The IRS does not issue W2s — your employer does
Your W2 form comes from the company that paid you, not from the IRS. The IRS receives a copy when your employer files it, but they do not print and mail W2s to workers. If you need a W2, contact your employer's payroll or human resources department first. That is the fastest and most direct route.
If you cannot reach your employer or they are out of business, the IRS can help you get the information you need — but the process takes longer and requires you to request a Wage and Income Transcript instead of an actual W2 form.
Key Takeaways
- Your employer is required to send you a W2 by January 31 each year; if you do not have it by early February, contact their payroll department directly.
- If your employer will not provide a W2 or is no longer in business, you can request a Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS, which shows the same wage information.
- You can order a Wage and Income Transcript online through IRS.gov, by phone at 1-800-908-9946, or by mail using Form 4506-C.
- A transcript ordered online or by phone usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days; a mailed request takes 5 to 10 business days after the IRS receives it.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and mailing address to request a transcript, and you must verify your identity.
What to do if your employer has not sent your W2
Employers are legally required to mail or deliver W2 forms to employees by January 31. If you have not received yours by early February, call your employer's payroll or HR department. Have your employee ID number ready, and ask them to confirm they have your correct mailing address on file.
If your employer says they mailed it but you never received it, ask them to reissue it or send a duplicate. Most payroll systems can print a replacement copy immediately. If your employer refuses or cannot be reached, move to the next step.
How to get a Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS
A Wage and Income Transcript shows the same wage and tax information as your W2 — your gross income, federal tax withheld, and other wage details. The IRS will issue this transcript if your employer did not provide a W2 or if you need proof of income for another reason.
You have three ways to request a transcript:
- Online through IRS.gov: Go to irs.gov/transcripts and select "Get Transcript Online." You will need to verify your identity using your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and either your prior-year tax return information or a mobile phone number associated with your account. Transcripts ordered online arrive within 5 to 10 business days.
- By phone: Call 1-800-908-9946 and speak with an IRS representative. They will verify your identity and mail the transcript to your address on file. This method also takes 5 to 10 business days after the call.
- By mail: Complete Form 4506-C (Request for Transcript of Tax Return) and mail it to the IRS address listed on the form. Include your Social Security number, tax year, and the type of transcript you need (Wage and Income Transcript). Processing takes 5 to 10 business days after the IRS receives your form.
What information you need to request a transcript
Before you contact the IRS, gather these details:
- Your Social Security number
- Your date of birth
- Your current mailing address
- The tax year you need the transcript for (for example, 2023)
- If ordering online, your prior-year tax return information or a phone number associated with your IRS account
The IRS uses this information to verify your identity and locate your wage records. If you have moved since the year in question, make sure the address you provide is current so the transcript reaches you.
When a transcript is not enough
Some situations require an actual W2 form rather than a transcript. If you are applying for a mortgage, a rental lease, or certain government programs, the organization may specifically ask for your W2. In those cases, contact your employer again and explain that you need the original form for a third party.
If your employer is permanently out of business or cannot be located, explain this to the organization requesting the W2. Many will accept a Wage and Income Transcript as proof of income instead. If they will not, ask them what alternative documents they will take — sometimes a recent pay stub or a letter from your employer stating your wages will work.
What to do if you worked for multiple employers
If you had more than one job during the year, you will receive a separate W2 from each employer. Request a transcript from each one individually, or contact each employer's payroll department for their W2.
When you file your tax return, you will report income from all W2s. If you are missing one, the IRS may eventually contact you — they receive copies from employers and will notice if your return does not match. It is better to track down missing W2s before you file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my W2 from the IRS website directly?
No. The IRS does not issue W2s. You can view wage information through your IRS online account if you have one, but to get an official document, you must request a Wage and Income Transcript or contact your employer. The transcript serves the same purpose for most situations.
How long does it take to get a transcript if I order it online?
Transcripts ordered online through irs.gov typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days. Phone requests take the same time after the IRS mails it. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days after the IRS receives your Form 4506-C, so add time for postal delivery both ways.
What if my employer is out of business?
Request a Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS using the methods above. The IRS has records of all wages reported to them, even if the employer no longer exists. The transcript will show your wage information for that year and employer.
Do I have to pay to get a transcript?
No. Wage and Income Transcripts are free from the IRS. If a website or service charges you to request a transcript, you are using a third-party site, not the IRS. Go directly to irs.gov or call 1-800-908-9946 instead.
Can someone else request my W2 or transcript for me?
Generally, no. The IRS requires you to verify your own identity. However, if you have a power of attorney or are a tax professional with authorization, you may be able to request it on behalf of someone else. Contact the IRS directly to ask about your specific situation.