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I don't have a problem with them asking. I politely decline to tell them and move on. I have yet to have it be a stumbling block. An employer asking is a fairly standard practice, as is a potential employee not providing that information.

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I've had an employer refuse to proceed with an offer unless I provide salary history.

"Thank you for for self-identifying. Good day."

That would have been my response.

Some companies ask for your previous W2 as proof.

So refuse it. Tax documents are private.

Then they fire you.

Then you find a job someplace that isn't trying to screw you out of thousands of dollars a year.

That's not a realistic option for most people.

Yeah, think about the children.

> Tax documents are private

But required for lots of stuff. E.g. 1098 for employment, tax returns for getting a loan.

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