The W-2 form, known as the 'Wage and Tax Statement', is provided by your employer for tax reporting purposes. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) retains copies of these forms for 7-10 years. You can file your tax return a year after completing the form. To request a copy, you can use the free customer service line, but obtaining a copy will cost you $57 per year. To get your W-2 form, you need to fill out the official IRS form and request a copy of your last tax return. In this article, we will guide you on how to obtain your W-2 through the IRS.
Part 1
Step 1: Go to IRS.gov.
Visit the official IRS website at IRS.gov. Look for Form 4506. You can also call 800-829-3676 to request that the form be mailed to you.
Step 2: Fill out Form 4506 clearly and legibly.
Complete Form 4506 using block letters and a black pen. If your form is filled out incorrectly, the IRS will reject your request.
- Provide your personal information: name, Social Security number, your spouse's name and Social Security number, as well as your current and previous addresses. Spouse information is only needed for joint requests.
- Include the name of a third party if you want them to receive the form as well. The IRS will send all tax return forms, not just the W-2. Sometimes, such forms are required by real estate agencies or banks.
- Specify the type of tax return and the date for each return. For individual tax returns, you need Form 1040, for corporations, Form 1120, and for employers, Form 941. You can request tax returns for the past 8 years; Form 4506 needs to be filled out for that as well.
Step 3: Request a payment check from the U.S. Treasury.
Request a payment check from the U.S. Treasury. You can include the $57 fee for obtaining the tax return.
- For example, if you are requesting returns for 8 years, the total will amount to $456. Otherwise, your request will not be accepted. If the IRS cannot find your forms, the money will be refunded.
Step 4: Sign the form and date it.
Make sure to sign the form and indicate the date. If you are filling out the form jointly with your spouse, they can also sign.
Step 5: Find the Treasury address on the second page of the form.
On the second page of the form, find the Treasury address. Each state is associated with a specific regional office for processing forms. Business and individual tax cases are handled separately. Don’t forget to sign the envelope and indicate 'Internal Revenue Service' as the recipient.
Step 6: Send Form 4506 with your payment.
Send the completed Form 4506 along with your payment. Be sure to make a copy of the form and the check or money order before sending. The entire process should take no more than 60 days.
