The IRS does not issue W-2s — your employer does
Your W-2 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 W-2s to workers. If you have not received your W-2 by early February, contact your employer's payroll or human resources department first.
If your employer has closed, gone out of business, or you cannot reach them after a reasonable attempt, then the IRS can help you get a transcript that shows what they reported you earned. This is not the same as a W-2 form, but it serves the same purpose for tax filing.
Key Takeaways
- Your employer is required to mail or deliver your W-2 by January 31 each year, and you should contact them directly if it does not arrive by early February.
- If your employer will not provide a W-2, the IRS can issue a wage and income transcript that shows your reported earnings and tax withholding.
- You can request a transcript online through IRS.gov, by phone at 1-800-908-9946, or by mail using Form 4506-C.
- A transcript takes 5 to 10 business days by mail or can be viewed immediately online if you create an IRS account.
- If you file taxes without a W-2 and your employer later files it, you may owe additional tax or face penalties.
What to do if your employer has not sent your W-2
Start by checking your email, mail, and any online payroll portal your employer uses. Some companies deliver W-2s electronically or post them to a secure account rather than mailing paper copies. If you changed addresses during the year, your W-2 may have been sent to an old address — contact your employer to confirm the address they have on file.
Call or email your employer's payroll department and ask for the W-2 directly. Provide your full name, Social Security number, and the year you need. Most employers can resend a W-2 within a few business days. If your employer is unresponsive or no longer in business, move to the next step.
How to get a wage and income transcript from the IRS
A wage and income transcript is a document the IRS creates from the W-2 your employer filed with them. It shows your reported wages, tips, and federal tax withheld. You can use this to file your taxes if you do not have the original W-2 form. The transcript is not a substitute for a W-2 in all situations — some lenders or government programs require the actual W-2 — but it works for IRS tax filing.
You have three ways to request a transcript:
- Online (fastest): Go to IRS.gov, sign in to your account, and select "Get Transcript." You can view it immediately on screen or have it mailed to you. You must create an IRS online account first, which requires your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and a valid mailing address.
- By phone: Call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946 and speak to a representative. They will verify your identity and mail the transcript to you. This takes 5 to 10 business days.
- By mail: Complete Form 4506-C and mail it to the IRS address for your state. The form is available on IRS.gov. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days.
The online method is fastest if you can set up an account. If you cannot access the online portal, the phone line is your next best option because you get confirmation of your request immediately.
What information you need to request a transcript
Have the following ready before you contact the IRS or your employer:
- Your full name and Social Security number
- The tax year you need (for example, 2023)
- Your current mailing address
- Your date of birth
- A phone number where you can be reached (for phone requests)
If you are requesting a transcript for a business or as a representative of someone else, you will need additional documentation, such as a power of attorney or business tax ID. The IRS website explains what to include for each situation.
Timeline for receiving your W-2 or transcript
Employers must send W-2s by January 31. If you do not have it by mid-February, follow up with your employer. If you request a transcript online and view it on screen, you have it immediately. If you request it by phone or mail, expect 5 to 10 business days for delivery. Do not wait until April to request a transcript — file your taxes as soon as you have the information, even if it is a transcript instead of the original W-2.
If you file your taxes without a W-2 and your employer files it later, the IRS will match the two and may send you a bill for additional tax owed, plus interest and penalties. Filing with a transcript avoids this problem.
What to do if the IRS says they have no record of your W-2
If you request a transcript and the IRS tells you they have no wage record for that year, your employer may not have filed your W-2 with them. This is a serious issue. Contact your employer immediately and ask whether they filed your W-2 with the IRS. Ask for written confirmation that they did.
If your employer says they filed it but the IRS has no record, ask your employer to check their IRS filing confirmation or contact the IRS directly. You can also file Form 4506-C and request a "no record" letter from the IRS, which you can then send to your employer as proof of the problem. Your employer is then responsible for filing a corrected W-2 or explaining why they did not file.
Do not file your taxes without a W-2 or transcript. If you have no income record from the IRS and your employer will not provide one, contact a tax professional or a free tax preparation site (such as VITA, run by the IRS) to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file my taxes without a W-2 if I have not received it yet?
You can file with a wage and income transcript instead of a W-2. If you have neither and your employer will not respond, you may file without it, but you risk owing additional tax and penalties if your employer later files a W-2 that does not match your return. It is better to wait or request a transcript.
Do I need the original W-2 form or will a transcript work?
For IRS tax filing, a transcript works. For other purposes — such as applying for a mortgage, student loans, or government benefits — some organizations require the actual W-2 form. Ask whoever is requesting it whether a transcript is acceptable before you request one.
What if I worked for multiple employers in one year?
You will receive a separate W-2 from each employer. Request a transcript for each one, or contact each employer individually. When you file your taxes, you report income from all W-2s on the same return.
How much does it cost to get a transcript from the IRS?
Transcripts are free. Do not pay anyone to request one for you. You can request it yourself online, by phone, or by mail at no charge.
Can I get a W-2 from a job I had years ago?
Yes. You can request a transcript for any year going back several years. Contact the IRS using the same methods described above and specify the year you need. If the employer is no longer in business, the IRS transcript is your best option.