When Do Employers Send W2?

What is a W2 Form?

A W2 form is an important document that employers must provide to their employees. This form is used to report employee wages and taxes withheld from the wages. It is issued by employers every year, usually at the beginning of the year. It is important for employees to receive and keep a copy of this form for their taxes.

When Should Employers Send W2 Forms?

Employers must send W2 forms to their employees by January 31st of each year. This is the date when the form must be postmarked or submitted electronically. Employers are required to provide the form to employees in a timely manner to ensure that they are able to file their taxes in a timely manner.

What Should Employees Do if They Haven't Received Their W2 Form?

If employees have not received their W2 form by the end of January, they should contact their employer. The employer should be able to provide them with a copy of the form or with an explanation of why the form was not sent. If the employer is unable to provide a copy of the form, the employee should contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS can provide a free copy of the form, or provide further assistance.

What If an Employee's Address Has Changed?

If an employee's address has changed since the previous year, it is important that they inform their employer of the change. This will ensure that the employer is able to send the W2 form to the correct address. Employees should also make sure that the address on their W2 form is correct. This is particularly important for electronic filing.

What If an Employee Has Lost Their W2 Form?

If an employee has lost their W2 form, they should contact their employer and request a new copy. The employer should be able to provide them with a new copy. If the employer is unable to provide a new copy, the employee should contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS can provide a free copy of the form, or provide further assistance.

What if an Employee Has Not Received Their W2 Form by Tax Day?

If an employee has not received their W2 form by tax day, they can still file their taxes. However, they should file their taxes using Form 4852, which is a substitute for the W2 form. The employee should use their best estimate of their income and taxes withheld, and attach a statement to their tax return explaining why they are using Form 4852 instead of a W2 form. The employee may also need to submit additional documentation to the IRS.

Conclusion

Employers must provide W2 forms to their employees by January 31st of each year. If employees have not received their W2 form by this date, they should contact their employer. If they have lost their W2 form, they should contact their employer or the IRS to request a new copy. If an employee has not received their W2 form by tax day, they can still file their taxes using Form 4852.