How to Get Your Work History from the IRS: A Comprehensive Guide
Ever found yourself in a bind, needing to verify past employment but unable to track down old W-2s or employer contacts? Perhaps you're applying for a loan, a new job, or even social security benefits, and they've asked for detailed work history. Don't fret! The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), while primarily a tax agency, can be a surprisingly valuable resource for reconstructing your employment past. They maintain records of income reported by your employers, and these records can serve as a strong foundation for your work history.
Ready to uncover your past employment? Let's dive in!
This guide will walk you through the precise steps to obtain your work history from the IRS, ensuring you get the information you need.
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| How To Get Work History From Irs |
Step 1: Understand What Information the IRS Can Provide (and What It Can't)
Before you begin, it's crucial to manage your expectations. The IRS is not an employment agency, and their records won't provide every single detail you might desire about your past jobs. However, they are an invaluable source for verifying reported income and the entities that reported it.
What You Can Get from the IRS:
- Wage and Income Transcripts: This is your golden ticket! A Wage and Income Transcript shows data from various information returns filed with the IRS, including:
- Form W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement): This is the most important one for employment history. It lists your employer's name, their Employer Identification Number (EIN), and the wages you earned from them for a specific tax year.
- Form 1099-MISC (Miscellaneous Income): If you worked as an independent contractor, this form will show income reported by the payer.
- Form 1099-INT (Interest Income), 1099-DIV (Dividends and Distributions), 1099-R (Distributions from Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, etc.): While not directly "work history," these forms document income sources and can provide context.
- Dates of Employment (Indirectly): While the transcript won't give you exact hire and termination dates, it will show the years for which an employer reported income for you. If an employer appears on your Wage and Income Transcript for, say, 2018, 2019, and 2020, it indicates you likely worked there during those years.
What You Cannot Directly Get from the IRS:
- Exact Start and End Dates: The IRS primarily deals with annual income reporting. For precise hire and termination dates, you might need to contact the employer directly or refer to your own records (offer letters, pay stubs, etc.).
- Job Titles or Responsibilities: The IRS doesn't track your specific role or duties within a company.
- Performance Reviews or Reasons for Leaving: These are internal company records.
Knowing these distinctions will help you focus your request and supplement the IRS information if needed.
QuickTip: Skim the ending to preview key takeaways.
Step 2: Choose Your Method of Request
The IRS offers a few convenient ways to request your tax transcripts. Choose the method that best suits your needs and comfort level.
Option A: Get Transcript Online (Fastest Method)
This is generally the quickest and most convenient way to get your Wage and Income Transcript. You can view, print, or download your transcript immediately.
Sub-Step 2.A.1: Visit the IRS Website
- Go to the official IRS website: www.irs.gov.
- Look for the "Get Your Tax Record" or "Get Transcript" section. It's usually prominently displayed under "Tools" or for "Individuals."
Sub-Step 2.A.2: Choose "Get Transcript Online"
- Click on the option to "Get Transcript Online."
Sub-Step 2.A.3: Create or Log In to Your IRS Online Account
- First-time users: You will need to create an account. This involves a robust identity verification process to protect your sensitive tax information. Be prepared to provide:
- Your full name, date of birth, and Social Security Number (SSN).
- Your current address.
- Your filing status (e.g., Single, Married Filing Jointly).
- A financial account number (e.g., credit card, mortgage, home equity loan, or auto loan) for verification.
- A mobile phone number in your name to receive a verification code via text message.
- Be patient with this step; it's designed to be secure.
- Returning users: Simply log in with your existing credentials.
Sub-Step 2.A.4: Request Your "Wage and Income Transcript"
- Once logged in, navigate to the "Tax Records" tab or section.
- Select "Wage and Income Transcript" as the type of transcript you need.
- Choose the tax year(s) for which you need work history. You can usually get transcripts for the current year and up to 10 prior years online.
Sub-Step 2.A.5: View, Print, or Save Your Transcript
- Your transcript should be available for immediate viewing. You can then print it or save it as a PDF.
- Important Note: For your security, the transcript will partially mask your Social Security Number and other personally identifiable information. However, all financial and tax data, including employer names and reported wages, will be fully visible.
Option B: Get Transcript by Mail (Slightly Slower)
If you prefer a physical copy or are unable to complete the online identity verification, you can request your transcript by mail.
Sub-Step 2.B.1: Visit the IRS Website or Call the Automated Phone Service
- Go to www.irs.gov and navigate to the "Get Transcript" section, then select "Get Transcript by Mail."
- Alternatively, you can call the IRS automated phone transcript service at 1-800-908-9946.
Sub-Step 2.B.2: Provide Your Information
- You will need to provide your Social Security Number, date of birth, and the exact mailing address shown on your latest tax return. This is crucial for successful delivery.
- If your address has changed since you last filed, you will need to file Form 8822, Change of Address, with the IRS before requesting your transcript by mail to ensure it goes to the correct address. Allow 4-6 weeks for the address change to process.
Sub-Step 2.B.3: Request Your "Wage and Income Transcript"
- Specify that you need a "Wage and Income Transcript" and the relevant tax year(s).
Sub-Step 2.B.4: Await Delivery
- The IRS typically mails transcripts within 5 to 10 calendar days of receiving your request.
Option C: Mail Form 4506-T (For Specific Needs or if Other Options Fail)
Form 4506-T, "Request for Transcript of Tax Return," is a versatile form used to request various types of tax transcripts by mail or fax. This is particularly useful if you need transcripts for older tax years (beyond the 10 years available online) or if you encounter issues with the online or phone services.
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
Sub-Step 2.C.1: Download Form 4506-T
- Visit the IRS website (www.irs.gov) and search for "Form 4506-T."
- Download and print the latest version of the form.
Sub-Step 2.C.2: Fill Out Form 4506-T Carefully
- Line 1a-c: Enter your name, SSN, and date of birth. If you filed jointly, include your spouse's information.
- Line 3: Enter your current address.
- Line 4: If your address has changed since the tax year you're requesting, enter the previous address shown on the return for that year.
- Line 6: Under "Transcript requested," check the box for "Wage and Income transcript."
- Line 7: Enter the tax year(s) for which you need the transcript. You can request transcripts for up to 10 prior years using this form. For older years, you might need to specify.
- Line 9: Sign and date the form. If it's a joint return, both spouses must sign.
Sub-Step 2.C.3: Mail or Fax the Form
- The instructions on Form 4506-T will provide the correct IRS mailing address or fax number based on your location. Double-check these addresses as they can change.
- Make a copy of the completed form for your records before sending.
Sub-Step 2.C.4: Await Delivery
- Allow 5 to 10 days for the IRS to process your mailed or faxed request and send the transcript to the address on file.
Step 3: Interpret Your Wage and Income Transcript
Once you receive your Wage and Income Transcript, it's time to extract your work history.
Sub-Step 3.1: Locate W-2 Information
- On the transcript, look for sections related to Form W-2. Each W-2 filed on your behalf will be listed.
- You will see the employer's name and their Employer Identification Number (EIN). This confirms who employed you.
- You'll also see the wages and other income reported for that specific year.
Sub-Step 3.2: Identify Years of Employment
- By requesting transcripts for multiple years, you can piece together a timeline of your employment. If a particular employer's W-2 appears on transcripts for 2015, 2016, and 2017, it's a strong indication you worked there during those years.
Sub-Step 3.3: Note Other Income Sources
- The transcript will also show other types of income reported, such as 1099s for self-employment or contract work. This can be important if your work history includes freelance or gig economy positions.
Step 4: Supplement Your Information (If Necessary)
While the IRS transcript is excellent for verifying employers and income, you might need more specific details for certain applications.
Sub-Step 4.1: Contact Previous Employers Directly
- If you need precise start and end dates, job titles, or a detailed description of your duties, the best course of action is to contact the human resources (HR) department or payroll office of your previous employers. Many companies are happy to provide employment verification letters.
Sub-Step 4.2: Review Personal Records
- Dig through your own files for old offer letters, employment contracts, pay stubs, performance reviews, or even old resumes. These documents often contain exact dates, job titles, and a summary of your responsibilities.
Sub-Step 4.3: Check Social Security Administration (SSA) Records
- The Social Security Administration also maintains records of your earnings and the employers who contributed to your Social Security benefits. You can request a "Statement of Earnings" from the SSA, which can also help corroborate your work history. Visit www.ssa.gov for more information on how to request this.
By following these steps, you can effectively leverage IRS records to reconstruct and verify your work history, providing reliable documentation for various personal and professional needs.
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10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get an IRS account transcript?
You can get an IRS account transcript online via your IRS Individual Online Account, by calling the automated phone transcript service at 1-800-908-9946, or by mailing in Form 4506-T. It shows basic data like filing status, taxable income, payment types, and any adjustments made after your original return.
Tip: Slow down when you hit important details.
How to get a tax return transcript from the IRS?
You can obtain a tax return transcript online through your IRS Individual Online Account, by calling 1-800-908-9946 to have it mailed, or by submitting Form 4506-T (or Form 4506T-EZ for individual returns). This transcript shows most line items from your original Form 1040-series tax return as filed.
How to get a record of account transcript from the IRS?
A record of account transcript combines the information from both the tax return and tax account transcripts. You can obtain it online through your IRS Individual Online Account or by submitting Form 4506-T.
How to check the status of my IRS transcript request?
Generally, you cannot check the real-time status of a mailed or phone transcript request. For online requests, the transcript is available immediately. If you requested by mail, allow 5-10 days for delivery.
How to get IRS tax transcripts if I've moved?
If your address has changed since you last filed your tax return, you must first file Form 8822, Change of Address, with the IRS. After allowing 4-6 weeks for the address change to process, you can then request your transcript, and it will be mailed to your updated address.
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
How to find out what information is on a Wage and Income Transcript?
A Wage and Income Transcript shows data from information returns the IRS receives, such as Forms W-2 (wages from employers), 1099 (various income types like freelance, interest, dividends), 1098 (mortgage interest), and 5498 (IRA contributions). It details the payers and the amounts reported.
How to get a transcript for a prior tax year?
You can typically get Wage and Income Transcripts for the current and up to 10 prior years online through your IRS Individual Online Account. For older years or other transcript types, you may need to use Form 4506-T.
How to get a copy of my actual tax return from the IRS?
If you need an exact copy of your original or amended tax return (not just a transcript), you must complete Form 4506, "Request for Copy of Tax Return." There is a fee for each return requested, and it can take up to 75 days for delivery.
How to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from an IRS transcript?
Your Wage and Income Transcript will list the Employer Identification Number (EIN) for each employer who issued you a W-2. The EIN is a nine-digit number used by the IRS to identify a business.
How to handle issues with obtaining IRS transcripts online?
If you encounter issues getting transcripts online (e.g., identity verification problems, "no record of return filed" messages, or too many income documents), you should typically use the "Get Transcript by Mail" option or submit Form 4506-T via mail or fax.
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