When does documentation needed for income tax preparation have to be sent out?

I though all financial institutions had to mail all W2's and 1099's by January 31st. Last year I was still getting them the second week in February. I actually had to go to one bank and ask them for an interest statement because I never received it. How long should I wait? What if I receive one AFTER I file?

Public Comments

1. i thought it was jan 31
2. Mailed by Jan. 31, I believe is correct. Five business days after that, if you don't have one you need, then it is appropriate to follow up.
3. Jan 31, to be mailed out. if you're aware that you haven't gotten any interest statements, wage statements etc. contact those people yourself and ask them what happened. they'll all tell you it must have been lost in the mail. i never count on sending in my return till the middle of Feb. you can always file a 1040X an amendment to the original return. you can even do that going back three years, if you find something that would have given you more money on that year that you just discovered recently. good luck to ya