How to Obtain a Copy of Your W-2 from Your Employer

If you have not received your W-2 from your employer by the deadline, you may need to take some steps to obtain a copy. Here, we will guide you through the process and provide you with useful information to help you navigate this requirement.

Automatic Provision of W-2 Forms by Your Employer

Your employer is required to provide you with a W-2 wage statement for the previous year, and this is typically done by January 31st. However, you are not required to request it. If you haven't received it, here are some steps you can take:

Contact Your Company Payroll Department

Most employers are required to provide W-2 forms automatically for tax purposes, with the deadline being April 15th. If you lose your original W-2, your company’s payroll department can replace it, although you may need to provide proof of your identity.

The Importance of the W-2 Form

The W-2 form is a critical document that reports an employee’s annual wages and shows the breakdown of taxes withheld by the employer during the year. This form is required for filing yearly taxes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you are an employer, you will need to fill out and share W-2 forms with your employees.

Generating W-2 Forms with StubCheck

If you are an employer and would like to simplify the process of generating W-2 forms, StubCheck can help. StubCheck is an online W-2 forms generator that can automate the process, ensuring accurate calculations and saving you time and hassle. All you need to do is enter your company name, employee information, and wage details to get started.

Obtaining Your W-2 Copy

There are several ways to obtain a copy of your W-2 if your employer has not provided it to you:

From Your Company Payroll or Employee Website

Start by contacting your company’s payroll department or checking your employee website or HR office. If your workplace has an online portal, you may be able to access your W-2 there.

Contacting the Employer Directly

If more than a year or two have passed, or if your original copy was lost, contact the employer directly. Note that the employer may charge a fee for providing copies of W-2 forms provided more than a year ago.

Government Institutions as a Last Resort

If your employer did not send you a W-2, you can contact the Social Security Administration. The IRS and the SSA advise that employees should give more time for W-2 forms to arrive in the mail in early February. However, the deadline for providing W-2 forms is January 31st. If the 31st falls on a weekend, the deadline is the next weekday.

Note: If your employer provides W-2 forms at the office and tells you to pick them up, even if you're not present, the employer has met the requirement.

What to Do If You Still Cannot Obtain the W-2

If you still cannot obtain the W-2, you can file a complaint with the IRS. The IRS has a process for dealing with missing W-2 forms and can issue a replacement form after you provide proof of your identity.

Alternatively, you can use the online tool provided by the IRS to request a replacement W-2. This tool allows you to request the form online and can be a quicker option than waiting for a mailed copy.