To get old W-2 forms online, you can follow these options:
- From your employer or payroll provider: Contact your current or former employer or their payroll service (like ADP or VensureHR). Many employers provide online portals where you can view and download past W-2s if payroll was processed through them
. If you had online access before, try logging into that system again.
- From the IRS via wage and income transcripts: You can request a free wage and income transcript from the IRS online by creating an account on the IRS website. This transcript shows data from your W-2s for up to 10 years but does not include state or local tax information
- Request copies of W-2s from the IRS: If you need an actual copy of your W-2 (not just a transcript), you can fill out Form 4506 to request a copy of your tax return including W-2 attachments. This costs $50 per copy and can cover up to 7-8 years per request. Processing can take up to 75 days
- From the Social Security Administration (SSA): SSA can provide copies or printouts of your W-2s from 1978 to the present, often free if needed for Social Security purposes
Steps to request W-2 transcripts from the IRS using Form 4506-T:
- Fill out Form 4506-T, check the box for Form W-2, and specify the tax year(s) needed.
- Mail or fax the form to the IRS address for your state.
- Wait for the IRS to process your request (usually a few weeks).
If your employer is no longer in business or cannot provide your W-2, the IRS or SSA are your next best options
. In summary, the easiest way is to check if your employer or payroll provider has an online portal for past W-2s. If not, request a wage and income transcript online from the IRS or request copies via Form 4506 or 4506-T for older years
