When Should I Be Getting My W2 Form?
Get clear guidance on when to expect your W2 for tax filing and how to address any issues with its arrival or content.
The W-2 form, officially known as the Wage and Tax Statement, is an annual document that employers issue to their employees. It details wages earned and federal, state, and local taxes withheld during the calendar year. This information is also reported by the employer to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), enabling accurate tax filing.
Understanding the W-2 Timeline
Employers are required to furnish W-2 forms to employees by January 31st of the year following the tax year. For instance, a W-2 for income earned in 2024 must be provided by January 31, 2025. This deadline allows individuals time to prepare their income tax returns before the April 15th tax due date.
W-2 forms can be delivered via mail or electronic access. Mailed copies may arrive by mid-February due to postal delivery times. Employers may offer electronic access through online portals, provided the employee has consented. Electronic delivery often provides earlier access and can be more convenient.
What to Do if You Don’t Receive Your W-2
If you have not received your W-2 by January 31st, wait until mid-February for mail delivery. If the form is still missing, contact your employer’s payroll or human resources department. Inquire about its status and confirm your mailing address, especially if you have recently moved.
If your employer is unresponsive or unable to provide the W-2 by the end of February, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 for assistance. Be prepared to provide your name, address, Social Security number, phone number, employment dates, and your employer’s name, address, and phone number. The IRS will then contact your employer to request the missing W-2.
If you cannot obtain your W-2 in time to file your tax return, you may still file using Form 4852, “Substitute for Form W-2.” This form allows you to estimate wages and withheld taxes based on your final pay stub or other records. Attaching Form 4852 to your tax return enables you to meet the filing deadline, though processing your refund may be delayed while the IRS verifies the information.
Correcting W-2 Errors
Upon receiving your W-2, carefully review all information for accuracy. Compare wages, federal income tax withheld, Social Security wages, Medicare wages, and other details against your final pay stub or records. Common errors include incorrect Social Security numbers, names, wage amounts, or tax withholdings.
If you identify any errors, contact your employer’s payroll or human resources department. Request a corrected W-2, known as Form W-2c. The employer is responsible for making these corrections and filing the W-2c with the Social Security Administration.
Wait for the corrected W-2c before filing your tax return to ensure all information is accurate. If your employer is unresponsive or fails to provide a corrected W-2c, contact the IRS for help. If you filed with incorrect W-2 information and later receive a W-2c, you may need to file an amended tax return using Form 1040-X to adjust your reported income and taxes.