IRS will provide copies of W-2 for a previous year if a tax return was filed and if the request is for Federal tax purposes or related to Federal tax situations. IRS maintains W-2 information for the current tax year and previous 9 years. They cannot provide W-2 copies for any earlier years. If a copy of the W-2 is needed for federal tax purposes, contact your local IRS Service center or contact IRS at its national toll-free number 1-800-829-1040.
Social Security will provide copies of W-2 at no charge, if the W-2 is needed for Social Security program purposes, i.e., there is a question of the earnings posted to the individual’s social security earnings record. Social Security will provide copies of W-2 for non-Social Security program related purposes, however Social Security will charge a fee for providing the W-2.
Some examples of non-Social Security-program purpose are:
- Filing federal or state tax returns
- Resolving state tax discrepancies
- Establishing residency
- Lost form; and
- Pension funds
A fee of $30 will be charged for each year that copies of Forms W-2 are requested, regardless of the number of W-2 copies actually provided for each of the years requested, or whether copies are available for the year(s) requested.
Copies of W-2s from Social Security can be made using either IRS Form 4506 (Request for Copy or Transcript of Tax Form) or other written correspondence. The request should be sent to:
Social Security Administration
Office of Central Operations Division of Earnings Records Operations
P.O. Box 33003
Baltimore, MD 21290-3003
When you write to Social Security, be sure to include the following information:
- Social Security number,
- Name shown on your Social Security card,
- Any different names shown on your W-2,
- Complete mailing address,
- Year(s) that you are requesting copies of the Form W-2.
- Daytime telephone number, and
- Reason for the request.
