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Article Guide

Every year, businesses with employees are required to prepare and distribute a crucial document that plays a significant role in the US tax system. Known as the W-2 form, this document is issued by employers to each of their employees, summarizing the employee's annual wage and tax deductions. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) mandates the provision of this form to ensure accurate reporting of income and the proper calculation of taxes owed by individuals. The W-2 form contains detailed information about the income an employee received during the year, including wages, tips, and other compensation, along with the taxes withheld from that income. This includes federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare taxes, and any state or local taxes that apply. The significance of the W-2 form extends beyond its use by employees to file their annual tax returns; it also assists employers in reporting payroll taxes to the government in a precise manner. For employees, the information on the W-2 form is essential for verifying that the correct amount of taxes has been withheld throughout the year and for determining if they are eligible for a tax refund or owe additional taxes. Overall, the W-2 form serves as a foundational element of the taxation process, linking employers, employees, and tax authorities in the shared responsibility of accurate tax reporting and compliance.

Sample - IRS W-2 Form

Attention:

You may file Forms W-2 and W-3 electronically on the SSA’s Employer W-2 Filing Instructions and Information web page, which is also accessible at www.socialsecurity.gov/employer. You can create fill-in versions of Forms W-2 and W-3 for filing with SSA. You may also print out copies for filing with state or local governments, distribution to your employees, and for your records.

The maximum amount of dependent care assistance benefits excludable from income may be increased for 2021. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 permits employers to increase the amount of dependent care benefits under their plans that can be excluded from an employee’s income from $5,000 ($2,500 for married filing separately) to up to $10,500 ($5,250 for married filing separately). See section C of Notice 2021-26 in

Internal Revenue Bulletin: 2021-21 | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov) for more information.

Note: Copy A of this form is provided for informational purposes only. Copy A appears in red, similar to the official IRS form. The official printed version of this IRS form is scannable, but the online version of it, printed from this website, is not. Do not print and file Copy A downloaded from this website with the SSA; a penalty may be imposed for filing forms that can’t be scanned. See the penalties section in the current General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3, available at www.irs.gov/w2, for more information.

Please note that Copy B and other copies of this form, which appear in black, may be downloaded, filled in, and printed and used to satisfy the requirement to provide the information to the recipient.

To order official IRS information returns such as Forms W-2 and W-3, which include a scannable Copy A for filing, go to IRS’ Online Ordering for Information Returns and Employer Returns page, or visit www.irs.gov/orderforms and click on Employer and Information returns. We’ll mail you the scannable forms and any other products you order.

See IRS Publications 1141, 1167, and 1179 for more information about printing these tax forms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22222

VOID

 

 

a

Employee’s social security number

For Official Use Only ▶

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OMB No. 1545-0008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b Employer identification number (EIN)

 

 

 

 

 

1 Wages, tips, other compensation

 

2 Federal income tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

c Employer’s name, address, and ZIP code

 

3

Social security wages

 

 

 

4 Social security tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Medicare wages and tips

 

6

Medicare tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

Social security tips

 

 

 

8

Allocated tips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d Control number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

Dependent care benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e Employee’s first name and initial

 

Last name

 

Suff.

11

Nonqualified plans

 

 

 

12a See instructions for box 12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

Statutory

Retirement

Third-party

 

12b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

employee

plan

sick pay

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 Other

 

 

 

 

 

12c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

f Employee’s address and ZIP code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 State Employer’s state ID number

 

 

16 State wages, tips, etc.

17 State income tax

 

18 Local wages, tips, etc.

19 Local income tax

 

20 Locality name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement

2022

 

 

Department of the Treasury—Internal Revenue Service

 

 

 

 

 

For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction

 

Copy A—For Social Security Administration. Send this entire page with

 

 

 

 

 

Act Notice, see the separate instructions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form W-3 to the Social Security Administration; photocopies are not acceptable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cat. No. 10134D

Do Not Cut, Fold, or Staple Forms on This Page

22222

a Employee’s social security number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OMB No. 1545-0008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b Employer identification number (EIN)

 

 

 

1 Wages, tips, other compensation

 

2 Federal income tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

c Employer’s name, address, and ZIP code

 

3

Social security wages

 

 

 

4 Social security tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Medicare wages and tips

 

6

Medicare tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

Social security tips

 

 

 

8

Allocated tips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d Control number

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

Dependent care benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e Employee’s first name and initial

Last name

Suff.

11

Nonqualified plans

 

 

 

12a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

Statutory

Retirement

Third-party

 

12b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

employee

plan

sick pay

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 Other

 

 

 

 

 

12c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

f Employee’s address and ZIP code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 State Employer’s state ID number

 

16 State wages, tips, etc.

17 State income tax

 

18 Local wages, tips, etc.

19 Local income tax

20 Locality name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement

2022

 

 

Department of the Treasury—Internal Revenue Service

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copy 1—For State, City, or Local Tax Department

 

 

a

Employee’s social security number

 

 

 

Safe, accurate,

 

 

 

 

 

Visit the IRS website at

 

 

 

 

 

 

OMB No. 1545-0008

FAST! Use

 

 

 

 

 

www.irs.gov/efile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b Employer identification number (EIN)

 

 

 

1 Wages, tips, other compensation

 

2 Federal income tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

c Employer’s name, address, and ZIP code

 

3

Social security wages

 

 

 

4 Social security tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Medicare wages and tips

 

6

Medicare tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

Social security tips

 

 

 

8

Allocated tips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d Control number

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

Dependent care benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e Employee’s first name and initial

Last name

Suff.

11

Nonqualified plans

 

 

 

12a See instructions for box 12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

Statutory

Retirement

Third-party

 

12b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

employee

plan

sick pay

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 Other

 

 

 

 

 

12c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

f Employee’s address and ZIP code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 State Employer’s state ID number

 

16 State wages, tips, etc.

17 State income tax

 

18 Local wages, tips, etc.

19 Local income tax

20 Locality name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement

2022

 

 

Department of the Treasury—Internal Revenue Service

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copy B—To Be Filed With Employee’s FEDERAL Tax Return.

This information is being furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

Notice to Employee

Do you have to file? Refer to the Form 1040 instructions to determine if you are required to file a tax return. Even if you don’t have to file a tax return, you may be eligible for a refund if box 2 shows an amount or if you are eligible for any credit.

Earned income credit (EIC). You may be able to take the EIC for 2022 if your adjusted gross income (AGI) is less than a certain amount. The amount of the credit is based on income and family size. Workers without children could qualify for a smaller credit. You and any qualifying children must have valid social security numbers (SSNs). You can’t take the EIC if your investment income is more than the specified amount for 2022 or if income is earned for services provided while you were an inmate at a penal institution. For 2022 income limits and more information, visit www.irs.gov/EITC. See also Pub. 596, Earned Income Credit. Any EIC that is more than your tax liability is refunded to you, but only if you file a tax return.

Employee’s social security number (SSN). For your protection, this form may show only the last four digits of your SSN. However, your employer has reported your complete SSN to the IRS and the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Clergy and religious workers. If you aren’t subject to social security and Medicare taxes, see Pub. 517, Social Security and Other Information for Members of the Clergy and Religious Workers.

Corrections. If your name, SSN, or address is incorrect, correct Copies B, C, and 2 and ask your employer to correct your employment record. Be sure to ask the employer to file Form W-2c, Corrected Wage and Tax Statement, with the SSA to correct any name, SSN, or money amount error reported to the SSA on Form W-2. Be sure to get your copies of Form W-2c from your employer for all corrections made so you may file them with your tax return. If your name and SSN are correct but aren’t the same as shown on your social security card, you should ask for a new card that displays your correct name at any SSA office or by calling 800-772-1213. You may also visit the SSA website at www.SSA.gov.

Cost of employer-sponsored health coverage (if such cost is provided by the employer). The reporting in box 12, using code DD, of the cost of employer-sponsored health coverage is for your information only. The amount reported with code DD is not taxable.

Credit for excess taxes. If you had more than one employer in 2022 and more than $9,114 in social security and/or Tier 1 railroad retirement (RRTA) taxes were withheld, you may be able to claim a credit for the excess against your federal income tax. See the Form 1040 instructions. If you had more than one railroad employer and more than $5,350.80 in Tier 2 RRTA tax was withheld, you may be able to claim a refund on Form 843. See the Instructions for Form 843.

(See also Instructions for Employee on the back of Copy C.)

aEmployee’s social security number

 

This information is being furnished to the Internal Revenue Service. If you

OMB No. 1545-0008

are required to file a tax return, a negligence penalty or other sanction

may be imposed on you if this income is taxable and you fail to report it.

 

b Employer identification number (EIN)

 

 

 

1 Wages, tips, other compensation

 

2 Federal income tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

c Employer’s name, address, and ZIP code

 

3

Social security wages

 

 

 

4 Social security tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Medicare wages and tips

 

6

Medicare tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

Social security tips

 

 

 

8

Allocated tips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d Control number

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

Dependent care benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e Employee’s first name and initial

Last name

Suff.

11

Nonqualified plans

 

 

 

12a See instructions for box 12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

Statutory

Retirement

Third-party

 

12b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

employee

plan

sick pay

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 Other

 

 

 

 

 

12c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

f Employee’s address and ZIP code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 State Employer’s state ID number

 

16 State wages, tips, etc.

17 State income tax

 

18 Local wages, tips, etc.

19 Local income tax

20 Locality name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement

2022

 

 

Department of the Treasury—Internal Revenue Service

 

 

 

 

Safe, accurate,

 

Copy C—For EMPLOYEE’S RECORDS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAST! Use

 

(See Notice to Employee on the back of Copy B.)

Instructions for Employee

(See also Notice to Employee on the back of Copy B.)

Box 1. Enter this amount on the wages line of your tax return.

Box 2. Enter this amount on the federal income tax withheld line of your tax return.

Box 5. You may be required to report this amount on Form 8959, Additional Medicare Tax. See the Form 1040 instructions to determine if you are required to complete Form 8959.

Box 6. This amount includes the 1.45% Medicare Tax withheld on all Medicare wages and tips shown in box 5, as well as the 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax on any of those Medicare wages and tips above $200,000.

Box 8. This amount is not included in box 1, 3, 5, or 7. For information on how to report tips on your tax return, see the Form 1040 instructions.

You must file Form 4137, Social Security and Medicare Tax on Unreported Tip Income, with your income tax return to report at least the allocated tip amount unless you can prove with adequate records that you received a smaller amount. If you have records that show the actual amount of tips you received, report that amount even if it is more or less than the allocated tips. Use Form 4137 to figure the social security and Medicare tax owed on tips you didn’t report to your employer. Enter this amount on the wages line of your tax return. By filing Form 4137, your social security tips will be credited to your social security record (used to figure your benefits).

Box 10. This amount includes the total dependent care benefits that your employer paid to you or incurred on your behalf (including amounts from a section 125 (cafeteria) plan). Any amount over your employer’s plan limit is also included in box 1. See Form 2441.

Box 11. This amount is (a) reported in box 1 if it is a distribution made to you from a nonqualified deferred compensation or nongovernmental section 457(b) plan, or (b) included in box 3 and/or box 5 if it is a prior year deferral under a nonqualified or section 457(b) plan that became taxable for social security and Medicare taxes this year because there is no longer a substantial risk of forfeiture of your right to the deferred amount. This box shouldn’t be used if you had a deferral and a distribution in the same calendar year. If you made a deferral and

received a distribution in the same calendar year, and you are or will be age 62 by the end of the calendar year, your employer should file Form SSA-131, Employer Report of Special Wage Payments, with the Social Security Administration and give you a copy.

Box 12. The following list explains the codes shown in box 12. You may need this information to complete your tax return. Elective deferrals (codes D, E, F, and S) and designated Roth contributions (codes AA, BB, and EE) under all plans are generally limited to a total of $20,500 ($14,000 if you only have SIMPLE plans; $23,500 for section 403(b) plans if you qualify for the 15-year rule explained in Pub. 571). Deferrals under code G are limited to $20,500. Deferrals under code H are limited to $7,000.

However, if you were at least age 50 in 2022, your employer may have allowed an additional deferral of up to $6,500 ($3,000 for section 401(k)(11) and 408(p) SIMPLE plans). This additional deferral amount is not subject to the overall limit on elective deferrals. For code G, the limit on elective deferrals may be higher for the last 3 years before you reach retirement age. Contact your plan administrator for more information. Amounts in excess of the overall elective deferral limit must be included in income. See the Form 1040 instructions.

Note: If a year follows code D through H, S, Y, AA, BB, or EE, you made a make-up pension contribution for a prior year(s) when you were in military service. To figure whether you made excess deferrals, consider these amounts for the year shown, not the current year. If no year is shown, the contributions are for the current year.

A—Uncollected social security or RRTA tax on tips. Include this tax on Form 1040 or 1040-SR. See the Form 1040 instructions.

B—Uncollected Medicare tax on tips. Include this tax on Form 1040 or 1040-SR. See the Form 1040 instructions.

C—Taxable cost of group-term life insurance over $50,000 (included in boxes 1, 3 (up to the social security wage base), and 5)

D—Elective deferrals to a section 401(k) cash or deferred arrangement. Also includes deferrals under a SIMPLE retirement account that is part of a section 401(k) arrangement.

E—Elective deferrals under a section 403(b) salary reduction agreement

(continued on back of Copy 2)

 

 

a Employee’s social security number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OMB No. 1545-0008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b Employer identification number (EIN)

 

 

 

1 Wages, tips, other compensation

 

2 Federal income tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

c Employer’s name, address, and ZIP code

 

3

Social security wages

 

 

 

4 Social security tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Medicare wages and tips

 

6

Medicare tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

Social security tips

 

 

 

8

Allocated tips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d Control number

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

Dependent care benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e Employee’s first name and initial

Last name

Suff.

11

Nonqualified plans

 

 

 

12a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

Statutory

Retirement

Third-party

 

12b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

employee

plan

sick pay

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 Other

 

 

 

 

 

12c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

f Employee’s address and ZIP code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 State Employer’s state ID number

 

16 State wages, tips, etc.

17 State income tax

 

18 Local wages, tips, etc.

19 Local income tax

20 Locality name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement

2022

 

 

Department of the Treasury—Internal Revenue Service

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copy 2—To Be Filed With Employee’s State, City, or Local

Income Tax Return

Instructions for Employee (continued from back of

Copy C)

Box 12 (continued)

F—Elective deferrals under a section 408(k)(6) salary reduction SEP

G—Elective deferrals and employer contributions (including nonelective deferrals) to a section 457(b) deferred compensation plan

H—Elective deferrals to a section 501(c)(18)(D) tax-exempt organization plan. See the Form 1040 instructions for how to deduct.

J—Nontaxable sick pay (information only, not included in box 1, 3, or 5)

K—20% excise tax on excess golden parachute payments. See the Form 1040 instructions.

L—Substantiated employee business expense reimbursements (nontaxable)

M—Uncollected social security or RRTA tax on taxable cost of group- term life insurance over $50,000 (former employees only). See the Form 1040 instructions.

N—Uncollected Medicare tax on taxable cost of group-term life insurance over $50,000 (former employees only). See the Form 1040 instructions.

P—Excludable moving expense reimbursements paid directly to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces (not included in box 1, 3, or 5)

Q—Nontaxable combat pay. See the Form 1040 instructions for details on reporting this amount.

R—Employer contributions to your Archer MSA. Report on Form 8853, Archer MSAs and Long-Term Care Insurance Contracts.

S—Employee salary reduction contributions under a section 408(p) SIMPLE plan (not included in box 1)

T—Adoption benefits (not included in box 1). Complete Form 8839, Qualified Adoption Expenses, to figure any taxable and nontaxable amounts.

V—Income from exercise of nonstatutory stock option(s) (included in boxes 1, 3 (up to the social security wage base), and 5). See Pub. 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income, for reporting requirements.

W—Employer contributions (including amounts the employee elected to contribute using a section 125 (cafeteria) plan) to your health savings account. Report on Form 8889, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

Y—Deferrals under a section 409A nonqualified deferred compensation plan

Z—Income under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that fails to satisfy section 409A. This amount is also included in box 1. It is subject to an additional 20% tax plus interest. See the Form 1040 instructions.

AA—Designated Roth contributions under a section 401(k) plan BB—Designated Roth contributions under a section 403(b) plan

DD—Cost of employer-sponsored health coverage. The amount reported with code DD is not taxable.

EE—Designated Roth contributions under a governmental section 457(b) plan. This amount does not apply to contributions under a tax- exempt organization section 457(b) plan.

FF—Permitted benefits under a qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement

GG—Income from qualified equity grants under section 83(i)

HH—Aggregate deferrals under section 83(i) elections as of the close of the calendar year

Box 13. If the “Retirement plan” box is checked, special limits may apply to the amount of traditional IRA contributions you may deduct. See Pub. 590-A, Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs).

Box 14. Employers may use this box to report information such as state disability insurance taxes withheld, union dues, uniform payments, health insurance premiums deducted, nontaxable income, educational assistance payments, or a member of the clergy’s parsonage allowance and utilities. Railroad employers use this box to report railroad retirement (RRTA) compensation, Tier 1 tax, Tier 2 tax, Medicare tax, and Additional Medicare Tax. Include tips reported by the employee to the employer in railroad retirement (RRTA) compensation.

Note: Keep Copy C of Form W-2 for at least 3 years after the due date for filing your income tax return. However, to help protect your social security benefits, keep Copy C until you begin receiving social security benefits, just in case there is a question about your work record and/or earnings in a particular year.

 

VOID

 

 

a Employee’s social security number

OMB No. 1545-0008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b Employer identification number (EIN)

 

 

 

1 Wages, tips, other compensation

 

2 Federal income tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

c Employer’s name, address, and ZIP code

 

3

Social security wages

 

 

 

4 Social security tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Medicare wages and tips

 

6

Medicare tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

Social security tips

 

 

 

8

Allocated tips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d Control number

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

Dependent care benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e Employee’s first name and initial

Last name

Suff.

11

Nonqualified plans

 

 

 

12a See instructions for box 12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

Statutory

Retirement

Third-party

 

12b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

employee

plan

sick pay

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 Other

 

 

 

 

 

12c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

f Employee’s address and ZIP code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 State Employer’s state ID number

 

16 State wages, tips, etc.

17 State income tax

 

18 Local wages, tips, etc.

19 Local income tax

20 Locality name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement

2022

 

 

Department of the Treasury—Internal Revenue Service

 

 

 

 

For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction

Copy D—For Employer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Act Notice, see separate instructions.
↓ PDF Form

File Specs

Fact Name Description
Purpose The IRS W-2 form is used by employers to report an employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck.
Due Date for Employers Employers must send out the W-2 form to their employees by January 31st of the year following the reported earnings.
Filing with IRS Employers also need to file the W-2 form with the IRS by January 31st.
Electronic Filing The IRS encourages electronic filing of the W-2 form, and it is required for employers with 250 or more forms to file.
Corrections If there are mistakes on a W-2 form, employers need to correct them using a W-2c form.
Multiple Jobs Employees who work multiple jobs during the year might receive a W-2 form from each employer.
Importance for Tax Returns The information on the W-2 form is essential for employees to file their federal and state tax returns accurately.
Requirements for States Some states have additional requirements for the W-2 form, which can include state-specific versions or additional filing mandates.
Accessibility Employees should be able to access their W-2 electronically if the employer offers this option, providing a faster and more secure method of delivery.
Penalties for Non-Compliance Employers who fail to properly file W-2 forms can face significant penalties from the IRS and state tax agencies.

Steps to Filling Out IRS W-2

Filling out the IRS W-2 form is a crucial task for employers each year, as it reports an employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck. It's important to ensure accuracy and timeliness when completing this form to avoid any potential issues with the IRS. Here is a straightforward, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.

  1. Gather all necessary information, including your Employer Identification Number (EIN), state ID number, the employee’s social security number, and their total wages and taxes withheld for the year.
  2. Enter your EIN in "a. Employer's ID number (EIN)" field.
  3. Fill in the employer’s name, address, and ZIP code in boxes b, c, and d.
  4. Input the employee’s social security number in box e.
  5. Provide the employee’s full name and address in box f.
  6. In box 1, enter the total wages, tips, and other compensation paid to the employee during the year.
  7. Put the amount of federal income tax withheld from the employee’s earnings for the year in box 2.
  8. Boxes 3 through 6 will be used to report Social Security wages, Social Security tax withheld, Medicare wages, and the Medicare tax withheld, respectively. Make sure to carefully calculate these amounts based on the current tax rates.
  9. Continue completing any other necessary boxes based on the types of compensation or tax that apply to the particular employee. This could include dependent care benefits in box 10, nonqualified plans in box 11, and other items in boxes 12-14.
  10. If applicable, fill in state tax information in boxes 15 through 20. This includes the state’s name and employer’s state ID number, along with the employee’s state wages and state income tax withheld.
  11. Double-check all information for accuracy and correct any mistakes.
  12. Distribute the appropriate copies of the W-2 form to your employee by January 31st, ensuring they have it in time to file their personal taxes.
  13. Submit Copy A of the W-2 form, along with Form W-3, to the Social Security Administration by the last day of February (if filing by mail) or by the last day of March (if filing electronically).

By following these steps, you will be able to fill out and submit the IRS W-2 form correctly and on time. Always remember to keep a copy for your records. If you feel overwhelmed by any step of this process, consider seeking help from a professional who can ensure that everything is completed accurately and in compliance with IRS requirements.

Discover More on IRS W-2

What is a W-2 Form and why do I need it?

The W-2 Form, officially known as the Wage and Tax Statement, is a document that employers are required to send to each of their employees and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at the end of every year. It reports the employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck. This form is essential for preparing your income tax return, as it provides the necessary information to determine your tax liability or refund.

When should I receive my W-2 Form?

Employers are required to mail out the W-2 forms by January 31st, allowing employees to receive them by early February. This deadline ensures that individuals have enough time to file their income tax returns by the April 15th deadline. If you haven't received your W-2 by mid-February, it's a good idea to contact your employer to ensure it was sent to the correct address.

What should I do if I find incorrect information on my W-2 Form?

If you discover any errors on your W-2 Form, such as incorrect wage or tax information, the first step is to contact your employer immediately. Your employer can issue a corrected W-2, known as a W-2c, to both you and the IRS. It's important to wait for the corrected W-2 before filing your tax return to avoid needing to amend your return later on.

Can I file my taxes without a W-2 Form?

While the W-2 Form is essential for filing your taxes accurately, you can still file without it if necessary. If you haven't received your W-2 by the tax filing deadline, you can use Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. On Form 4852, you'll estimate your wages and taxes withheld as best as you can based on your last pay stub of the year. However, it's important to note that filing with estimated information can lead to errors and may increase your chances of an audit, so it's preferable to obtain a correct W-2 from your employer if possible.

What happens if I receive a W-2 after I've already filed my taxes?

If you end up receiving your W-2 after you've filed your taxes — perhaps because you used Form 4852 to file — you may need to amend your tax return. This is necessary if the information on the W-2 differs from the estimates you used when you filed. To amend your return, you will need to file Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. This process can adjust your tax liability and either increase your refund or require additional payment if you underreported your earnings.

Common mistakes

Filling out the IRS W-2 form can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you're not familiar with the specifics of what each box and code means. People often make mistakes that can lead to headaches down the road, either for themselves or for their employees. Let's explore some common errors to avoid:

  1. Misreporting income: One of the most critical errors made is entering incorrect amounts for wages, tips, and other compensation. This mistake can cause significant discrepancies when employees file their taxes, possibly leading to audits or penalties.

  2. Incorrect tax information: It's easy to enter the wrong tax information, such as federal income tax withheld, Social Security tax withheld, or Medicare tax withheld. This not only affects an employee's tax liability but can also result in fines from the IRS.

  3. Wrong employee information: Entering incorrect names, Social Security numbers, or addresses for employees can cause their tax returns to be rejected or delayed. Ensuring this information is accurate is crucial for the smooth processing of their tax documents.

  4. Filing late: Waiting until the last minute to send out W-2 forms can lead to missing the IRS deadline, which not only puts employees in a bind when filing their taxes but can also result in penalties for the employer. Being proactive and preparing early is key.

Avoiding these mistakes requires diligence, attention to detail, and perhaps most importantly, starting the W-2 preparation process early enough to allow for thorough review and corrections. Taking the time to double-check your work can save a lot of time and trouble later on.

Documents used along the form

The IRS W-2 form is commonly known among employees and employers alike as the standard form used to report an employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck. This critical document serves not only as a record for tax purposes but also as a necessary piece of documentation for many other financial or legal processes. Alongside the W-2, several other forms and documents are often required or utilized for a comprehensive approach to managing one’s finances, tax obligations, and employment verification. Below are ten such documents, each playing its unique role in the personal and professional spheres of an individual’s life.

  • IRS Form 1040: The cornerstone document for individual tax filing, it's where one reports their annual income, deductions, and credits to calculate their tax liability or refund.
  • IRS Schedule C: Used by sole proprietors and single-member LLCs to report business profits and losses, this ties into the personal tax return, integrating business and personal taxes.
  • Form 1099-MISC: Reports income from sources other than wages, salaries, and tips. It’s essential for freelancers and independent contractors.
  • Form 1099-NEC: Specifically for reporting payments made to nonemployees, such as independent contractors, this form has recently taken over the role that Form 1099-MISC used to play for reporting self-employment income.
  • IRS Form 1095-A, B, or C: These forms provide information about health insurance coverage, which is vital for reconciling premium tax credits or proving coverage to avoid penalties.
  • IRS Form 8863: For those claiming education credits, this form helps individuals account for expenses related to higher education.
  • State-specific tax forms: Depending on the taxpayer's state of residence, there may be additional forms required for state income tax purposes. These vary widely by state.
  • Form W-4: While this form is filled out upon employment to determine tax withholding levels, it can be updated anytime to adjust withholdings in anticipation of tax liability.
  • IRS Form 4852: Serving as a substitute for Form W-2, this is used if an employer hasn't provided a W-2 or if the information on the W-2 provided is believed to be incorrect.
  • Form W-9: Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, this form is used by individuals who haven't incorporated their business to provide their taxpayer ID number to entities that will pay them income throughout the tax year.

Together, these documents form a comprehensive suite of tools that support individuals in navigating the complex landscape of employment and tax regulations. Properly understanding and utilizing these forms can ensure accurate tax filing, compliance with federal and state laws, and optimization of one’s financial situation. While the W-2 form is a starting point for many, the journey through financial and tax responsibility does not end there, making familiarization with these additional forms and documents highly beneficial.

Similar forms

  • IRS Form 1099-MISC: This document is similar to the W-2 form in that it is used to report income. However, while the W-2 form is used by employers to report wages, tips, and other compensation paid to an employee, the Form 1099-MISC is used to report payments made to non-employees, such as independent contractors. Both forms are crucial for individuals to accurately report their income to the IRS.

  • IRS Form 1040: The Form 1040 is the standard federal income tax form people use to report their income to the IRS, calculate their tax liability, and file their annual tax return. It is similar to the W-2 in that both are integral to the tax filing process. The information on the W-2 form, such as wages earned and federal tax withheld, is used to fill out the Form 1040.

  • IRS Form W-4: This form is closely related to the W-2 but serves a different purpose. The Form W-4 is completed by an employee to inform the employer of the amount of tax to withhold from their paycheck. It directly influences the information reported on the W-2 form, as the withholdings calculated based on the W-4 information affect the total tax obligations reported at the end of the year on the W-2.

  • IRS Form 1099-INT: Similar to the W-2 form, the Form 1099-INT is used to report income. Instead of wages or non-employee compensation, Form 1099-INT is used by banks and financial institutions to report interest income. Like the W-2, this form is essential for individuals to complete their tax returns accurately by including all sources of income.

  • IRS Form W-3: The Form W-3, also known as the Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements, works in conjunction with the W-2 form. It is a summary page required by the IRS when an employer sends W-2 forms for its employees. The main similarity to the W-2 is that both are used in the process of reporting wage information to the IRS. However, while the W-2 reports individual employee's earnings and taxes withheld, the W-3 compiles all of the W-2 information into one document for the employer.

Dos and Don'ts

Completing the IRS W-2 form accurately is paramount for both employers and employees, ensuring proper reporting of wages and taxes. To facilitate this process, understanding what should and shouldn't be done can prevent common mistakes and potential legal issues. Below are essential tips to consider.

Do:

  1. Verify employee information, including Social Security numbers and addresses, to ensure they are correct.
  2. Use the correct form version for the tax year being reported to avoid processing delays.
  3. Report all necessary income, including wages, tips, and other compensation, in the appropriate boxes to ensure accurate tax calculations.
  4. Double-check the employer identification number (EIN) to prevent filing errors.
  5. Submit the form to the Social Security Administration (SSA) by the established deadline to avoid penalties.

Don't:

  • Do not guess or estimate figures. Use actual numbers from payroll records to fill in wages, tax withheld, and other financial information.
  • Do not leave any required fields blank. If a section does not apply, enter "0" or "N/A" to indicate this.
  • Do not use correction fluid or make alterations on the form; if an error is made, start with a new form to ensure clarity and legibility.
  • Do not send W-2 forms directly to the IRS unless specifically requested; they should be filed with the SSA.
  • Do not disregard state and local filing requirements, as they may differ from federal requirements.

Misconceptions

Understanding the IRS W-2 form is crucial for both employers and employees, as it plays a significant role in annual tax filing. However, several misconceptions surround this essential document, leading to confusion and errors. Below, we tackle five of the most common misunderstandings to help clarify the facts.

  • Only full-time employees receive a W-2. This is not accurate. The truth is, any employee who has earned wages during the year, regardless of their employment status (full-time, part-time, or seasonal), should expect to receive a W-2 form from their employer. The form reflects the total income they've earned and the taxes withheld from those earnings.

  • If you didn't make a lot of money, you don't need to worry about the W-2. This assumption could lead to missed filing obligations. The IRS requires every worker who earns above a certain threshold to file a tax return, regardless of whether they think their income is too low. Receiving a W-2 form means you have to consider that income in your tax return, no matter how small the amount may seem.

  • You can file your taxes without a W-2 if you estimate your earnings. While estimating your income might seem like a practical temporary solution, it's important to wait for your actual W-2 form before filing your taxes. The IRS matches the information on your tax return with what's reported by your employer on the W-2. Filing with estimated numbers can lead to discrepancies and potentially trigger an audit.

  • Your last paycheck stub can serve as a W-2 substitute for filing taxes. Even though your final pay stub of the year will include much of the same information that's on your W-2, it's not an acceptable substitute for the actual form when filing your taxes. The W-2 contains specific information and coding required by the IRS for processing your tax return.

  • Electronic W-2 forms are optional for employers. In today's digital age, many employers opt to provide W-2 forms electronically. However, it's important to note that an employer must receive consent from the employee to furnish a W-2 in an electronic format instead of a paper copy. If an employee does not consent or specifically requests a paper version, the employer is bound to comply with that request.

Correcting these misconceptions ensures a smoother tax filing process for everyone involved. Always verify your tax-related information with credible sources or consult with a tax professional to avoid common pitfalls and ensure compliance with IRS regulations.

Key takeaways

The IRS W-2 form, a critical document for both employers and employees, serves a key role in the annual tax filing process in the United States. Understanding its purpose, requirements, and timelines ensures compliance with tax regulations and aids in accurate tax preparation. Here are nine key takeaways to navigate the complexities of filling out and using the IRS W-2 form:

  1. Employer Obligations: Employers must provide a W-2 form to every employee who received salary, wages, or other forms of compensation, amounting to more than $600 for the fiscal year.
  2. Employee Information Accuracy: It's crucial for employees to verify their personal information, including Social Security Number (SSN) and address, ensuring they are correctly listed on the W-2 to avoid processing delays or errors in tax returns.
  3. Understanding Boxes: The W-2 form contains multiple boxes indicating various types of income and deductions. Understanding each box is essential for accurate tax reporting. For example, Box 1 shows your total taxable wages or salary.
  4. State and Federal Details: The W-2 form includes information relevant both to federal and state tax filings. Employees working in multiple states may receive multiple W-2 forms or a consolidated document with separate state information.
  5. Deadlines Matter: Employers are required to send out W-2 forms to employees by January 31st, allowing sufficient time for employees to file their taxes by the April 15th deadline.
  6. Electronic Access: Many employers offer electronic W-2 forms through secure websites, speeding up the distribution process. However, employees must give consent to receive their forms electronically.
  7. Corrections Are Possible: Mistakes can happen. If an error is found on a W-2, employees should promptly contact their employer to issue a corrected W-2, known as a W-2c.
  8. Impact on Tax Returns: Information from the W-2 is used to fill out tax returns. Incorrect or incomplete W-2 forms can lead to audits, penalties, or delayed tax refunds.
  9. Retention of Records: Both employers and employees are advised to keep copies of W-2 forms for at least four years as documentation of income and tax deductions.

Seamlessly navigating the intricacies of the IRS W-2 form contributes to a smoother tax season, ensuring compliance, and maximizing one's tax return potential. Whether you are an employer distributing W-2 forms or an employee reviewing your tax documents, paying attention to the details on this form is paramount.

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