When Do W-2s Come Out? 2027 Filing Deadlines

Employers must furnish W-2s to employees by January 31. For the 2026 tax year, that means January 31, 2027. Electronic W-2s may arrive earlier. This article covers the key deadlines, your options if a W-2 is late, and how to handle multiple employers.

The January 31 deadline

Under IRC section 6051(a), every employer that pays wages must furnish a written statement (Form W-2) to each employee on or before January 31 of the following year. For wages paid during calendar year 2026, the deadline is January 31, 2027.

This same deadline applies to the employer's filing obligation with the Social Security Administration. Employers must submit Copy A of all W-2s to the SSA by January 31 as well (the previous extended deadline of March 31 for electronic filing was eliminated by the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015).

If January 31 falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day. In 2027, January 31 is a Sunday, so the deadline shifts to Monday, February 1, 2027.

Electronic vs paper delivery

Many employers now deliver W-2s electronically through payroll portals. If you consented to electronic delivery, your W-2 may be available in mid-January or even earlier. Check your employer's payroll system (ADP, Gusto, Paychex, Workday, or similar) starting in the second week of January.

Paper W-2s must be postmarked by January 31. Depending on your location, you might not receive a mailed W-2 until the first or second week of February.

If you opted into electronic delivery but want a paper copy as well, most payroll systems allow you to print your own. Your employer is not required to provide both formats unless your state requires it.

What to do if your W-2 is late

If you have not received your W-2 by early February, follow these steps:

1. Check electronic portals. Log into your employer's payroll system to see if a digital copy is available. Also check your email for a notification you may have missed.
2. Contact your employer. Call or email your payroll or HR department. Verify that they have your correct mailing address on file.
3. Wait until February 14, then call the IRS. If your employer is unresponsive, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 after February 14. Have your employer's name, address, EIN (if known), and your dates of employment ready. The IRS will contact your employer on your behalf.
4. Use your final pay stub. If your W-2 still has not arrived by mid-March, you can use your last pay stub of 2026 to estimate your wages and withholdings for filing purposes.

How to get a W-2 from a former employer

If you left a job during 2026, your former employer is still required to send you a W-2 by January 31, 2027. The W-2 covers all wages paid to you during the calendar year, even if you only worked part of the year.

Make sure your former employer has your current mailing address. If you moved after leaving, contact their HR or payroll department to update your address before January. Many former employers also make W-2s available through the payroll portal you used while employed; your login credentials may still work.

If you cannot reach your former employer (for example, if the business closed), you can request a Wage and Income Transcript from the IRS using Form 4506-T or through your IRS online account at irs.gov. This transcript shows the wage data reported to the IRS and can substitute for a missing W-2 when preparing your return.

Filing an extension if you are still waiting

The filing deadline for your 2026 federal tax return is April 15, 2027. A late W-2 does not change this deadline.

If you are still waiting for a W-2 as the filing deadline approaches, you have two options:

• File on time using Form 4852. Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, lets you report your wages and withholdings based on your best available records (pay stubs, bank deposits, prior year W-2). Attach Form 4852 to your return in place of the missing W-2. If you later receive the actual W-2 and the numbers differ, you will need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X).
• File for an extension using Form 4868. This gives you until October 15, 2027 to file your return. The extension is automatic and does not require a reason. However, it only extends the time to file, not the time to pay. Estimate your tax liability and pay any amount owed by April 15 to avoid interest and penalties.

For 2026 returns, keep in mind that your W-2 should include the new Box 12 codes TP and TT if applicable. If you file using Form 4852 and your employer later sends a W-2 with these codes, you may want to amend your return to claim the OBBBA deductions you are entitled to.

Need to estimate your taxes while waiting? Use our Federal Income Tax Calculator or Tax Refund Estimator.