My former employers are refusing to issue W2's to the former employees. I have attempted to contact them and they will not return calls nor will answer any of my other former co workers.

Somebody told me that I could contact the unemployment office and that they would give me a copy of my W2 from my former employer for 2011. I thought they just issued 1099-G though. I have gotten my 1099-G from them.

I'm not sure if former employers are required to provide copies of past W2s. It is your responsibility to keep those records. But the unemployment office would not have copies. Your best bet is contacting the IRS.

Why do you need them?

The unemployment office does not have copies of W2 from places you work. They only provide 1099 for the money they pay you, for being unemployed.

The place you work are required by law to give you a W2 for the current year by Jan 31. If they do not provide it, you will have to report them to the IRS.
You can use your last check stub or other information you have to file to the best of your ability, if they will not provide it.

Scott,

I am talking about my w2 from 2011 to file taxes for 2011. I was not laid off until June of 2011. Sorry I did not make that clear. I definitely need my 2011 w2 from them in order to file 2011 taxes.

Thanks for your help. Sorry I was not completely clear in my question.

Ok, they should have been mailed by Tuesday. If they don't come in tmmw's mail, then call the Dept of Labor on Monday.

As noted, only and we do mean only the company you worked for, can provide your W2. So if they don't give you one, you will not get it. Were they withholding taxes ? Did they go out of business ? But if they did not give you one, ( they should be coming in the mail this week at the latest.) But if they refuse to give you one, you will have to report them to the Dept of Labor and to the IRS.