How do I get lost w2s

kboy990 — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:50:13 GMT

It's been 3 years and I want to file my lost w2

Re: How do I get lost w2s

DoninGA — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 14:21:52 GMT

If you filed a tax return for the year that the W-2 is for then you will have to amend the tax return to add the W-2.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for amending a tax return - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-return/amend-change-correct-return-already-filed/L4VjJ9BA2_US_en_US?uid=ld1n99kr

If you never filed the tax return for that year then you can complete and file a tax return using the TurboTax prior year desktop editions. Go to this TurboTax website for prior tax years, 2021 thru 2019, purchase, download and install the software for the tax year on a personal computer - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

A prior year tax return can only be printed and mailed, it cannot be e-filed using TurboTax.

Re: How do I get lost w2s

xmasbaby0 — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 14:23:58 GMT

You have several years of returns to file---and you do not have your W-2's? You have some homework to do.

First contact all of the former employers. Getting them from employers is your best bet.

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.

You can get wage & income transcripts from the IRS that show the wages and 1099's reported to them for the tax years in question; but those wage and income transcripts will only show federal information. They will not have information that will help you with your unfiled state returns.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

Or...and this will be costly---you can pay Social Security for copies of W-2's

Pay Social Security $126 per W-2:

https://faq.ssa.gov/en-US/Topic/article/KA-02501

Each tax year has to be filed separately using the forms for the specific tax year. They cannot be combined in any way--do not even put them in the same envelope when you mail them. Software for past years is available back to 2019. Any earlier years can only be prepared on paper forms by hand--and those refunds have been forfeited now. If 2019 is not filed by the deadline of April 18, 2023, your refund will be forfeited.

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/00/25573

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.

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How do I get lost w2s

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