Your employer is responsible for providing you with your W-2 each year.
Where do you get your W-2?
There is no standard process for getting your W-2. Each employer can set its own procedures.
You may get handed a paper copy, receive your W-2 by mail, or be given a way to access it online.
When do I get my W-2?
In most cases, you should receive your W-2 by January 31st. If your employer mails W-2s, they have to postmark it by January 31st, so it may arrive a few days later.
If you don’t receive your W-2 on time, contact your employer.
Reminder: W-2s are for your earnings between January 1st and December 31st of the previous calendar year. If you start a new job in January, you won’t get a W-2 until the following January.
How do I get my W-2 from an old job?
Your old employer still has to send you a W-2 even if you’ve left that job.
Some employer follow their usual process for sending W-2s to former employees. Others may mail W-2s to former employees who can no longer access the company’s online system.
Your W-2 will come in January as usual rather than with your last paycheck. Be sure to ask your HR department how you’ll get it.
If your former company mails or emails W-2s, don’t forget to notify them of any address changes.
How can I access my W-2 online?
There are two ways you may be able to get your W-2 online.
Your employer may have an online portal for you to access your W-2. Employers aren’t required to provide online access, so it depends on where you work.
You can also view your W-2s in your online IRS account. Note that it may take several days or weeks for them to be available after your employer submits them to the IRS.
How can I get an old W-2 online?
If your employer has an online portal, they may or may not make old W-2s available.
You can also view your old W-2s in your online IRS account. When you access your account, select the year you earned the money (not the year you got the W-2). For example, the W-2 you receive in 2022 for your 2021 wages is under tax year 2021.
What if I lost my W-2?
If you lost your W-2, you can either look it up in your online IRS account or contact your employer. If you need an original copy, you must contact your employer.
What if my employer never sent my W-2?
If you didn’t receive your W-2, the first step is to contact your employer to ask for a copy.
If your employer doesn’t provide your W-2, contact the IRS at 1-800-TAX-1040.
What if there’s a mistake on your W-2?
If there’s a mistake on your W-2, the first step is to contact your employer. If your employer won’t correct it, call the IRS.
