Employers are required to send out W‑2 forms by January 31 each year for the prior tax year, or the next business day if January 31 falls on a weekend or federal holiday. You are generally expected to receive your W‑2 in the mail or electronically by early February, allowing enough time to file your tax return by the April deadline.

Key timing details

• Federal law says your employer must provide or mail your W‑2 no later than January 31 for the previous calendar year’s wages.

• If January 31 is on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.

• Mailing by January 31 counts as meeting the deadline, so physical forms may not arrive until the first week or so of February.

If you don’t get it

• If you have not received your W‑2 by early to mid‑February, first contact your employer or HR to confirm your address and ask for an electronic or replacement copy.

• If you still do not have it by about February 15, the IRS advises contacting them so they can reach out to your employer, and you may be able to use Form 4852 as a substitute W‑2 to file your return.