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February 23, 2024
Question

How can I get my w2's from the past 3 years I've worked. I haven't filed the past 3 years

  • February 23, 2024
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3 replies

DoninGA
Employee
February 23, 2024

If you cannot obtain the W-2 from your employer, then for a fee you can get a complete copy of a W-2 from the Social Security Administration - https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-02501

 

You can get a free Wage and Income transcript from the IRS - https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

 

For a fee of $43 you can get a complete federal tax return to include copies of W-2's, if you mailed the tax return and included a paper W-2, from the IRS by completing Form 4506 - http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf

 

See this IRS Tax Topic - http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc159.html

Employee
February 23, 2024

 

TurboTax does not have your W-2's.   W-2’s come from employers.  There is not a federal or national website that provides W-2’s. 

 

 Some employers have payroll sites that will have your W-2. 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

 

 

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

 

 

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-answers/irs-procedures/transcript-or-copy-of-form-w-2/transcript-or-copy-of-form-w-2

What if I do not file my tax return?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2572308-what-happens-if-i-don-t-file-my-taxes

 

 

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 2020.  Any earlier years can only be prepared on paper forms by hand--and those refunds have been forfeited now.

 

The current online program can only be used for a 2023 return--no other year. 

It might be better for you to seek local paid tax help in a situation when you are several years behind in filing your tax returns.  Do you even have all of the documents you will need to enter and show your income—like your W-2’s and any 1099’s?

 

 

 

 

You cannot change the tax year.   The current online program is for 2023 only.   Only a 2023 return can be prepared online and only a 2023 return can be e-filed.

 

Online preparation and e-filing for 2020, 2021, and  2022 is permanently closed.

 

To file a return for a prior tax year

 If you need to prepare a return for 2020, 2021, or 2022  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.

 

 

 

**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.**
LindaS5247
February 23, 2024

You can get your past year(s) Form W-2's from your employer(s).  You can ask your employer for them or if you have an employee portal, the information may be available there.

 

You can request them directly from the IRS or Social Security Administration.

 


 

Click here for additional information on getting a transcript from the IRS.

Click here for "How Can I Get a Copy of my Form W-2?"

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