Are employers required to mail w2s

In the United States, employers are required to provide W-2 forms to their employees and file them with the Social Security Administration (SSA) by January 31st of each year. However, employers are not strictly required to mail W-2s to their employees.

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), employers can provide W-2s to employees in one of the following ways:

  1. Mailing: Employers can mail W-2s to employees at their last known address.
  2. Electronic delivery: Employers can provide W-2s to employees electronically, as long as the employee has consented to receive them electronically. This can be done through a secure online portal or by email.
  3. Hand delivery: Employers can hand-deliver W-2s to employees, either in person or by having a representative deliver them.

The IRS does not require employers to mail W-2s, but it does require employers to provide them to employees in a timely manner. Employers are also required to keep a copy of the W-2 for their own records.

It's worth noting that some states may have their own requirements for providing W-2s to employees. For example, some states may require employers to mail W-2s to employees, even if the employer is not required to do so by the IRS.

In summary, while employers are not strictly required to mail W-2s to their employees, they are required to provide them in a timely manner and keep a copy for their own records.