Getting W-2s from Previous Employers?

Question

I need to get my W2s from 2001 to 2005 (I'm in VT) I've contacted my previous employer asking for them but they are ignoring me. What can I do? Does anyone know if they have a legal obligation to give them to me? I know that you have to keep records for 7 years in case of an audit and I know they have them... Should I call the st dept of taxes and ask them to call them and request them? If anyone has any ideas please let me know. It would be a lot easier if they HAD to give them to me.
thanks

I just wanted to clarify, this is because I was informed that the IRS is missing certain years and I need to "re-file" or "file" as the case may be. That being said, can they still send me my W2 information directly?

Answer 1

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, they can provide you with transcripts of your W2 information and have it mailed to you in 7 to 10 days, or by fax if you have access to a fax machine. If you need an actual photo copy of the W2's you would need to complete form 4506 and send that along with a check for 39.00 to the service center where you filed, it will take 60 days to process your request

Answer 2

They are legally obligated to provide copies upon request although they are allowed to make a resonable charge for doing so. If they refuse, contact the IRS and file a complaint. A call from the IRS is probably all that it will take to get you the copies of your W2s.

Answer 3

Depending on your purpose you may be going about this in the wrong way. If you need the W-2 "information" for income tax purposes you can get an "electronic copy" of the information from the IRS by filing a form 8821 and or a 4506T. The IRS will send you a transcript of what they have regarding your income. It takes about 4 weeks and you can get the forms on the IRS web site. Print out the instructions and go back and fill out the forms on line but you will need to print them out and mail them.