Are w2s mailed
In the United States, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires employers to provide their employees with a W-2 form, also known as a Wage and Tax Statement, by January 31st of each year. The W-2 form reports an employee's wages and taxes withheld for the previous calendar year.
Traditionally, employers would mail W-2 forms to their employees. However, with the increasing use of digital communication and online services, many employers now opt to provide W-2 forms electronically, either through:
- Online portals: Employers may provide access to their employees' W-2 forms through a secure online portal, where employees can log in to view and print their forms.
- Email: Employers may send W-2 forms to employees via email, either as a PDF attachment or a link to access the form online.
- Direct deposit: Some employers may offer direct deposit of W-2 forms, where the form is deposited directly into the employee's bank account.
According to the IRS, employers are required to provide W-2 forms to employees by January 31st, regardless of whether they are mailed or provided electronically. Employers must also provide a copy of the W-2 form to the Social Security Administration (SSA) by January 31st.
It's worth noting that some employers may still choose to mail W-2 forms to their employees, especially if they have a large number of employees or if employees prefer to receive paper copies. Ultimately, the method of W-2 distribution depends on the employer's policies and the preferences of their employees.