Life can be hectic, and sometimes important documents like your W-2 slip go missing. Whether you're moving, decluttering, or just can't remember where you put it, needing an old W-2 from TurboTax can feel like a daunting task. But don't fret! While TurboTax doesn't actually store your W-2 forms themselves, they do keep records of your filed tax returns, which contain all the W-2 information you entered. This lengthy guide will walk you through the precise steps to access that crucial data.
Ready to dive in and get that old W-2 information? Let's get started!
How to Get Old W-2 Information from TurboTax: A Comprehensive Guide
It's a common misconception that TurboTax stores your actual W-2 forms. In reality, your W-2s are issued by your employer, and TurboTax simply uses the information from those forms to prepare your tax return. However, if you filed your taxes using TurboTax, all the data from your W-2s is embedded within your tax return. This means that by accessing your past tax returns through TurboTax, you can retrieve the W-2 information you need.
Here's how to do it, step-by-step:
 |
| How To Get Old W2 From Turbotax |
Step 1: Accessing Your TurboTax Account
The very first and most crucial step is to log into your TurboTax account. This might sound obvious, but ensuring you're using the correct login credentials is paramount.
Sub-heading: Recovering Your Login Information
If you can't remember your User ID or password, don't panic! TurboTax provides easy-to-use recovery options.
For User ID: Look for a "Forgot User ID" or "Find my account" link on the TurboTax login page. You'll likely need to provide your email address or phone number associated with the account.
For Password: Click on the "Forgot password" link. You'll typically be prompted to enter your User ID, and then you can reset your password via email or text message.
Step 2: Navigating to Your Tax Returns & Documents
Once you've successfully logged into your TurboTax online account, you'll need to navigate to the section where your past tax returns are stored.
Sub-heading: Finding Your Tax History
Look for "Tax Home" or "My TurboTax": After logging in, you'll usually land on a "Tax Home" or "My TurboTax" dashboard. This is your central hub for all things tax-related within your account.
Scroll Down to "Your Tax Returns & Documents": On this dashboard, scroll down until you see a section clearly labeled "Your tax returns & documents" or something similar. This is where your previous years' tax filings are neatly organized.
QuickTip: Look for repeated words — they signal importance.
Step 3: Selecting the Correct Tax Year
You'll see a list of tax years for which you've filed using TurboTax. It's vital to select the specific year for which you need the W-2 information.
Sub-heading: Identifying the Right Year
Click on the desired year: Each year will likely be displayed as a clickable link or a dropdown menu. Carefully select the tax year corresponding to the W-2 you're looking for. For example, if you need a W-2 from 2023, click on "2023."
Available Years: TurboTax generally stores your online returns for up to seven years. If you need a return older than seven years, you'll need to explore alternative methods (discussed later).
Step 4: Downloading Your Tax Return PDF
Once you've selected the correct tax year, you'll typically have an option to download a PDF copy of your entire tax return for that year.
Sub-heading: Getting the PDF Copy
Look for "Download/print return (PDF)": After clicking on the tax year, you should see an option like "Download/print return (PDF)" or "Download tax PDF." Click this to download the complete PDF of your tax return to your computer.
Why PDF? The PDF version contains all the forms and worksheets that were part of your original filing, including the Wage and Tax Statement (W-2) worksheet which contains the data you're looking for.
Step 5: Locating the W-2 Information Within the PDF
Open the downloaded PDF file. Your W-2 information will be integrated into the tax return itself, typically on a Wage and Tax Statement worksheet or directly on Form 1040.
Sub-heading: Pinpointing the W-2 Data
Scan for Form 1040: Your Form 1040 will summarize your income, including wages from your W-2.
Look for "Wage and Tax Statement" or W-2 Worksheet: Within the PDF, you might find a specific "Wage and Tax Statement" or a W-2 worksheet that replicates the data from your original W-2. This worksheet will show your employer's name, EIN, your wages, federal income tax withheld, Social Security wages and tax, Medicare wages and tax, and any state or local tax information.
Search Function: If the PDF is large, use the search function (Ctrl+F on Windows, Command+F on Mac) and type "W-2" or your employer's name to quickly find the relevant sections.
Step 6: What If You Used TurboTax Desktop Software?
If you used the downloadable desktop version of TurboTax, the process is slightly different as your tax files are stored locally on your computer, not on the TurboTax website.
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
Sub-heading: Accessing Desktop Files
Locate the ".tax" file: When you filed using TurboTax Desktop, your return was saved as a file with a ".tax" extension (e.g., "My2023Taxes.tax"). You'll need to locate this file on your computer.
Open with TurboTax software: You'll need the corresponding year's TurboTax desktop software installed to open this file. Once opened, you can view or print your return, which will include your W-2 data.
Backups are key: If your computer crashed or you no longer have access to it, recovering these files can be challenging. This highlights the importance of regularly backing up your tax documents!
Alternative Solutions if TurboTax Access Fails
While TurboTax is a great first stop, there are other avenues if you can't access your old W-2 information through your account or if the year is too old.
A. Contact Your Employer Directly
This is often the easiest and quickest way to get a copy of your W-2. Employers are required to keep these records and can usually provide you with a duplicate.
Reach out to Payroll or HR: Contact your former employer's payroll or human resources department. Be prepared to provide your name, Social Security Number, and the tax year(s) for which you need the W-2.
Electronic Access: Many employers now offer online portals where you can securely access and download your past W-2s. Check if this is an option for you.
B. Request a Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS
The IRS maintains records of all W-2s submitted by employers. You can request a free "Wage and Income Transcript" from them. This transcript summarizes all the income information the IRS received, including W-2 data.
IRS Get Transcript Online: The fastest way is to use the IRS's "Get Transcript Online" tool. You'll need to verify your identity, which can sometimes be a hurdle, but it provides immediate access to your transcript.
Request by Mail: You can also request a transcript by mail using Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. This method takes longer (typically 5-10 business days for delivery).
What it includes: The Wage and Income Transcript will show the information reported to the IRS from your W-2s, 1099s, and other income documents. It does not include actual copies of the forms, but it provides all the necessary data.
C. Request a Copy of Your Tax Return from the IRS
If you need an actual copy of your complete tax return, including copies of the W-2s that were submitted with it (if you paper-filed and attached them), you can request one from the IRS using Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return.
Fee Involved: There is a fee for this service (currently $43 per tax year).
Processing Time: It can take up to 75 calendar days for the IRS to process your request.
D. Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA)
The SSA also receives copies of your W-2s from your employers. You can request copies directly from them.
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
Fee Involved: The SSA charges a fee for W-2 copies (currently $126).
When to use this: This option is usually pursued if you cannot get the W-2 from your employer or the IRS.
Important Considerations and Tips
Always Save Your W-2s! This cannot be stressed enough. Keep paper copies and/or digital backups of your W-2s for at least three years, but ideally longer, especially for retirement planning.
Verify Information: When you retrieve your W-2 information from any source, always double-check its accuracy against any records you might have, like old pay stubs.
Identity Verification: Be prepared for identity verification processes, especially when dealing with the IRS or SSA. This is for your security.
Timing Matters: If you need a W-2 for current-year tax filing and it's missing, contact your employer first. The IRS recommends waiting until after February 15th before contacting them if your employer hasn't provided the W-2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to getting old W-2s, with quick answers:
How to get a W-2 if my employer went out of business?
Contact the IRS to request a Wage and Income Transcript, or the Social Security Administration (SSA) for a copy of your W-2.
How to get a W-2 if I moved and didn't update my address with my old employer?
Reach out to your former employer's payroll or HR department directly. Provide them with your new address and request a re-issuance.
How to get a W-2 if I lost all my pay stubs?
Your best options are to access your past tax return through TurboTax, contact your former employer, or request a Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS.
How to get a W-2 from more than seven years ago?
TurboTax generally retains online returns for seven years. For older W-2 information, your primary options are requesting a Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS or contacting the Social Security Administration.
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
How to get W-2 information if I used TurboTax Desktop and my computer crashed?
If you don't have a backup of your ".tax" file or the PDF of your return, you'll need to contact your former employer, or request a Wage and Income Transcript or a copy of your return from the IRS.
How to get my employer's EIN to retrieve my W-2?
Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is typically on your pay stubs or can be obtained by contacting your employer's payroll or HR department. It will also be present on your past tax return if you download it from TurboTax.
How to get a W-2 for unemployment income?
Unemployment income is reported on Form 1099-G, not a W-2. You should receive this form from your state's unemployment agency. You can often access it through their online portal.
How to get a W-2 if I only have my last pay stub?
While a pay stub can help you estimate your income and withholdings, it's not a substitute for a W-2 for official tax filing. You'll still need to follow the steps to obtain an official W-2 from your employer, TurboTax (via your filed return), or the IRS/SSA.
How to get a W-2 quickly?
The quickest methods are usually contacting your former employer directly or accessing your filed tax return PDF through your TurboTax online account. Requesting a Wage and Income Transcript online from the IRS can also be relatively fast.
How to get a W-2 if I don't remember which TurboTax account I used?
On the TurboTax login page, look for options like "Find my account" or "Forgot User ID" which will help you locate accounts associated with your email addresses or phone numbers. You might have multiple accounts if you used different email addresses over the years.
 |
