Contact your former employer’s payroll or HR department
Ask for a copy of your W-2 for the tax year you need
Check your old employee portal or payroll account for downloadable tax forms
Verify your mailing address was correct with your former employer
Request that they resend the W-2 if it was mailed to the wrong address
Wait until the end of January, when W-2s are typically issued
Contact the payroll provider if your employer uses an outside service
Use the IRS “Get Transcript” or contact the IRS if you cannot get it from your employer
File Form 4852 as a substitute if you still cannot obtain the W-2
Keep records of your requests and any responses from your former employer