Can I get copies of my prior year Forms W-2 from the IRS

Q)  Can I get copies of my prior year Forms W-2 from the IRS

A) According to the IRS: The quickest way to obtain a copy of a prior year Form W-2 is through your employer.  If that is not possible:

• You can order copies of your entire return (attachments include Form W-2) from the IRS for a fee, or
• Order Form W-2 information at no charge from the IRS as part of a transcript.
• The IRS can provide Form W-2 information for up to 10 years.
• Complete information for the current year is generally not available until the year after it is filed with the IRS. For example, Form W-2 information for 2012, filed in 2013, may not be available from the IRS until 2014.

To receive a copy of your return, complete and mail Form 4506 (PDF), Request for Copy of Tax Return, along with the required fee.

To receive a tax return transcript, including your Form W-2 information, complete and mail or fax Form 4506-T (PDF), Request for Transcript of Tax Return.  You may also order a transcript online by going to the Get Transcript page, or by calling 800-908-9946.

You can expect to get a transcript, including Form W-2 information, within 5 to 10 days from the time we receive your request.  If you request a copy of your entire tax return, including Form W-2, you should allow 60 calendar days to receive your copies.