W‑2 forms for the 2025 tax year (the ones you’ll use to file in 2026) are due to be sent out by employers no later than Monday, February 2, 2026, because January 31 falls on a Saturday that year.

Key 2026 W‑2 dates

  • Employers must furnish W‑2s for 2025 wages to employees by February 2, 2026 (mail or electronic access both count as “sent”).
  • The same date, February 2, 2026 , is also the federal deadline to file W‑2s with the Social Security Administration for 2025 income.
  • Many people actually receive their W‑2s in late January or the first couple of weeks of February, depending on mail time and how quickly the employer processes them.

Why the date shifts in 2026

Normally, employers have to send W‑2s by January 31 following the tax year.

For the 2025 tax year, January 31, 2026 is a Saturday , so the legal deadline moves to the next business day, which is Monday, February 2, 2026.

When you should start to worry

  • If you still do not see a W‑2 (paper or online) by mid‑February 2026 , it is reasonable to contact your employer’s HR or payroll department to check on it.
  • If you cannot get a W‑2 after reaching out, the IRS generally allows you to use Form 4852 (substitute for W‑2) to file, based on your last pay stub and other records.

Quick tips while you wait

  • Check any online payroll or HR portal ; many employers post W‑2s there before or right around the deadline.
  • Make sure your mailing address and email are up to date with your employer so the form is not delayed or sent to an old address.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.