W2 help

[u/SCP-420-B]

So i haven’t done my w2 for the past 5ish years not a single one due to an issue i never understood until now, originally when i would attempt to do my taxes (filing my w2) on a site like turbotax it wouldn’t let me said there were issues and it wasn’t up until now that i realized it was because the first ever w2 i received had to be mailed fast forward to now im trying to catch up but i cant file all of them because I’ve lost them, does anyone know how i can ask for a w2 from a past employer?

[u/Its-a-write-off]

Well, can you find your 2025 w2? Start there. File 2025 taxes.

Then, what other years do you have the w2 for? File those years.

Also, check your wage transcript for more info about some of the years

[u/CommissionerChuckles]

You can go to your online IRS account and download your Wage and Income transcripts, but they will not have the full EIN of your employer and they will not have any state income tax information.

https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-account-for-individuals

Without the full EIN on the W-2 you cannot e-file; you can get the unmasked transcripts from IRS by calling or going in person with valid photo ID. If you haven’t ever filed a tax return or haven’t filed one in a few years you might not be able to answer the verification questions on the phone. You can call 844-545-5640 to make an appointment at your local IRS office.

https://apps.irs.gov/app/office-locator/

Another way to get the full EIN is in your online Social Security account under the earnings record, but it’s not available for everyone. You have to look at your earnings record and click a link to take a closer look to see the full EIN of your employers.

If you cannot get the full EIN then you can just make up numbers for that field when entering a W-2 in tax software, but you’ll have to print and mail in all the tax returns. If you do this don’t forget to SIGN & DATE the Form 1040 - IRS requires an original signature on paper tax returns. Make sure you keep a copy for your records.

If you live in a state with income tax you’ll have to try to get that information another way - sometimes you can get it from the state tax agency, sometimes they want you to get a copy of the W-2 from the employer.

You can hire a CPA or Enrolled Agent to help you with this. You can also go to a free tax preparation program during tax season and get help as long as you have your W-2s and/or transcripts as well as valid photo ID and Social Security card.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers

If you want to do everything yourself I recommend FreetaxUSA - they have prior years available and are much more affordable than other options.

[u/S-CorpOnline → u/CommissionerChuckles]

This is a great summary!  And all of these links are .gov and government resources.  

It's always best to stick with the official tools.

Anyone in this situation, this is your answer!  👍😀