Getting a W-2 copy for state tax audit when my old employer refuses to help - what options do I have?

I'm in a tough spot with a state audit for my 2025 tax return from 2022. The auditor is demanding copies of my W-2 forms but I don't have them anymore. I e-filed through TurboTax that year and didn't keep good records (totally kicking myself now). The real problem is my former employer is flat-out refusing to help me. I've tried everything - called multiple times, sent emails, even mailed a formal request letter. They finally responded saying all those records are "in storage" and they WON'T be getting them for me. The owner said "we gave you one copy in 2022 and it's your responsibility to keep it." We ended on pretty bad terms when I left (the owner is super petty), so I think they're just being difficult because they can. When I asked the state auditor what to do, she basically just shrugged and said I need to keep trying to contact the employer. Not helpful at all! Are there any other ways I can get a copy of this W-2? I vaguely remember someone mentioning the IRS might have it but it costs like $110 to get copies. I'd rather not spend that money if there's another option. This whole situation is stressing me out!

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18 comments

Liam McGuire

•8M

You definitely have other options besides dealing with your difficult ex-employer! The fastest way to get your old W-2 is to request a Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS. This document contains all the information that was on your W-2. You can get this transcript free of charge in several ways: 1) Request it online at the IRS website by creating or logging into your account at irs.gov 2) Call the IRS at 800-908-9946 to request it by phone 3) Submit Form 4506-T by mail The online method is fastest if you can verify your identity through their system. The transcript will show all the information the state auditor needs from your W-2, including your wages and withholding amounts. Make sure to tell the auditor you're in the process of getting this document from the IRS. Most state auditors are familiar with this situation and will give you reasonable time to obtain the transcript.

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Liam McGuire

•8M

If you request the transcript online through your IRS account, you can usually view and download it immediately. This is definitely the fastest method. For phone requests or mail-in Form 4506-T, it typically takes 5-10 business days for delivery. If your deadline is very close, I'd recommend calling your auditor, explaining that you're getting the transcript from the IRS, and asking for a short extension if needed. Most auditors understand these challenges and will work with you if you're making a good faith effort to get the documents.

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Amara Eze

•8M

Had this EXACT same problem last year when my old company got bought out and nobody would respond about my missing W-2. I was pulling my hair out until I found taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) which saved me so much hassle. I uploaded my old tax return info and they were able to generate a detailed analysis that showed all my income sources and matched what was on that old W-2. It gave me everything I needed for my audit - all the income details, withholding amounts, and even the employer ID numbers. I just submitted their report to the auditor and it was accepted no problem. Worth checking out since you already filed with TurboTax and that info is still accessible somewhere.

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Amara Eze

•8M

They don't have access to IRS records directly. What they do is analyze the tax return you filed (if you still have access to it through TurboTax or wherever) and extract all the relevant W-2 information that was included when you originally filed. When you e-file, all that W-2 data gets incorporated into your return, so they can reverse-engineer it. The document they provide isn't an official replacement W-2, but rather a detailed analysis showing all the information that would have been on your W-2. In my case, the auditor accepted it because it contained all the necessary information they needed to verify my income and withholding. It includes things like employer EIN, wages, federal and state withholding amounts - basically everything from the original W-2.

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Giovanni Ricci

•8M

Just wanted to follow up! I decided to check out taxr.ai after seeing the suggestion here and it worked perfectly for my situation! I still had access to my old TurboTax account, and their system was able to pull all the W-2 information from my filed return. The whole process took maybe 15 minutes and I got a complete breakdown of everything that was on my original W-2 - including the employer EIN, all wage information, and withholding amounts. I sent this to my auditor and explained the situation with my former employer refusing to provide documentation. The auditor accepted it without any issues and my case is moving forward! Seriously grateful for this suggestion because I was about to pay for the transcript and wait for it to arrive by mail. This was so much faster!

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Fatima Al-Hashemi

•8M

After dealing with something similar, I discovered that trying to get the IRS on the phone to request the transcript can be a complete nightmare. I spent HOURS on hold before getting disconnected. If you go that route, check out Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). They have this system that holds your place in the IRS phone queue and calls you back when an agent is about to pick up. Saved me from wasting an entire day on hold. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was skeptical at first, but it worked like magic when I needed to talk to someone about getting tax records from years ago. The callback came in about 45 minutes and I was able to request my wage transcripts directly from an IRS agent who explained exactly what I needed to do.

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Fatima Al-Hashemi

•8M

It's actually pretty straightforward. They use a combination of automated dialing technology and timing algorithms to call during optimal periods. They don't just "keep calling" randomly - their system knows the best times to call based on historical data and current wait patterns. When they secure a place in line, they hold it and then call you when an agent is about to pick up. There's no special "cutting in line" happening - you're still waiting your turn, but they're doing the waiting for you so you don't have to sit with a phone to your ear for hours. I was honestly shocked at how well it worked because I was also extremely skeptical. I had spent nearly 3 hours on hold the day before I tried it.

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NeonNomad

•8M

I have to eat my words and apologize to Profile 14. After my skeptical comment, I was desperate enough to try Claimyr since my state audit deadline was approaching fast and I couldn't get through to the IRS. I'm still in shock that it actually worked! I got a callback in about 35 minutes, spoke directly with an IRS agent, and had my wage transcript request processed immediately. The agent was super helpful and explained I could have the transcript mailed or faxed to me if I couldn't access it online. I chose the fax option since my deadline was close, received it the same day, and submitted it to the state auditor who accepted it without questions. This saved me from potentially owing penalties for not responding to the audit on time. I'm genuinely impressed and wanted to follow up since I was so doubtful before.

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Sofia Martinez

•8M

That's too bad about the paystubs. For future reference, the IRS recommends keeping tax records for at least 3 years, but in cases where you might have special deductions or complicated situations, 7 years is safer. I've started keeping all my important tax documents in a dedicated cloud storage folder so I can access them from anywhere and don't have to worry about losing paper copies. Might be worth setting up something similar going forward so you don't run into this issue again.

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