The employer has until January 31 to provide you a W-2. You can ask your employer or payroll services when to expect the W-2 or to see if it was lost in the mail. If the employer fails to provide you one, there is a procedure that the IRS wants you to follow to try to get one, or they will assist in getting one for you. Someone can tell you more about that later if that happens.
The IRS requires that you use the W-2. Do not file on the basis of your pay stubs. That can cause you grief
later if the W-2 is different or has additional info you need to
report. In that case, you'd have to prepare an amended return, which is
a hassle.
