How to Get Your W-2 After You Leave the Military?
Leaving the military can be a significant life transition, and one of the many tasks you’ll need to complete is obtaining your W-2 form from your former employer. The W-2 form is a crucial document that shows your income and taxes withheld for the year, and it’s essential for filing your taxes. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of getting your W-2 after you leave the military.
What is a W-2 Form?
Before we dive into the process, let’s briefly explain what a W-2 form is. A W-2 form is a document that your employer is required to provide to you by January 31st of each year. It shows your income and taxes withheld for the year, including:
- Your gross income (before taxes)
- Federal income taxes withheld
- Social Security taxes withheld
- Medicare taxes withheld
- Any other taxes withheld
How to Get Your W-2 After You Leave the Military?
There are a few ways to obtain your W-2 form after you leave the military. Here are the steps:
Method 1: Contact Your Former Employer
- Reach out to your former employer’s HR department: You can start by contacting your former employer’s HR department and asking for your W-2 form. Provide them with your name, Social Security number, and dates of employment.
- Provide any necessary documentation: Your former employer may request additional documentation, such as your DD Form 214 (discharge papers) or your Social Security card.
- Request a copy of your W-2: Once your former employer has verified your identity and employment, they will provide you with a copy of your W-2 form.
Method 2: Contact the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)
- Contact the DFAS: If you’re having trouble getting your W-2 from your former employer, you can contact the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). The DFAS is responsible for processing military pay and benefits.
- Provide your Social Security number and dates of service: When you contact the DFAS, provide your Social Security number and dates of service. This will help them locate your military pay records.
- Request a copy of your W-2: The DFAS will provide you with a copy of your W-2 form, which will show your military pay and benefits.
Method 3: Use the IRS’s Get Transcript Online Tool
- Create an account on the IRS website: You can create an account on the IRS website and use their Get Transcript Online tool to obtain a copy of your W-2 form.
- Provide your Social Security number and dates of service: When you create an account, provide your Social Security number and dates of service. This will help the IRS locate your tax records.
- Request a copy of your W-2: Once you’ve created an account, you can request a copy of your W-2 form.
What to Do if You’re Having Trouble Getting Your W-2
- Contact the IRS: If you’re having trouble getting your W-2 from your former employer or the DFAS, you can contact the IRS for assistance. The IRS can help you resolve any issues related to your W-2 form.
- File a Form 4506: If you’re unable to obtain a copy of your W-2 form, you can file a Form 4506 with the IRS. This form requests a copy of your tax return, which will include your W-2 information.
Conclusion
Obtaining your W-2 form after you leave the military can be a bit of a process, but it’s essential for filing your taxes. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to obtain a copy of your W-2 form. Remember to keep a copy of your W-2 form for your records, and consider filing a Form 4506 with the IRS if you’re unable to obtain a copy.
Additional Resources
- IRS Website: www.irs.gov
- DFAS Website: www.dfas.mil
- Form 4506: www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4506
Table: W-2 Form Information
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Gross Income | Your total income for the year, before taxes |
| Federal Income Taxes Withheld | The amount of federal income taxes withheld from your pay |
| Social Security Taxes Withheld | The amount of Social Security taxes withheld from your pay |
| Medicare Taxes Withheld | The amount of Medicare taxes withheld from your pay |
| Other Taxes Withheld | Any other taxes withheld from your pay, such as state or local taxes |
Bullets: W-2 Form Information
• Gross Income: Your total income for the year, before taxes
• Taxes Withheld: The amount of taxes withheld from your pay, including federal income taxes, Social Security taxes, and Medicare taxes
• Employer Information: Your employer’s name, address, and tax ID number
• Employee Information: Your name, address, and Social Security number
