Start doing your homework and figure out how to contact those old employers. That is where you need to get those W-2's. There are some other ways---some of which take a long time or which will cost you money.
W-2's come from your employer, and they have until January 31 to issue it. Some employers allow you to import the W-2 through the software, but for security reasons you still need information from the actual W-2 to import it. You might need to phone, drop in, email and/or snail mail an old employer to make sure they know where to send your W-2.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2561916-how-can-i-get-a-copy-of-my-w-2
Other ways to get W-2’s:
Pay Social Security $126 per W-2:
https://faq.ssa.gov/en-US/Topic/article/KA-02501
https://www.irs.gov/help-resources/tools-faqs/faqs-for-individuals/frequently-asked-tax-questions-an...
You can get a wage and income transcript from the IRS: It will not show the actual W-2, 1099’s, etc, but will show the income information the IRS received. It will not, however, show your state information. It will only show the federal information.
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
Online preparation and e-filing for 2019 and 2020 and 2021 is permanently closed.
To file a return for a prior tax year
If you need to prepare a return for 2019, 2020 or 2021 you can purchase and download desktop software to do it, then print, sign, and mail the return(s)
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/
You may also want to explore purchasing the software from various retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, Sam’s, etc.
Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/state-taxes/help/how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue/0...
When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s. Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.
Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses. Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.
Note: The desktop software you need to prepare the prior year return must be installed/downloaded to a full PC or Mac. It cannot be used on a mobile device.
If you are getting a refund, there is not a penalty for filing past the deadline. If you owe taxes, the interest/penalties will be calculated by the IRS based on how much you owe and when they receive your return and payment. The IRS will bill you for this; it will not be calculated by TurboTax.
You only have until April 17, 2022 to file a 2019return and still receive a refund. If you file a 2019 return past that deadline, your 2019 refund will not be paid to you—it will be forfeited—the IRS will keep it.
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
