I recently received a tax garnishment letter from the state of NC. I should have gotten a refund that year (2001), but my ex husband apparently did not file the return. They say they will not garnish if I can prove by submitting the 2001 return now... BUT... both companies I worked for that year have gone out of business and I don't know how to get a copy of that W-2. They said they could not provide that to me. Does anyone know how I can get these old W-2's? I'm on disability and cannot afford a garnishment. Someone, please help. Thanks so much!

Contact Social Security Administration; they may provide you a copy for a fee.
If you filed federal return, then you can contact IRS for copy of return but it will take 2 months.
Read Your U.S. Tax Return: How to Get Missing Forms W-2 and 1099

Contact the state of North Carolina and ask THEM for a copy of your 2001 tax transcript.

The transcript will probably have the NC state W-2 information, from which any competent local tax professional can prepare a 2001 NC state return showing the refund due.