Generally no. Employers are generally required to furnish W-2s to employees by around the end of January each year, including to former employees. If yours doesn’t arrive, you can demand it, contact the IRS, and still file using a substitute form so a missing W-2 doesn’t stop your return.
Under IRS rules, employers are generally required to provide W-2 forms to their workers by a deadline near the end of January, and that duty applies to former employees too — quitting or being fired does not forfeit your W-2. If an employer stalls or refuses, you have recourse. You can request it in writing, and if it still does not come, the IRS can contact the employer on your behalf. Importantly, a missing W-2 does not have to delay your taxes: you can file using a substitute form based on your final pay stub, then amend later if the numbers differ.
Employers generally have to furnish W-2s by around the end of January. If yours hasn’t arrived by early February, follow up and then contact the IRS.
Yes. You can file using a substitute form based on your final pay stub, then amend if the official W-2 differs. A missing W-2 need not stop your return.
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