All year-end government required report forms such as W-2's, 1099's, 1098's, 1099-R's, etc. must be either mailed to or given to your employees, contractors, and other recipients by today.
It is also the due date for all quarterly sales tax, excise tax, year-end employment tax returns and reports, and quarterly employment tax returns and reports.
It's called paperwork and Uncle Big wants it so as to keep his nasty little fingers in everybody's business.
The WC recomends certified mail for all returns with balances due, otherwise a January 31 postmark is sufficent for all purposes.
As Always,
TWC