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The IRS W-2 form plays a crucial role in the annual tax process for employees and employers alike. This form, formally known as the Wage and Tax Statement, provides a comprehensive summary of an employee's earnings and the taxes withheld throughout the year. Employers are required to issue a W-2 to each employee by January 31, detailing wages, tips, and other compensation, as well as federal, state, and other taxes withheld. Additionally, the W-2 includes information on Social Security and Medicare contributions, which are essential for determining eligibility for benefits. Understanding the various boxes on the form is vital, as each section provides specific information that impacts an individual's tax return. Accuracy in reporting is paramount, as discrepancies can lead to delays in tax processing or even audits. For employees, the W-2 serves as a key document for filing their annual tax returns, making it essential to keep it safe and accessible during tax season.

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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.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a Employee’s social security number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22222

VOID

 

 

For Official Use Only

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OMB No. 1545-0029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11

Nonqualified plans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e Employee’s first name and initial

Last name

 

Suff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12a See instructions for box 12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

Statutory

Retirement

Third-party

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

employee

plan

sick pay

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14a Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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12c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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12d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14b Treasury Tipped Occupation Code(s)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W-2

 

 

 

 

 

 

2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form

Wage and Tax Statement

 

 

 

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

Created 1/7/26

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

22222

a Employee’s social security number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OMB No. 1545-0029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

11

Nonqualified plans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e Employee’s first name and initial

Last name

Suff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

Statutory

Retirement

Third-party

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

employee

plan

sick pay

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14a Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

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12c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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12d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14b Treasury Tipped Occupation Code(s)

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

2026

 

 

 

Department of the Treasury—Internal Revenue Service

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

a Employee’s social security number

bEmployer identification number (EIN)

 

Safe, accurate,

Visit the IRS website at

OMB No. 1545-0029 FAST! Use

www.irs.gov/efile.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

11

Nonqualified plans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e Employee’s first name and initial

Last name

Suff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12a See instructions for box 12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

Statutory

Retirement

Third-party

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

employee

plan

sick pay

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14a Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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12c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14b Treasury Tipped Occupation Code(s)

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

2026

 

 

 

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.

Future developments. For the latest information about developments related to Form W-2, such as legislation enacted after it was published, go to www.irs.gov/FormW2.

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 tax credit (EITC). You may be able to take the EITC for 2026 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 EITC if your investment income is more than the specified amount for 2026 or if income is earned for services provided while you were an inmate at a penal institution. For 2026 income limits and more information, visit www.irs.gov/EITC. See also Pub. 596. Any

EITC 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.

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 2026 and more than $11,439.00 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 $6,717.90 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.)

Form Specifications

Fact Name Description
Purpose The W-2 form reports an employee's annual wages and the taxes withheld from their paycheck.
Who Issues It Employers are required to issue a W-2 form to each employee by January 31 of the following year.
Filing Requirement Employees must use the W-2 form to complete their federal income tax returns.
State-Specific Forms Many states have their own versions of the W-2 form, which may be governed by state tax laws.
Box Information The W-2 form contains various boxes that report different types of income and tax information, such as wages, tips, and federal income tax withheld.
Deadline for Employers Employers must file W-2 forms with the Social Security Administration by the end of January each year.
Importance for Employees Employees need the W-2 form to accurately report their income and determine their tax obligations.
Corrections If there are errors on a W-2 form, employers must issue a corrected form, known as a W-2c.
Penalties for Noncompliance Employers may face penalties for failing to provide W-2 forms or for filing them late.

IRS W-2: Usage Guidelines

After obtaining the IRS W-2 form, it is essential to fill it out accurately to ensure proper reporting of income and taxes withheld. This form is used by employers to report wages paid to employees and the taxes withheld from those wages. Following these steps will help in completing the form correctly.

  1. Gather necessary information, including your employer's name, address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  2. Locate your personal information, such as your name, address, and Social Security Number (SSN).
  3. In Box 1, enter the total taxable wages, tips, and other compensation you received during the year.
  4. Fill in Box 2 with the total federal income tax withheld from your paychecks.
  5. In Box 3, report the total amount of Social Security wages earned.
  6. Enter the amount of Social Security tax withheld in Box 4.
  7. In Box 5, list the total Medicare wages and tips.
  8. Fill in Box 6 with the total Medicare tax withheld.
  9. Complete Boxes 10, 11, and 12 if applicable, providing information on dependent care benefits, nonqualified plans, or other deductions.
  10. In Box 13, check the appropriate boxes for retirement plan participation or statutory employee status if applicable.
  11. Finally, sign and date the form, ensuring all information is accurate before submission.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the IRS W-2 form?

The IRS W-2 form, also known as the Wage and Tax Statement, is a document that employers must provide to their employees. It reports the employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck. This form is crucial for employees when filing their income tax returns, as it contains essential information about their earnings and tax contributions for the year.

Who receives a W-2 form?

Employees who receive wages, salaries, or other forms of compensation from their employer will receive a W-2 form. This includes full-time, part-time, and temporary workers. If you worked for multiple employers during the tax year, you should receive a separate W-2 form from each employer.

When should I expect to receive my W-2 form?

Employers are required to send out W-2 forms to employees by January 31 of each year. This deadline ensures that employees have enough time to prepare and file their tax returns by the April 15 deadline. If you have not received your W-2 by mid-February, it is advisable to contact your employer to inquire about its status.

What should I do if my W-2 form contains errors?

If you notice any errors on your W-2 form, such as incorrect personal information or wage amounts, you should contact your employer immediately. Employers are responsible for issuing corrected W-2 forms, known as W-2c forms, to address any inaccuracies. It is important to resolve these issues before filing your tax return to avoid complications with the IRS.

How do I use my W-2 form when filing my taxes?

Your W-2 form provides crucial information for completing your federal and state tax returns. You will need to report the wages and tax withheld as shown on the W-2 on your tax forms. Most tax preparation software will prompt you to enter the information directly from your W-2, simplifying the process. Ensure that all figures are entered accurately to avoid delays in processing your return.

What should I do if I lose my W-2 form?

If you lose your W-2 form, you should first contact your employer to request a duplicate. Employers are required to provide a replacement if requested. Additionally, if you cannot obtain a duplicate in time to file your tax return, you can still file using Form 4852, which serves as a substitute for your W-2. You will need to estimate your wages and withholding amounts based on your pay stubs or other records.

Common mistakes

  1. Incorrect Social Security Number: One common mistake is entering the wrong Social Security Number (SSN). This can lead to delays in processing and potential issues with tax returns.

  2. Wrong Employer Information: Filling out the employer's name or address incorrectly can create confusion. It’s important to ensure that all details match what the employer has on file.

  3. Missing or Incorrect Wages: Sometimes, individuals forget to include all forms of compensation. This could include bonuses or other earnings, which can affect tax calculations.

  4. Filing Status Errors: Selecting the wrong filing status can lead to incorrect tax calculations. Understanding your status—whether single, married, or head of household—is essential.

  5. Not Signing the Form: Failing to sign the W-2 can result in the form being rejected. A signature is necessary to validate the information provided.

  6. Ignoring State and Local Tax Sections: Some people overlook state and local tax information. It's crucial to fill out these sections accurately to avoid additional penalties.

  7. Not Keeping a Copy: After submitting the W-2, it’s a mistake not to keep a copy for personal records. Having a copy can be helpful for future reference or in case of disputes.

Documents used along the form

The IRS W-2 form is an essential document for employees and employers alike, as it reports annual wages and the taxes withheld from paychecks. However, several other forms and documents often accompany the W-2, providing additional information for tax filing and record-keeping. Understanding these documents can help ensure that tax preparation goes smoothly and accurately.

  • IRS W-3 Form: This form serves as a summary of all W-2 forms submitted by an employer. It is filed with the Social Security Administration and includes total wages, tips, and other compensation paid to employees, along with the total amount of taxes withheld. Employers must submit this form annually.
  • Form 1040: This is the standard individual income tax return form used by U.S. taxpayers. It is where individuals report their income, claim deductions and credits, and calculate their tax liability. The information from the W-2 is essential for completing this form accurately.
  • Form 1099-MISC: This form is used to report payments made to independent contractors or freelancers. If a worker is not classified as an employee and earns more than $600 in a year, the payer must issue a 1099-MISC instead of a W-2.
  • Form 1095-C: Employers with 50 or more full-time employees must provide this form, which reports information about health insurance coverage offered to employees. It helps individuals determine if they meet the requirements for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

Being familiar with these forms and how they relate to the W-2 can simplify the tax filing process. Each document plays a unique role, contributing to a complete picture of an individual's earnings and tax obligations. Understanding their significance can empower individuals to navigate their tax responsibilities with confidence.

Similar forms

The IRS W-2 form is an important document for employees and employers alike. It provides a summary of an employee's annual wages and the taxes withheld. There are several other documents that serve similar purposes in different contexts. Here’s a list of seven documents that share similarities with the W-2 form:

  • 1099-MISC: This form is used to report income received by independent contractors and freelancers. Like the W-2, it summarizes earnings and tax withholdings, but it is specifically for non-employees.
  • 1099-NEC: Introduced to specifically report non-employee compensation, this form is similar to the 1099-MISC but focuses solely on payments made to independent contractors. It also details earnings and tax withholdings.
  • W-3: This is a summary form that accompanies the W-2 when submitted to the Social Security Administration. It provides a total of all W-2s issued by an employer, ensuring accurate reporting of employee earnings and tax contributions.
  • 1040: The individual income tax return form, where taxpayers report their total income, including wages from W-2s. It is essential for filing taxes and reconciling total income with taxes owed.
  • Schedule C: Used by self-employed individuals to report income and expenses, this document provides a detailed account of earnings similar to how the W-2 outlines employee wages, but it is tailored for business income.
  • Form 941: Employers use this quarterly form to report income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employee wages. While the W-2 is an annual report, Form 941 provides a snapshot of tax withholdings throughout the year.
  • Form 1095-C: This form is used by applicable large employers to report health insurance coverage offered to employees. It complements the W-2 by providing information on health benefits, which can impact tax filings.

Each of these documents plays a crucial role in the overall tax reporting process, ensuring that both employees and employers remain compliant with tax regulations.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the IRS W-2 form, it’s important to follow some basic guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here are some things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do: Double-check all personal information, including your name, address, and Social Security number.
  • Do: Use clear and legible handwriting or type the information if possible.
  • Do: Review the amounts in each box carefully to ensure they are correct.
  • Do: Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
  • Don't: Leave any required fields blank; this can lead to delays or issues.
  • Don't: Use incorrect or outdated forms; always use the latest version from the IRS.
  • Don't: Forget to sign and date the form before submitting it.
  • Don't: Submit the form without verifying that all information is accurate.

Misconceptions

The IRS W-2 form is an important document for employees and employers alike. However, there are several misconceptions about it that can lead to confusion. Here are nine common misunderstandings:

  1. W-2 forms are only for full-time employees.

    This is not true. Any employee who earns wages, regardless of their employment status, should receive a W-2 form from their employer.

  2. All employees receive a W-2 form by default.

    Not all workers receive a W-2. Independent contractors typically receive a 1099 form instead.

  3. The W-2 form shows only income.

    In addition to income, the W-2 form also reports taxes withheld and other deductions, like Social Security and Medicare.

  4. Employers must send W-2 forms by January 1st.

    Employers are required to send out W-2 forms by January 31st of each year, not January 1st.

  5. You can file your taxes without a W-2.

    While you can file your taxes without a W-2, it is not advisable. The W-2 provides essential information needed for accurate tax filing.

  6. W-2 forms are only needed for federal tax returns.

    W-2 forms are also required for state tax returns in many states, so it's important to keep them for both.

  7. Employers can choose not to issue W-2 forms.

    This is incorrect. Employers are legally obligated to provide W-2 forms to all eligible employees.

  8. W-2 forms are the same for every employee.

    Each W-2 form is unique to the employee. It reflects individual earnings and tax withholdings.

  9. You only need one W-2 form if you have multiple jobs.

    If you have multiple jobs, you will receive a separate W-2 form from each employer for your earnings from that job.

Understanding these misconceptions can help ensure that you handle your taxes accurately and avoid potential issues.

Key takeaways

The IRS W-2 form is an essential document for employees and employers alike. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when filling out and using this form:

  • Understand the Purpose: The W-2 form reports an employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck. It is crucial for filing your income tax return.
  • Check for Accuracy: Ensure that all information, including your name, Social Security number, and earnings, is correct. Mistakes can lead to delays in processing your tax return.
  • Receive by Deadline: Employers must provide employees with their W-2 forms by January 31st each year. This gives you enough time to prepare your taxes.
  • Keep for Your Records: Store your W-2 forms in a safe place. You may need them for future reference or in case of an audit.