When You’ll Get Your W-2 (and what to do if it’s missing)

The short answer is employers must send out W2 forms by January 31st each year. If you didn’t get a copy of your W-2 by mid-February, it’s time to take action.

What to Expect

Your employer has until January 31st to mail or make your W-2 available online. That means most people receive it in early February.

The W2 shows what you earned and how much tax was withheld — and you’ll need it to file your return accurately.

If you’re wondering whether you should even be expecting a W-2, it depends on how you were paid.

— Employees receive a W2 — it reports wages and taxes withheld by your employer.
— Independent contractors get a 1099, which shows income paid without tax withholding.

If you worked multiple jobs or side gigs, you might receive both forms. Check out our guide on W-2 vs 1099 to learn how each one affects your tax filing and deductions.

What to Do If Your W2 is Late

If the calendar flips past February 14th and there’s still no sign of your form, here’s what to do:

1. Ask your employer or HR first.
   Sometimes it’s just a mailing delay or an email that went to spam.
2. Check your online payroll account.
   Many companies post W-2s on their employee portal.
3. Still nothing? Use your last paystub.
   You can estimate your wages and withholdings from it.
4. File with Form 4852.
   This IRS form acts as a substitute W2 when your employer doesn’t provide one. You’ll enter the same info from your final paystub.

Why the W-2 Might Be Missing

A few common reasons:

• You moved and didn’t update your address.
• Your company changed payroll providers.
• You worked for a business that closed.
• The form was mailed but got lost.

File Confidently

If your W2 is missing after mid-February, don’t panic — reach out, check online, or use Form 4852 to stay on schedule.

Don’t wait on a missing W-2 to hold up your tax return. Need help estimating your income first? FormPros also offers a paystub generator that lets you create a professional paystub using your last paycheck details — perfect for filling out Form 4852 confidently and correctly.

Create a W-2 Now

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When You’ll Get Your W-2 (and what to do if it’s missing) FAQs

• When should I expect my W2 to arrive?
  Usually by early February. Employers must send it by January 31st.
• Can I get my W2 online?
  Yes. Many payroll systems (like ADP or Paychex) let you download it digitally.
• How do I file taxes without a W2?
  Use Form 4852, based on your last paystub.
• Is my W2 the same as my paystub?
  No — the W2 summarizes your total earnings and taxes for the year, while paystubs show each paycheck’s details.
• Can I get in trouble for filing without a W2?
  No, as long as you use Form 4852 honestly with accurate information.

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