Replacement W-2s?

Factual Questions
1

So, I got my annual statement from the Social Security Administration, and it shows no earnings for the year 2001. This being incorrect (I had one employer for that year and I did, in fact, earn more than $0), I called them and was told that I need to take my W-2 to the SS office.

I know I have the 2001 W-2, and I know I filed taxes that year. I had to have it last year when I was applying for financial aid for the 2002-2003 academic year and I know I would not have discarded it (that would be a big mistake) when I moved - but I can’t locate it.

If I can’t find it (I still have a couple of places to look - like the 2 boxes of documents that I knew I needed to move but haven’t had a chance to transfer to the filing cabinet yet), how likely is it that I could get a copy from that employer? It is a reputable company with good retention policies (and practices), but are they required to keep W-2s for any number of years, or just the payroll records (because those records are what’s used to generate the W-2s)?

Or, basically, am I screwed if for any reason I can’t locate it?

2

Before retiring (neener, neener, neener - I’m retired and you’re not. Of course you’re also probably 30-35 years younger than me.) I did payroll for some companies. They should have a copy of your tax records on hand. Most companies keep these fore several years. While not exactly thrilled to dig through piles of dust covered boxes in hot, dirty storage sheds to find yours, they will do it.

3

Your employer/s will have them.

4

The IRS can provide you with one also. There’s a form on their Web site by which you can request various documents, including previous tax returns and W-2s. But your former employer can easily generate another one for you.