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The Global Insight

Can I send a copy of my W-2 to the IRS?

Author

Christopher Davis

Updated on March 23, 2026

Yes, you can send a copy. Many companies don’t even mail paper W-2s anymore, and employees just download and print them out.

Can I email a W-2 to an employee?

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Publication 15-A, employees must consent (either electronically or by paper document) to receive their W-2 electronically. An employer may not send a Form W-2 electronically to any employee who does not consent or who has revoked consent previously provided.

Can a company get in trouble for not sending W-2?

**Penalties: According to LegalZoom, the IRS can assign a penalty of $30 per W-2 if the company is no more than 30 days late, with the maximum fine totaling $250,000. However, if the employer is more than 30 days late, the IRS can charge $100 per W-2 with the maximum being $1.5 million.

Do I need to include W-2 with state tax return?

Yes, you should include a copy of your W-2 if you are mailing in your tax return. However, since your federal return was e-filed you should still be able to e-file your state return. Click Continue to start or complete your state taxes. Click Done with State.

What if my employer never sent my W-2?

If you’re unable to get your Form W-2 from your employer, contact the Internal Revenue Service at 800-TAX-1040. The IRS will contact your employer or payer and request the missing form. Let them know: File your return by the April due date and use Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement.

How to send a copy of a W-2 form?

Make a copy of Copy A and keep it in your files for four years. Send the red Copy A of each W-2 form to the SSA along with the W-3 transmittal form for all W-2s. The SSA will not accept photocopies of this form. 3  Give the other copies (B, C, and 2) of the W-2 form to the employee. 1 

When to file Form W-2, Wage and tax statement?

Form W-2 Reporting of Employee Social Security Tax Deferred under Notice 2020-65– 29-OCT-2020 2020 General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3 Corrected for Certain Filing Date and Penalty Amount —

When do I have to send W-2 forms to SSA?

Each year, you must send W-2 forms to two different addresses: The employee, so they can use the W-2 form for their tax return The Social Security Administration (SSA), to verify and file the information You must send W-2 forms to employees by January 31 of the year after the tax information.

Can you include the W-2 in gross income?

Yes, include the W-2 in gross income even if you only the one copy c. If you are mailing your tax returns, make sure that you make a copy of the W-2 for your Federal tax return, your state tax return and your records. **Say “Thanks” by clicking the thumb icon in a post **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on “Mark as Best Answer”