Understanding W2 Forms
A W2 form is a document that employers provide to their employees every year. It is a type of tax form that is used to report the wages and taxes withheld from an employee’s paychecks throughout the year. It is also used to report any contributions to the employee’s retirement plan. The W2 form is important for employees because it is needed to complete their taxes. If you are an employee and you need to get a W2 from a previous employer, there are a few different ways that you can do this.
Request a W2 From Your Previous Employer
The first thing you should do is request a W2 from your previous employer. Most employers will be willing to provide you with a copy of your W2 if you contact them and ask for one. You can contact your previous employer by phone, email, or letter. Make sure to include your name, address, Social Security number, and the dates that you worked for the employer. You should also include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so that they can easily send you the document.
Visit the IRS Website
If you are unable to get a W2 from your previous employer, you can also visit the IRS website. The IRS has an online tool called “Get Transcript” that allows you to view and print your W2 form. To use this tool, you will need to register for an account and provide some personal information. Once you have registered, you can log into your account and view and print your W2.
File a Form 4852
If you are still unable to get a W2 from your previous employer, you can file a Form 4852. This form is an alternative to the W2 form and it can be used to estimate the wages and taxes withheld from your paychecks. This form should be filed with your tax return and it can be used to replace a lost or missing W2 form. If you file a Form 4852, make sure to provide as much information as possible so that the IRS can accurately calculate your taxes.
Request a Copy From the IRS
If you are still unable to get a W2 from your previous employer, you can request a copy of your W2 from the IRS. To do this, you will need to fill out Form 4506-T and provide the IRS with your name, address, Social Security number, and the dates that you worked for your previous employer. The IRS will then contact your employer and request a copy of your W2. The IRS will then send you a copy of the W2.
Contact the State Tax Agency
If you are still unable to get a W2 from your previous employer, you should contact your state tax agency. Many states have programs that allow you to request copies of W2 forms from previous employers. The process for requesting a W2 from the state tax agency will vary from state to state, so you should contact your state tax agency for more information.
Conclusion
Getting a W2 from a previous employer can be a difficult process, but it is an important step in filing your taxes. If you are an employee and you need to get a W2 from a previous employer, you should first try to request a copy from the employer. If you are unable to get a copy from the employer, you can use the IRS’s “Get Transcript” tool, file a Form 4852, request a copy from the IRS, or contact your state tax agency. Hopefully this information has helped you understand how to get a W2 from a previous employer.
