You can usually get your W‑2 online through your employer, their payroll provider, or (in some cases) via tax tools that import it for you.

First place to look: your employer

Most people get an online W‑2 directly from their employer.

  • Log into your company’s employee self‑service or HR/payroll portal (often called “Workday,” “ADP,” “Paychex,” “UKG,” etc.).
  • Go to sections labeled: Pay, Payroll, Tax Forms, or Documents.
  • Choose the correct tax year and download the W‑2 as a PDF, then save or print it.
  • If you no longer know your login, contact HR or payroll and ask them to reset your access or email you a secure electronic copy.

Example: An employee logs into their HR portal, clicks “Pay,” then “Tax Documents,” selects year 2025, and downloads their W‑2 PDF.

If your employer uses a payroll service

Many employers outsource payroll, and your W‑2 may be on that provider’s site.

  • Ask HR/payroll which service they use (for example, ADP, Paychex, Gusto).
  • Go to that service’s website and create or sign into your account using your personal info and (sometimes) an employer code.
  • Once in, look for “Tax Forms” or “W‑2” and download your form.

Some tax software can also pull W‑2s directly from these providers if your employer participates.

Using tax software imports

Tax software often lets you “import” your W‑2 instead of typing it in by hand.

  • Start your online tax return and look for an option like “Import my W‑2.”
  • Enter your employer’s name, EIN, or payroll provider when prompted.
  • If your W‑2 is available, the software pulls the data in automatically; you should still compare it to the actual W‑2 you download from your employer.

If you still can’t get it online

You have backup options if nothing is showing up online.

  • Contact your employer’s HR or payroll and ask them to reissue or upload your W‑2, or send you a secure electronic copy.
  • If they do not respond and it’s after mid‑February, you can call the IRS and request help tracking down a missing W‑2; they may use your last pay stub and employer details to follow up.
  • You can also request a wage and income transcript from the IRS for prior years, which shows W‑2 info reported to them (used mostly when you’re reconstructing past returns).

Simple step‑by‑step checklist

  1. Check your email for any notices about “tax forms” or “W‑2 available” with a link to a portal.
  1. Log into your employer’s HR/payroll portal and look under “Tax Forms” or “Wage Statements.”
  1. If not there, ask HR/payroll if they use an outside payroll service and how to log in.
  1. Try tax software W‑2 import if it supports your employer or payroll provider.
  1. If you still don’t have it and it’s past mid‑February, contact the IRS for assistance and possibly a wage and income transcript.

SEO note / meta description (for your post):
Learn how to get your W‑2 online quickly using your employer portal, payroll provider, and tax software imports, plus what to do if your W‑2 is missing or delayed.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.