When do w 2 have to be mailed out

In the United States, the deadline for mailing out W-2 forms to employees is typically January 31st of each year. This is the deadline set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for employers to provide W-2 forms to their employees.

W-2 forms are used to report an employee's wages and taxes withheld during the calendar year. Employers are required to provide a copy of the W-2 form to each employee by January 31st, and to file a copy with the Social Security Administration (SSA) by the same deadline.

Here are some key dates to keep in mind:

• January 1st: The beginning of the calendar year, which marks the start of the reporting period for W-2 forms.
• January 31st: The deadline for employers to provide W-2 forms to employees and to file a copy with the SSA.
• February 28th (March 31st if filing electronically): The deadline for employers to file W-2 forms with the SSA.

It's worth noting that the IRS may grant an extension for filing W-2 forms in certain circumstances, such as in the event of a natural disaster or other extraordinary circumstances. However, employers should always strive to meet the January 31st deadline to avoid any potential penalties or fines.