As the tax season approaches, many employees are eagerly waiting for their W-2 forms, which are required to file their taxes. Employers are required by law to provide W-2 forms to their employees by January 31st of each year, but it can take some time for the forms to arrive in the mail. Fortunately, there are several ways to obtain your W-2 form online for free. In this article, we will explore the best methods to find your W-2 form online, with a focus on the question "when do W-2s come out?"

When do W-2s come out?

Employers are required to provide W-2 forms to their employees by January 31st of each year. If you have not received your W-2 form by mid-February, you should contact your employer to request a copy. Some employers may provide electronic W-2 forms, which can be accessed online. If you have opted for electronic delivery of your W-2 form, you will receive an email notification when it becomes available.

How to find my W-2 online?

If you have not received your W-2 form by mail, you can still obtain a copy online for free. Here are the best methods to find your W-2 online:

1. Contact your employer

The first step is to contact your employer and request a copy of your W-2 form. If your employer has already provided a copy of your W-2 form, but you have lost it, you can request another copy. Your employer may charge a fee for providing a duplicate W-2 form.

1. Check online with your employer

Many employers offer electronic W-2 forms, which can be accessed online. You may be able to access your W-2 form by logging into your employer's payroll or HR portal. You will need to create an account or use your existing login credentials to access your W-2 form.

1. Use the Social Security Administration's (SSA) website

If your employer does not offer electronic W-2 forms or you are unable to know that how to find my W-2 online, you can use the SSA's website to obtain a copy. The SSA maintains a database of all W-2 forms filed with the Social Security Administration. You can request a copy of your W-2 form by completing Form SSA-7004, Request for Social Security Statement. You can download the form from the SSA's website or request a paper copy by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

1. Use a third-party service

There are several third-party services that offer free W-2 form retrieval. These services may charge a fee if you need to have your W-2 form mailed to you. Some popular services include:

• TurboTax: TurboTax offers a free W-2 form retrieval service for users who have used the TurboTax software in the past. You can import your W-2 form directly into your tax return using TurboTax.
• H&R Block: H&R Block offers a free W-2 form retrieval service for users who have used H&R Block software in the past. You can import your W-2 form directly into your tax return using H&R Block.
• TaxAct: TaxAct offers a free W-2 form retrieval service for users who have used TaxAct software in the past. You can import your W-2 form directly into your tax return using TaxAct.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you have not received your W-2 form by mail, there are several ways to obtain a copy online for free. You can contact your employer, check online with your employer, use the SSA's website, or use a third-party service.