Are w2s required to be mailed
In the United States, the IRS requires employers to provide W-2 forms to their employees by January 31st of each year. However, the IRS does not require employers to mail W-2 forms to employees. Instead, employers can provide W-2 forms to employees in one of the following ways:
- Hand-deliver: Employers can hand-deliver W-2 forms to employees at their workplace or at a designated location.
- Electronic delivery: Employers can provide W-2 forms to employees electronically, such as through a secure online portal or email. This is known as "electronic W-2" or "e-W2."
- Mail: Employers can mail W-2 forms to employees at their home addresses.
The IRS does require employers to keep a copy of the W-2 form for their own records and to provide a copy to the Social Security Administration (SSA) by January 31st. Employers must also provide a copy of the W-2 form to the employee, but they can choose the method of delivery.
It's worth noting that some employers may choose to mail W-2 forms to employees as a courtesy, especially if they have a large number of employees or if employees are not readily available at the workplace. However, the IRS does not require employers to mail W-2 forms, and electronic delivery is a common and acceptable method of providing W-2 forms to employees.