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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/founder-w2-to-employees-deadline

By when must employers give employees their Form W-2 for 2026 wages?

By February 1, 2027. It is normally January 31, but that falls on a Sunday.

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  1. April 15, 2027
  2. March 31, 2027
  3. February 1, 2027 ✔

Why: The W-2 shows a year's wages and taxes withheld. Employers must furnish it to employees, and file it with the Social Security Administration, by January 31, moved to the next business day when that is a weekend.

Huh, didn't know that: Employers who file 10 or more information returns must file Forms W-2 electronically.

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Why did the W-2 show up early to the party? It didn't want to be a late form.
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References

Answer: February 1, 2027. The W-2 shows a year's wages and taxes withheld. Employers must furnish it to employees, and file it with the Social Security Administration, by January 31, moved to the next business day when that is a weekend.

  1. IRS General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3 (2026) www.irs.gov/instructions/iw2w3
    Generally, you must furnish Copies B, C, and 2 of Form W-2 to your employees by February 1, 2027.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. IRS General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3 (2026) www.irs.gov/instructions/iw2w3
    The due date for filing 2026 Forms W-2, W-2AS, W-2CM, W-2GU, W-2VI, W-3, and W-3SS with the SSA is February 1, 2027
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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