitute when filing taxes