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 2010, filed in 2011, will not be available from IRS until 2012.

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

To receive a tax return transcript, including your Form W-2 information, complete and mail Form 4506-T (PDF), Request for Transcript of Tax Return.  You may also order a transcript online at irs.gov, or by calling 1-800-908-9946.

You should allow 60 calendar days for a response.