Contact your former employer’s payroll or HR department
Ask for a copy of the specific tax year’s W-2
Provide your full name, Social Security number, and dates of employment
Confirm your current mailing address or request electronic delivery
Check your employer’s payroll portal if available
Contact the payroll provider if your employer uses an outside service
Request a wage and income transcript from the IRS
Use IRS Form 4506-T to request a transcript by mail or fax
Create or sign in to your IRS online account to view tax records
Contact the Social Security Administration if you need earnings records
Keep copies of your request and any confirmation numbers
Follow up if you do not receive the W-2 within a reasonable time