When are W-2 forms supposed to be mailed out?

According to the Social Security Administration, employers must mail out W-2 forms to employees no later than January 31. If that date falls on a Sunday or a federal holiday, the deadline is extended to the next business day.

If a taxpayer does not receive a W-2 from his employer, the IRS suggests contacting them to see if it has been mailed. If the employer cannot be contacted and the taxpayer has not received their W-2 by February 15, the IRS has a toll-free number for tax-filing assistance. After the IRS has been contacted, the taxpayer can file an extension to pay taxes using Form 4852.