How to Get Military W-2 After Separation
What is a Military W-2?
Before we dive into the process of obtaining a military W-2 after separation, it’s essential to understand what a military W-2 is. A W-2, also known as a Wage and Tax Statement, is a document that shows the income and taxes withheld for an individual’s employment. In the case of military personnel, the W-2 is used to report their pay and taxes for the year. As a military service member, your W-2 will typically include your base pay, hazardous duty pay, flight pay, and other types of compensation.
Why Do I Need a Military W-2 After Separation?
There are several reasons why you may need a military W-2 after separation. For instance, you may need it to:
- File your taxes: The W-2 is a necessary document for filing your taxes, and the IRS requires it to be reported as part of your annual income.
- Verify income: You may need to provide proof of income to secure a loan, apartment, or other financial obligations.
- Update your records: You may need to provide your W-2 to update your records, such as for Social Security benefits or other government programs.
How to Get Military W-2 After Separation: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting a military W-2 after separation can be a straightforward process if you know where to start. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your hands on your military W-2:
Contents
Step 1: Determine Which Type of W-2 You Need
The Department of Defense (DoD) provides two types of W-2s: the Form W-2, which is the standard W-2, and the Form W-2AS, which is a special type of W-2 for active-duty military personnel.
- Form W-2: If you’re a military retiree, veteran, or separated service member, you’ll need to obtain a Form W-2.
- Form W-2AS: If you’re an active-duty military personnel, you’ll receive a Form W-2AS, which is filed with the IRS and can be accessed through the myPay system.
Step 2: Check with Your Former Command
Contact your former command to determine if they still have a copy of your W-2. You can reach out to your unit’s personnel office or payroll department to inquire about the availability of your W-2.
Step 3: Request a Duplicate W-2 from the IRS
If your former command no longer has a copy of your W-2, you can request a duplicate W-2 from the IRS. To do so, follow these steps:
- Visit the IRS website and download and complete Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return.
- Mail the completed form to the IRS, along with a check or money order for $43 (the cost of a duplicate W-2).
- Wait for the IRS to process your request and mail your duplicate W-2.
Step 4: Request a W-2 from the DoD’s DFAS
If you’re an active-duty military personnel, you can request your W-2 through the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). To do so:
- Log in to the myPay system and navigate to the "Tax Information" section.
- Click on "Request W-2" and follow the prompts to submit your request.
- DFAS will mail your W-2 to the address listed on your myPay account.
Step 5: Verify Your W-2
Once you receive your W-2, verify that all information is accurate, including:
- Name and SSN: Ensure your name and Social Security number are correct.
- Gross income: Verify the total gross income reported on your W-2.
- Taxes withheld: Check the amount of taxes withheld from your pay.
- Box 1-20: Review the information reported in boxes 1-20, including your gross income, federal income taxes withheld, and other withholdings.
Conclusion
Obtaining a military W-2 after separation can be a straightforward process if you know where to start. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can obtain your W-2 and use it to file your taxes, verify your income, and update your records. Remember to check with your former command and the IRS to ensure you have all the necessary documentation.
Additional Tips and Resources:
- If you’re having trouble obtaining your W-2, you can contact the IRS at (800) 829-1040 or visit their website at irs.gov.
- If you’re an active-duty military personnel, you can contact the DFAS at (800) 325-4329 or visit their website at dfas.mil.
- For more information on military taxation, visit the IRS website at irs.gov or the DoD’s Tax Center at dfas.mil.
W-2 Request Form:
MyPay Login:
