W2 - Employment Verification

Employers may ask for copies of your W2 forms to verify your compensation prior to making a job offer. It may not be illegal for them to ask, check with your state labor department because state labor laws vary, but, it is inappropriate if they were to make a job offer based on what you were earning before, rather than on a set salary for the position.

Unfortunately, if you want to be considered for the position, it would be hard to refuse. What you can do though, is ask if the employer is considering making an offer. If the answer isn't positive, you can say you would prefer to wait until an offer was pending. You could also ask for average salaries for similar positions at the company, so, you have an idea of a salary to expect.

How to Get Copies of W-2 Forms

If you don't have copies of your past W-2 forms you can ask your employer(s) for a copy or order copies of your past tax returns directly from the IRS. The tax return will contain the W-2 information you need.

Also, employers are required to mail your W2 forms for the prior year by January 31.

Most importantly, make sure you are completely honest when completing previous salary information on job applications. The last thing a job seeker needs is to be caught in a discrepancy!

More Employment Forms
When conducting a job search, it's important to be aware of the forms that employers may require so you're prepared to interview, prepared to be hired, and ready to start a new job.

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DISCLAIMER: This information is from United States and individual State government resources, from private parties, and from some non-U.S. governmental resources. I presume the governmental information, from government websites, is correct, although I recommend you seek legal assistance if interpretation of a law is a problem. Most government websites do provide ways for you to ask questions and receive additional, personal assistance. Seek legal assistance, however, if your questions are inadequately answered, if you are uncertain, or if your situation is unusual. This information is for guidance only.