Accessibility Skip to Top Navigation Skip to Main Content Home  |  Change Text Size  |  Contact IRS  |  About IRS  |  Site Map  |  Español  |  Help  
magnifying glass
Advanced Search   Search Tips

Copies & Transcripts

Question:   Can I get copies of my prior year Forms W-2 from the IRS?


Answer:   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.


Category: IRS Procedures

Subcategory: Copies & Transcripts


Please provide your feedback.

1. Was it easy to find your information within the above Frequently Asked Question?

2. How satisfied are you with the information provided within the above Frequently Asked Question?

3. If you still need help from the IRS, what would your next step be?



The OMB number for this study is 1545-1432.
If you have any comments regarding this study, please write to:
IRS, Tax Products Coordinating Committee
SE:W:CAR:MP:T:T:SP
1111 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20224


Back to Frequently Asked Questions


Page Last Reviewed or Updated: November 26, 2008