Question:
At the end of Feb I am going to covenant's orientation.My list of things to bring list proof of employment for the last 5 years.I have worked for the same co since '97 but they paid in strait cash.So I have no w-2's or 1099. My question is will his number be enough or will they require w-2's.Thanks in advance for any and all help. Mike

Answer:
List the company name, address, phone number, and person to talk to on the application just like you would with any other job.
If you really want to cover the bases with the employer you can ask him to write you a short letter stating the dates you worked for him.
Answer:
In addition to what UT said you can also get a couple people to sign notarized statements stating where you worked and for what periods of time. All they need is something tangible to show what you did and for how long.
I should add, his phone number will be enough. I have never had to show tax statements, W2's etc. to prove work history. Just an address and a phone number they can call to varify you worked there. (My wife and a neighbor friend even worked once as a past employer.) If you dont have that some thing notarized will work.
Also you only need to be able to varify the last 3 years of employment but depending on your age you will need to list your employment for the last 10 years. Make sure you have the needed info with you. Some companies may even call employers for the last 5 years as their companies policy.

Answer:

Strictly speaking.....they have no legal right to ask for anything more than the employers name (company), address, and phone number. Since you are not negotiating a salary.....your "income history" is out of bounds to them. Also, never admit that you were paid in cash....tax issues....sshhhhhhh!!
If they ask you for a W-2....just say NO!, then turn on your heels and walk away. That is priveleged information....and even asking for it is a violation of your rights to privacy. Or, tell them you will bring them one..... then go to Office Depot, buy some W-2's, type yourself one up....with say $$ 1 million a year in income....and give them that. Actually, its better just to say no.
The only exception to that is "If you were self-employed" you might be compelled to show proof that you were self employed. I was for 8 years prior to doing this. I produced W-2's since I was an employee of my corporation....but I gave them zerox's with the income #'s blacked out, along with a letter from my attorney stating that he had full knowledge of my self employment and its duration. They asked me why I blacked out the income numbers .....hahahaha....I told them why..... Very simply said: It is priveleged information which you are not priveleged to know. End of discussion.So I like what I do, you don't, too bad, get over it. Get on with your life, I am.

Answer:
Tax returns, if you got them, documents your income. But the reference from your previous employers should be enough if it matches what you've told them. They just want to make sure you weren't in jail or self-employed with illegal activity -- a potential crook -- and tax returns, assuming you have them, are a last resurt if you can't otherwise account for your "means of support".