Are former employers required to mail W-2?
In the United States, tax season is a time when many individuals receive their W-2 forms from their employers. However, what happens if you’ve changed jobs or lost your job, and you’re wondering whether your former employer is required to mail you a W-2? This article will explore the regulations surrounding this issue and provide clarity on the responsibilities of former employers regarding the distribution of W-2 forms.
Understanding the W-2 Form
Before delving into the specifics of whether former employers are required to mail W-2 forms, it’s essential to understand what a W-2 form is. The W-2 form, officially known as the Wage and Tax Statement, is a tax document issued by employers to their employees. It provides a summary of the employee’s earnings, tax withholdings, and other relevant information for the tax year.
Responsibilities of Employers
According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), employers are required to mail W-2 forms to their employees by January 31st of the following year. This deadline applies to both current and former employees. If an employee leaves the company, the employer must still mail the W-2 form by this date.
When Former Employers Must Mail W-2 Forms
If you’ve changed jobs or lost your job, your former employer is still required to mail you a W-2 form. This applies to situations where you were employed for at least one day during the calendar year. The W-2 form should reflect your earnings and tax withholdings for the entire year, regardless of when you left the company.
Exceptions to the Rule
While most former employers are required to mail W-2 forms, there are some exceptions. If you were employed for less than one day during the calendar year, your former employer is not required to issue a W-2 form. Additionally, if you’ve requested a duplicate W-2 form and your former employer has already mailed the original, they are not required to send another copy.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive Your W-2 Form
If you haven’t received your W-2 form from your former employer by February 28th, you should take the following steps:
1. Contact your former employer to inquire about the status of your W-2 form.
2. If you haven’t heard back from your former employer by March 31st, you can request a duplicate W-2 form from the IRS.
3. If you still haven’t received your W-2 form by April 15th, you may need to file an extension and estimate your income and tax withholdings on your tax return.
Conclusion
In conclusion, former employers are generally required to mail W-2 forms to their former employees by January 31st of the following year. This applies to situations where the employee was employed for at least one day during the calendar year. If you haven’t received your W-2 form, be proactive in contacting your former employer and seeking assistance from the IRS if necessary. By understanding the regulations and taking appropriate action, you can ensure that you have all the necessary information to file your tax return accurately.
