Are employers required to mail w2

In the United States, employers are required to provide their employees with a W-2 form, also known as a Wage and Tax Statement, by January 31st of each year. This form reports an employee's wages and taxes withheld for the previous calendar year.

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), employers are required to:

1. Furnish a copy of the W-2 form to each employee by January 31st of each year.
2. File a copy of the W-2 form with the Social Security Administration (SSA) by January 31st of each year.
3. Keep a copy of the W-2 form for at least three years in case of an audit or other inquiry.

Employers can choose to mail the W-2 forms to their employees or provide them electronically, as long as they meet certain requirements. Here are the options:

1. Mailing: Employers can mail the W-2 forms to their employees at their last known address.
2. Electronic filing: Employers can file the W-2 forms electronically with the SSA and provide a copy to their employees electronically, as long as they meet the following conditions:
   • The employee has consented to receive the W-2 form electronically.
   • The employer has a written agreement with the employee that outlines the terms of electronic delivery.
   • The employer provides a secure method for the employee to access the W-2 form, such as a password-protected website or a secure email account.

It's worth noting that employers are not required to mail W-2 forms to former employees who are no longer on their payroll. However, they should keep a record of the W-2 forms for at least three years in case of an audit or other inquiry.

If you're an employee and haven't received your W-2 form by February 15th, you can contact your employer to request a copy. If you're still having trouble, you can contact the IRS or your state's unemployment office for assistance.