Which of the following forms must be distributed to each employee by January 31 of every year?

The W-2 Form is essential for employees as it reports annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paychecks. By January 31 of each year, employers are required to provide this form to their employees, allowing them to accurately file their individual income tax returns. This deadline is crucial for employees to ensure they have the necessary documentation to complete their tax filings on time.

The 1099 Form, while important for independent contractors and freelancers, does not apply to employees in the same way as the W-2 Form. It serves a different purpose and reporting requirement based on the nature of their work status. The W-4 Form is filled out by employees when they start a job to indicate their tax withholding preferences, but it is not distributed annually. The 1040 Form is used by individuals to file their taxes but is not provided by employers; instead, it is completed by employees themselves based on the information provided in their W-2 forms and 1099s.