Have you ever found yourself staring at your computer screen, ready to file your taxes, only to realize that your crucial W-2 form is nowhere to be found? It's a common and frustrating scenario, but thankfully, if you've used TurboTax in the past or are looking to import your W-2, there are several pathways to retrieve or input this vital document. Let's dive into a comprehensive guide to help you look up your W-2 on TurboTax, covering various situations and providing a step-by-step approach.
How to Look Up Your W-2 on TurboTax: A Comprehensive Guide
Your W-2, or Wage and Tax Statement, is the cornerstone of your tax return. It details your annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld by your employer. Without it, accurately filing your taxes is a significant challenge. While TurboTax doesn't store a copy of your actual W-2 document, it certainly helps you enter the information from it, and if you've filed with them previously, it can often auto-populate or provide access to the data.
Step 1: Identify Your Situation – Are You Importing, or Looking for a Past W-2?
Before we jump into the "how-to," let's clarify your specific need. Are you:
Trying to import your current year's W-2 from your employer directly into TurboTax? Many employers partner with TurboTax to allow for a seamless electronic import.
Looking for a past year's W-2 data that you previously entered into a TurboTax return? While TurboTax doesn't hold the physical W-2, it retains the information you entered into your filed tax return.
You lost your W-2 entirely and need to find the information to input into TurboTax (regardless of previous TurboTax usage)? This situation requires a few more steps outside of the TurboTax platform initially.
Knowing your situation will guide you to the most efficient solution.
Step 2: Accessing Your TurboTax Account and Prior Year Returns (If Applicable)
If you're looking for W-2 information from a previous year's tax return filed with TurboTax, this is your starting point.
Sub-Step 2.1: Log in to Your TurboTax Account
Go to the official TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com).
Click on "Sign In" or navigate to your account login page.
Enter the User ID and Password you used for your previous tax filings. It's crucial to use the same account you used in the past, as W-2 information is linked to that specific account.
Pro Tip: If you've forgotten your User ID or password, TurboTax has robust recovery options. Follow their "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" prompts. You might have multiple TurboTax accounts, so try different email addresses or usernames if your usual one isn't working.
Sub-Step 2.2: Locating Your Past Tax Returns
Once logged in:
Look for a section titled "Your tax returns & documents" or similar. This is usually on your "Tax Home" or dashboard.
You'll typically see a list of tax years. Select the specific tax year for which you need the W-2 information.
Click on "Download/print return (PDF)". This will generate a PDF copy of your entire tax return for that year.
Important Note: While this PDF will not be a scanned image of your original W-2, it will contain all the data you entered from your W-2 in the corresponding sections of your tax return. You can use this information to re-enter it for another purpose or to verify details. Look for Schedule C or similar forms if you were self-employed, or the "Wages & Income" section for traditional W-2 earnings.
Step 3: Importing Your Current Year W-2 into TurboTax
This is the most convenient way to get your W-2 data into TurboTax if your employer participates in the import program.
Sub-Step 3.1: Start or Continue Your Tax Return
Log in to your TurboTax account for the current tax year.
Navigate to the "Wages & Income" section. This is usually one of the first sections you'll encounter when preparing your federal taxes.
Look for "Job (W-2)" and click on "Add/Edit" or "Start."
Sub-Step 3.2: Initiate the W-2 Import Process
TurboTax will typically ask you how you want to enter your W-2. You'll see options like "Import it from my employer" or "Type it in myself."
Select "Import it from my employer."
TurboTax will then prompt you to enter your employer's Employer Identification Number (EIN). This is a 9-digit number found in Box b of your physical W-2. Having your actual W-2 in hand for this step is highly recommended.
You might also need the Control Number from Box d of your W-2, depending on the employer. This is an extra security measure.
Sub-Step 3.3: Verify and Confirm the Import
If your employer is part of the import program and you've entered the correct EIN (and control number if required), TurboTax will attempt to retrieve your W-2 data.
Once retrieved, TurboTax will display the imported information. It is critically important that you compare this imported data against your physical W-2. While the import feature is generally accurate, always double-check for discrepancies.
If everything matches, click "Continue" or "Confirm" to add the W-2 information to your tax return. If there are errors, you can usually edit the imported information.
Sub-Step 3.4: Alternative Import Methods (Photo or PDF Upload)
If direct import via EIN doesn't work or isn't available for your employer, TurboTax often offers other import options:
Snap a Photo (Mobile App): If you're using the TurboTax mobile app, you can often snap a photo of your W-2. The app uses optical character recognition (OCR) to extract the data. Again, verify the extracted information carefully.
Upload a PDF/Image: If you have a digital copy of your W-2 (e.g., a PDF from your employer's online portal), you can often upload it directly to TurboTax. This feature will try to extract the data for you.
Step 4: What to Do If You Can't Find Your W-2 (and Can't Import)
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might not have your physical W-2, and importing isn't an option. Don't panic! There are still ways to get the information you need.
Sub-Step 4.1: Contact Your Employer (First and Best Option)
This is always your first and most reliable step if you don't have your W-2. Reach out to your employer's payroll or Human Resources department.
They can typically provide you with a duplicate W-2 or give you access to an online portal where you can download it. Many employers make W-2s available electronically.
Sub-Step 4.2: Request a Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS (Free)
If your employer is unresponsive or out of business, the IRS can provide you with a Wage and Income Transcript. This document shows the data reported to the IRS by your employer, but it is not an actual copy of your W-2.
Online: Go to IRS.gov and search for "Get Transcript Online." You'll need to verify your identity.
By Mail: You can request a transcript by mail using Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.
By Phone: Call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946.
Note: A Wage and Income Transcript won't include state or local tax information, only federal. It might take 5 to 10 business days to receive it online or by mail.
Sub-Step 4.3: Request a Copy of Your Tax Return from the IRS (Fee Involved)
If you need an actual copy of your entire previously filed tax return, which would include any W-2s you submitted with a paper return, you can request it from the IRS using Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return.
There is a fee for each copy requested.
This process can take up to 75 days to process.
Sub-Step 4.4: Using Form 4852 (Substitute for W-2)
As a last resort, if you cannot obtain your W-2 from your employer or the IRS in time for the tax deadline, you can use IRS Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement.
You'll need to estimate your wages and withholdings based on your last pay stub or other records (bank statements showing direct deposits).
Be as accurate as possible. If you later receive your actual W-2 and it differs significantly, you may need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X).
TurboTax can guide you through entering information using Form 4852 if you indicate you don't have your W-2.
Step 5: Entering W-2 Information Manually in TurboTax
If importing isn't possible and you have your physical W-2 (or the necessary information from a transcript or Form 4852), you'll need to enter it manually.
Sub-Step 5.1: Navigate to the W-2 Entry Screen
In your current year's TurboTax return, go to the "Wages & Income" section.
Select "Job (W-2)" and then "Add a W-2" or "Type it in myself."
Sub-Step 5.2: Input the Required Information
TurboTax will present a digital form that mirrors the boxes on your physical W-2.
Carefully transcribe the information from each box on your W-2 into the corresponding fields in TurboTax. Pay close attention to:
Box a: Employee's Social Security Number
Box b: Employer's EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Box c: Employer's Name, Address, and ZIP code
Box d: Control Number (if applicable, though not always present)
Box 1: Wages, tips, other compensation (your gross taxable income)
Box 2: Federal income tax withheld
Boxes 3, 4, 5, 6: Social Security wages, Social Security tax withheld, Medicare wages, and Medicare tax withheld.
Box 16 & 17: State wages and state income tax withheld.
Box 18 & 19: Local wages and local income tax withheld.
Any other relevant boxes (e.g., Box 12 for various codes like health savings accounts, dependent care benefits, etc.).
Double-check every single number and letter before proceeding. A small typo can lead to significant issues with your tax return and potential delays or notices from the IRS.
Conclusion: Staying Organized is Key
While TurboTax offers excellent tools for managing your tax information, the best defense is a good offense. Always keep a digital and/or physical copy of your W-2s, 1099s, and other tax documents in a secure, organized location. This proactive approach will save you considerable time and stress when tax season rolls around.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 related FAQ questions, all starting with "How to," with quick answers:
How to get a copy of my W-2 if my employer went out of business?
You should contact the IRS directly to request a Wage and Income Transcript or a copy of your filed tax return (if you submitted your W-2 with a paper return). You can also use Form 4852 if you have sufficient information to estimate your wages.
How to import my W-2 into TurboTax if my employer is not listed?
If your employer isn't available for direct import, you will need to manually enter the information from your W-2 into TurboTax. You can also try uploading a PDF or snapping a photo of your W-2 if using the mobile app.
How to find my W-2 control number for TurboTax import?
The W-2 control number (Box d) is a unique number assigned by your employer and is found on your physical W-2 form. Not all W-2s have a control number, and if yours doesn't, you can usually leave that field blank in TurboTax.
How to access prior year tax returns on TurboTax Online?
Log in to your TurboTax account, go to "Your tax returns & documents," select the desired year, and click "Download/print return (PDF)."
How to correct W-2 information after importing into TurboTax?
After importing, TurboTax will display the W-2 data. You will have an option to "Edit" the information if you notice any discrepancies. Always compare imported data to your physical W-2.
How to get a Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS?
You can get a free Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS by visiting IRS.gov's "Get Transcript Online" tool, by mail using Form 4506-T, or by calling 1-800-908-9946.
How to file my taxes without a W-2 if I can't get a copy?
If you cannot obtain your W-2 from your employer or the IRS in time, you can file your taxes using IRS Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, estimating your income and withholdings based on other records like pay stubs.
How to ensure my W-2 information is accurate in TurboTax?
Always double-check and compare the imported or manually entered W-2 information in TurboTax against your physical W-2 form. This is crucial for avoiding errors.
How to handle multiple W-2s in TurboTax?
TurboTax allows you to enter multiple W-2 forms. After entering one, it will typically ask if you have another W-2 to add. Simply follow the prompts to input all your W-2s.
How to prevent losing my W-2 for next tax season?
Always keep a physical copy of your W-2 in a secure place (e.g., a dedicated tax folder). Additionally, save a digital copy as a PDF on your computer and consider cloud storage for backup.