Check your IRS online account for wage and income transcripts
Contact your former employer’s payroll or HR department
Request copies from the employer’s payroll provider if applicable
Log in to your current or former payroll portal if available
Contact the Social Security Administration for earnings records
File IRS Form 4506-T to request a wage and income transcript
File IRS Form 4506 if you need a full tax return copy that includes the W-2
Check your personal tax records, email, or cloud storage for saved copies
Contact a tax professional who prepared your return
Request a copy from your state tax agency if they have a record
Use tax software account history if you filed electronically
Ask the IRS for a copy of your account transcript if needed