How do I get my W-2 from an old job?
Robert Miller
Updated on March 31, 2026
If you can’t get your Form W-2 from your employer and you previously attached it to your paper tax return, you can order a copy of the entire return from the IRS for a fee. Complete and mail Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return along with the required fee. Allow 75 calendar days for us to process your request.
Do I have to get my W-2 from my old job?
All employers must file a W-2 for each employee. If you have switched jobs, you will need to get a W-2 from your former employer as well as your current employer before you file your tax return.
Can I do taxes with last pay stub?
No, you cannot file a return using your last pay stub. Your last paycheck stub is not guaranteed to be an accurate statement of your annual earnings, and it could be missing some information that you need to file a full tax return.
When do I get my W-2 form from my former employer?
Request a W-2 from Your Employer. Your current or former employer is generally required to send you a copy of the W-2 form for the previous year by the end of January.
What do employers need to know about your W-2’s?
All employers must file a W-2 for each employee. This document reports the amount of income you earned at that job, as well as your federal, state, Social Security, and Medicare taxes withheld. In addition, your W-2 offers details on other contributions you made during the year, such as those related to your retirement fund and healthcare.
What to do if you don’t get a W-2?
You can use an IRS form called Form 4852 to specify your earnings if you didn’t get a W-2. You may be able to file for an extension. Use your pay stubs, bank records or other records you have to substantiate how much you made and what was withheld for taxes. Hold on to Form 4852 until you collect Social Security benefits.
How does the new tax law affect your W-2?
The 2018 tax law changes don’t affect whether your employer must send you a W-2, though they may cause your tax withholding rates to change, so don’t assume your W-2 is wrong if your taxes withheld look different from one year to the next.
