A W2 employee is a worker who receives a W2 tax form from their employer. This form is a yearly summary of an employees income received and taxes paid through payroll. W2 employees are generally considered to be the most traditional form of employment. They are formally employed by a company or organization in the US and are entitled to certain benefits and protections under US law, such as health insurance, paid time off, unemployment, and workers compensation insurance. Employers withhold taxes from their wages, train them, pay employment taxes for them, and may provide benefits. W2 employees are hired and work under their employers, who decide where, when, and how they work. The employer has more control over W2 employees than over independent contractors. W2 employees are paid through their employers payroll and have their payroll taxes withheld throughout the year. Employers must mail W2 forms to their employees by January 31 of the following calendar year.