If a departing employee asks you for a W-2, you must provide it: within 30 days of the date of termination by the earlier of January 31 of the year following the year of termination or 30 days of the departing employees request by January 15 of the year following the year of termination or within 30 days of the departing employees request at the companys option within 60 days of the departing employees request