Contact each former employer’s payroll, HR, or accounting department
Request a copy of your W-2 for the specific tax year you need
Ask them to mail, email, or provide a secure portal download if available
Check your former employer’s employee self-service or payroll portal
Look for W-2s in your online payroll account if you still have access
Contact the payroll provider used by the employer if the company outsourced payroll
Review your last pay stub for the payroll company’s contact information
Use the IRS Form 4506-T to request a wage and income transcript
Request an IRS wage and income transcript online, by mail, or by phone
Contact the Social Security Administration if you need wage records for older years
Verify your mailing address with the former employer before requesting reissue
Keep your request specific by including your full name, SSN, former employer name, and tax year
Follow up if you do not receive the W-2 within a reasonable time
Use Form 4852 as a substitute if you cannot obtain the W-2 in time to file taxes
Save copies of all requests and responses for your records