The quickest way to obtain a copy of a prior year Form W-2 (PDF) is through your employer. If that is not possible, you can order and pay for copies of your entire return (attachments include Form W-2 (PDF)) from IRS, or order Form W-2 (PDF) information at no charge from the IRS. The IRS can provide Form W-2 (PDF) information for up to 10 years. Information for the current year is generally not available until the year after it is filed with the IRS. For example, Form W-2 (PDF) information for 2005, filed in 2006, will not be available from IRS until 2007.

To receive a copy of your return or transcript, complete and mail Form 4506 (PDF), Request for Copy of Tax Return or Form 4506-T (PDF) Request for Transcript of Tax Return. You should allow 60 calendar days for a response.

References:

• Form 4506 (PDF), Request for Copy of Tax Return
• Form 4506-T (PDF) Request for Transcript of Tax Return

Source: www.irs.gov