Do You Receive a W-2 if You Quit a Job?

When you quit your job, you may wonder whether you will still receive a W-2 form. The answer is yes, you will. A W-2 form is issued by your employer to report your total earnings and tax deductions for the tax year. This form is necessary for you to file your taxes and will be provided regardless of whether you quit voluntarily or were terminated.

The Process of Receiving Your W-2

After you leave a job, your former employer is required to provide you with a W-2 form by the end of January following the tax year. Typically, this form is sent by mail, but in many cases, it can also be accessed online if you have a payroll account with a service provider like ADP, Paychex, or Paycor.

Ensuring Proper Delivery

Your former employer should send the W-2 to you at the address they have on record or to your email address as it was at the time of employment. However, you are responsible for ensuring that your employer has the correct address. If you do not receive the W-2 by February 15, it is advisable to contact them to request a replacement copy to be sent to your current address.

Who Can Receive a W-2?

A business is required to send you a W-2 form if they paid you more than $600 during the tax year or if they withheld federal taxes from your wages. However, if you were considered an independent contractor and received a 1099 form instead of a W-2, you will not receive a W-2.

Criteria for Receiving a W-2

To receive a W-2 form, you must have been employed for the entire tax year and earned taxable income from your employer. If you were not employed for the entire year or if your income was not taxable, you will not receive a W-2.

What to Do If You Don’t Receive Your W-2

If you haven’t received your W-2 form by the end of January after your employment ended, it is important to take action. Contact your former employer to inquire about the status of the W-2. They should be able to provide you with a replacement copy and ensure that it is sent to your current address.

Final Thoughts

Whether or not you quit or were terminated, you are entitled to a W-2 form for the tax year in which you were employed. It is crucial to ensure that you receive this form and to take the necessary steps if it does not arrive on time. Proper record-keeping of your W-2 forms is essential for accurate tax filing and can help prevent any potential issues with the IRS.