How To Get W2 From Previous Employer (2026 Guide)

Stressed about how to get W2 from previous employer? Take a deep breath.

Your old employer is legally required to send you this form, and if they haven't, you have backup options. Pay records created with a paystub generator can help you estimate your wages and tax withholding while you wait.

This guide walks you through every step, even if you've never dealt with tax forms before. 

Key Takeaways

• Your previous employer must mail your W-2 by January 31 (February 2 in 2026)
• If it hasn't arrived by mid-February, start with your email and online payroll portals
• You can request a free W-2 transcript from the IRS going back 10 years
• File Form 4852 as a substitute if you can't get your W-2 before tax day
• Don't panic, you can request a filing extension with Form 4868

What Even Is a W-2? (The Basics)

A W-2, officially called a Wage and Tax Statement, is a form your employer sends after the year ends. It shows your earnings and taxes withheld. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires employers to send one to employees who earned $600 or more.

It includes wages, federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld, and retirement plan contributions. Freelancers get a Form 1099 instead. For a deeper look at the W-2 form, check out our guide on what is Form W-2.

Important Deadlines: How To Get W2 from Previous Employer on Time

Employers must mail your W-2 by January 31 each year. In 2026, that falls on a Saturday, so the deadline is February 2. You should have it by February 14 at the latest. The tax filing deadline is April 15, 2026, and the filing extension deadline is October 15, 2026. Understanding how to get W2 forms from previous employer starts with knowing these dates.

How To Get a W2 From an Old Job (Step-by-Step)

Missing your W-2 after changing jobs? Here's how to get W2 from old job in six steps. If one doesn't work, move to the next.

1. Check Your Email and Online Portals

Search your inbox and spam folder for paperless tax notifications. Log in to payroll portals such as ADP, Paychex Flex, Workday, Gusto, or QuickBooks Workforce. These services keep records for years.

2. Update Your Address if You Moved

File a change of address form at the United States Post Office or USPS.com. Processing takes 7 to 10 days.

3. Contact Your Old Employer or HR

Call the human resources department, confirm your mailing address, and ask about your W-2 status.

4. Reach Out to the Payroll Administrator

If your employer uses a third-party payroll company, contact them directly.

5. Call the IRS

Dial 800-829-1040 and have your Social Security number, Employer Identification Number (EIN), and employment dates ready. You can also visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center.

6. Use Your Last Pay Stub as Backup

Your final pay stub has year-to-date earnings that match your W-2 data. Getting W2 from previous employer is easier when you have this backup. If you need pay documentation, create accurate pay stubs in minutes.

How To Get W2 From Previous Employer Without Contacting Them

Wondering, "How do I get my W2 from a previous employer without any contact?" You can request a free wage and income transcript from the IRS. They keep records for up to 10 years.

Method	How	Processing Time
Online	IRS Get Transcript at IRS.gov	Immediate
Phone	Call 800-908-9946	5-10 business days
Mail	Submit Form 4506-T	About 3 weeks

This is how to obtain W2 from previous employer when you want to skip the awkward call to your old boss. The Social Security Administration also keeps wage records.

The IRS transcript is the fastest way to answer "How to access old W2 forms from years ago." It's one of the best methods for how to get W2 from previous employer without any hassle.

What If You Can't Get Your W-2 Before the Deadline?

Wondering how to get W2 from former employer before April 15? If it's not arriving, file Form 4868 for a six-month filing extension. You can also submit Form 4852 as a substitute W-2 using your last pay stub for estimates.

If the company refuses, the IRS can step in. Call 800-829-1040 to report it. Understanding how to get W2 from old employer when the company won't cooperate matters.

Wondering, "How do I get my W2 from my old job in the worst case?" Form 4852 is your safety net. Learning "How to get my W2 from previous employer" doesn't have to cause panic. If you worked at Walmart, see our specific guide on getting your W-2 as a former Walmart employee.

Common W-2 Mistakes And How to Avoid Them

Knowing how to get a W2 from an old job is one thing, but small errors can slow you down. Here's how to get W2s from old jobs more smoothly.

• Not Checking Spam: Paperless W-2 notifications often end up there.
• Forgetting Your EIN: Have it ready before calling the IRS. You can check an old pay stub for this.
• Waiting Too Long: Follow up as soon as mid-February passes. Don't wait until you need to file your taxes.
• Confusing W-2 With 1099: Freelancers get a 1099, not a W-2.
• Not Saving Digital Copies: Download every W-2 the moment it's available. Learning how to access W2 from previous employer once is enough. Retrieving old tax return documents becomes simple this way.

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Conclusion

Now you know how to get W2 from previous employer. Check portals first, contact HR, then use the IRS as your backup. Save digital copies going forward, so you never need to chase one down again.

Ready to create professional pay stubs? Get started with our easy pay stub generator; no experience needed. Visit PayStubs.net to learn more.