By law, what is the deadline for employers to send their employees W-2 forms?

Employers are required by law to send W-2 forms to their employees by January 31. This deadline ensures that employees have all the necessary information for accurately reporting their income and taxes for the preceding year.

The W-2 form provides essential details including the total amount of wages earned and the taxes withheld, which are crucial for filing personal income tax returns. Complying with this timeline is necessary for maintaining accurate records and facilitating timely tax reporting for both employees and the IRS. Understanding this deadline is important for anyone involved in human resources or accounting, as it directly relates to tax preparation and employee communication.