How to get copies of your prior year Forms W-2 from the IRS

The quickest way to obtain a copy of a prior year Form W-2 (PDF) is through your employer.

If that is not possible, you can order and pay for copies of your entire return (attachments include Form W-2 (PDF)) from IRS, or
Order Form W-2 (PDF) information at no charge from the IRS.

The IRS can provide Form W-2 (PDF) information for up to 10 years.

Information for the current year is generally not available until the year after it is filed with the IRS. For example, Form W-2 (PDF) information for 2007, filed in 2008, will not be available from IRS until 2009.

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

To receive a tax return transcript, complete and mail Form 4506-T (PDF), Request for Transcript of Tax Return.

You should allow 60 calendar days for a response.