Ways to get your W-2 at a glance
There are a few ways to get your W-2 if it isn’t readily available. The table below compares your main options:
| Option | What you’ll receive | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Employer payroll portal | A downloadable copy of your Form W-2 | Getting the form quickly online |
| Payroll or HR department | A replacement electronic or paper copy | Regaining access or correcting an error |
| IRS wage and income transcript | Federal wage and withholding information reported to the IRS | Reviewing federal information when the original form isn’t available |
Sources: Internal Revenue Service (1,2)
Check your employer’s payroll portal
Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, shows your wages and the federal, state, Social Security, and Medicare taxes withheld from your pay.
To look for it online:
- Sign in to the portal you use for pay stubs or benefits.
- Look for a section labeled “Tax documents,” “Year-end forms,” or “W-2.”
- Download and save the form as a PDF.
- Reset your password or contact payroll if you can’t access your account.
Employers generally must provide Forms W-2 by January 31, although the deadline moves to the next business day when January 31 falls on a weekend or holiday. Forms for tax year 2025 were due February 2, 2026. Forms for tax year 2026 are due February 1, 2027.
Contact your current or former employer
If the form isn’t online:
- Ask payroll or human resources for another copy.
- Confirm that the employer has your correct mailing and email addresses.
- Check whether former employees still have access to the payroll portal.
- Review your name, Social Security number, wages, and withholding for errors.
If information is incorrect, your employer should issue Form W-2 C, Corrected Wage and Tax Statement.
Use an IRS transcript as a backup
You can request a wage and income transcript through your IRS Individual Online Account using the IRS Get Transcript tool.
An IRS transcript shows federal information reported on Forms W-2 and other information returns, but it:
- Isn’t a copy of the original W-2
- Doesn’t include state or local information
- May be incomplete early in the filing season
Steps for a missing W-2
If you still don’t have your form:
- Contact your employer.
- If it’s missing by the end of February, contact the IRS.
- Use Form 4852 (Substitute for Form W-2) and your final pay stub to estimate wages and withholding if needed.
- Amend your return if the W-2 arrives later with different amounts.
