When Do W-2s Come Out?

Updated for Tax Year 2025 (Forms furnished January 2026)

TL;DR

Employers must furnish Form W-2 to employees by January 31 following the end of the tax year. If January 31 falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day. Delivery may be paper (mailed or hand-delivered) or electronic (with employee consent).
 Source: Internal Revenue Service (Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3)

When do W-2s come out?

Here’s the key-dates timeline for Tax Year 2025 (income earned Jan 1–Dec 31, 2025):

What if I didn’t receive my W-2?

Step-by-Step Checklist (Time-Based)

Step 1: Before February 1

• Confirm your mailing address and/or payroll portal access.
• Check spam folders for e-delivery notices.

Step 2: February 1–February 14

• Contact your employer or payroll provider.
• Request a reissued copy if mailed to the wrong address.
• Verify employment dates and contact info.

Step 3: After February 14

• If you still haven’t received it, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040.
   Have ready:

  • Social Security number (SSN)

  • Employer name, address, phone

  • Dates of employment

  • Estimated wages and withholding (last pay stub)

If your W-2 never arrives in time to file, you may file using Form 4852 (Substitute for Form W-2). Source: Internal Revenue Service

How do I read my W-2?

Below is a compact, extraction-friendly guide.

W-2 Box Reference Table

Why Box 1 May Differ from Boxes 3 and 5 (Examples)

Example 1: 401(k) Deferral

• Salary: $80,000
• 401(k) pre-tax contribution: $10,000

Example 2: HSA Contribution

• Salary: $60,000
• HSA contribution (pre-tax via payroll): $3,000

Current Social Security Wage Base

Current Social Security wage base: $184,500 for Tax Year 2026

(IRS/SSA update annually; this article is reviewed each January for updates.)

Source: Social Security Administration Wage Base

W-2 vs 1099-NEC vs 1099-MISC — Who Gets Which?

Do contractors get a W-2?

No. Contractors receive Form 1099-NEC, not a W-2. Source: Internal Revenue Service

Can former employees access W-2s online?

Often yes, if the employer’s payroll system maintains portal access. Otherwise, employers must furnish a copy upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do W-2s come out each year?

By January 31 following the tax year. If that date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day. Source: Internal Revenue Service

Can employers send W-2s electronically?

Yes — with employee consent. Source: IRS W-2 Instructions

What if my W-2 is incorrect?

Contact your employer for a Form W-2c (Corrected Wage and Tax Statement).