- 1). Ask your employer if the company keeps copies of employee's tax information from 2008 and if it can make a copy of your 2008 W2 form for you.
- 2). Check with your accountant to obtain a copy of your W2 form from the 2008 tax year. Accountants typically keep tax records for clients for several years, making copies of every form you provide them.
- 3). Obtain your W2 form from the IRS by downloading and submitting form 4506 from the IRS website. Form 4506 is the request for a copy of your past income tax returns that include your W2s. Enter the names, address and Social Security numbers of the taxpayers --- or taxpayer if you are a single filer --- and specify you want only the W2 and return information for 2008. Sign form 4506, write a check or money order payable to the U.S. Treasury in the amount of $57 (as of 2011) with your Social Security number and "form 4506 request" written on the check. Mail your request to the address listed for residents of your state on page two of form 4506. Your information is mailed to you as soon as your request is processed by the IRS.
- 4). Download form 4506-T from the IRS website to request a transmittal of your 2008 income tax return. The IRS will not provide you a copy of your actual W2, but if you only need the information from your 2008 W2 the transmittal of your return is free. Provide your name, Social Security number and address --- and that of any joint filers --- specify you want the transmittal of your 2008 income tax return and sign the form. Mail it to the address listed for residents of your state on the second page of the request form. Your transmittal is mailed once your request is processed.
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