# How to Reprint a Lost W-2 in QuickBooks: Complete Guide?

Losing a **W-2 form** can be stressful, especially during tax season. Whether it’s for an employee or yourself, QuickBooks makes it possible to **reprint lost W-2s** in both **Desktop and Online versions**.
## Why You Might Need to Reprint a W-2?
### Common Reasons:
* Employee lost the original W-2
* W-2 was damaged or printed incorrectly
* Employer needs an extra copy for records
* IRS requests a duplicate
> **Expert Tip:** Always maintain digital copies or PDFs of W-2s to reduce reprint needs.
## Before Reprinting a W-2 in QuickBooks
### Pre-Reprint Checklist
* ✔ Verify employee payroll information is accurate
* ✔ Confirm the original W-2 was issued for the correct year
* ✔ Admin access is required for printing
* ✔ QuickBooks company file is backed up
> ⚠️ Note: Reprinting does not create a new W-2—it reproduces the original form for filing or employee records.
## How to Reprint a Lost W-2 in QuickBooks Desktop?
### Step 1: Open QuickBooks Desktop
* Log in as **Admin**
* Switch to **Single-User Mode**
### Step 2: Access Payroll Tax Forms
1. Click **Employees**
2. Select **Payroll Tax Forms & W-2s**
3. Click **Process Payroll Forms**
### Step 3: Select W-2 Form
* Choose **Annual Form W-2/W-3**
* Click **Create Form**
### Step 4: Choose Employee & Year
* Select the payroll year
* Select the employee(s) needing the reprint
* Click **OK**
### Step 5: Print the W-2
* Click **Print**
* Select **Employee Copy B/C/2**
* Ensure proper alignment if using pre-printed forms or plain paper
> **Pro Tip:** Save a PDF copy for backup before printing.
## How to Reprint a Lost W-2 in QuickBooks Online?
### Step 1: Sign In to QuickBooks Online
* Log in as **Admin** or **Primary Admin**
* Open the correct company file
### Step 2: Navigate to Payroll Tax Forms
1. Click **Payroll → Taxes → Forms**
2. Scroll to **Annual Forms → W-2**
3. Select the payroll year
### Step 3: Find the Employee W-2
* Click **View/Edit W-2**
* Confirm the employee and data are correct
### Step 4: Print or Download the W-2
* Click **Print** to produce a physical copy
* Or click **Download PDF** for a digital copy
> ✅ QuickBooks Online supports **plain-paper printing** and PDF download for lost W-2 reprints.
## Common Issues When Reprinting a W-2
| Issue | Solution |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| W-2 not showing | Confirm payroll subscription is active and the correct year is selected |
| Print misaligned | Use QuickBooks alignment tool and set printer scaling to 100% |
| Missing employee W-2 | Verify employee is marked as W-2 eligible and paid in the selected year |
| Incorrect W-2 totals | Review payroll summary and ensure no adjustments are needed |
## Best Practices for Reprinting W-2s
* **Keep PDF backups** of all W-2s
* **Verify employee details** before printing
* Print **extra copies** for your company records
* **Notify employees** when providing reprinted W-2s
* Avoid last-minute printing during peak tax season
## 🖨️ Need Help Reprinting a Lost W-2 in QuickBooks?
Avoid payroll errors and IRS issues with expert guidance.
📞 **Call QuickBooks Payroll Specialists: 866-593-4750**
Fast, accurate, and compliant W-2 reprints.
## FAQs
**Q1: Can I reprint a W-2 for previous years?**
Yes, QuickBooks Desktop and Online allow reprinting for prior years as long as payroll data exists.
**Q2: Does reprinting create a new W-2?**
No. Reprinting only produces a duplicate of the original W-2 form.
**Q3: Can I email a reprinted W-2 to employees?**
Yes, if using QuickBooks Online, you can download a PDF and send securely via email.
**Q4: What if my W-2 totals are incorrect?**
Correct the W-2 in QuickBooks first, then reprint it.
**Q5: How many times can I reprint a W-2?**
There’s no limit—you can reprint as needed, but ensure accurate copies are provided to employees.
## Conclusion - Reprint Lost W-2s Quickly and Accurately
Knowing **how to reprint a lost W-2 in QuickBooks** ensures employees get accurate tax documents and maintains IRS compliance. By following the above steps and best practices, employers can **avoid errors, penalties, and employee confusion**.
### Don’t risk missing W-2s this tax season
**Call QuickBooks Payroll Experts Today: 866-593-4750**
Get fast, accurate, and compliant W-2 reprints with expert support.