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The IRS W-3 form plays a crucial role in the annual tax reporting process for employers in the United States. It serves as a summary of all W-2 forms issued by an employer, consolidating the information about wages, taxes withheld, and other key details for each employee. This form is submitted to the Social Security Administration (SSA) along with the W-2 forms, ensuring that the earnings reported are accurately recorded in employees’ Social Security records. Employers must complete the W-3 form with precision, as it reflects the total wages paid, Social Security wages, and Medicare wages for the entire year. Additionally, the form includes essential information such as the employer's identification details and the total amount of federal income tax withheld. Understanding the W-3 form is vital for employers, as it not only aids in compliance with federal regulations but also impacts employees' future benefits. Timely and accurate submission of the W-3 can prevent potential penalties and ensure that employees receive proper credit for their earnings. As such, navigating the intricacies of this form is an essential task for employers aiming to maintain good standing with the IRS and SSA.

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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.

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For Official Use Only:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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c Total number of Forms W-2

d Establishment number

1 Wages, tips, other compensation

 

 

2 Federal income tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e Employer identification number (EIN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 Social security wages

 

 

 

 

 

4 Social security tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

f

Employer’s name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Medicare wages and tips

 

 

6 Medicare tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 Social security tips

 

 

 

 

 

8 Allocated tips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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10 Dependent care benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11 Nonqualified plans

 

 

 

 

12a Deferred compensation

 

 

 

 

g Employer’s address and ZIP code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

h Other EIN used this year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13 For third-party sick pay use only

 

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15 State

Employer’s state ID number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 Income tax withheld by payer of third-party sick pay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16 State wages, tips, etc.

17 State income tax

 

 

 

18 Local wages, tips, etc.

 

 

 

 

19 Local income tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employer’s contact person

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employer’s telephone number

 

 

For Official Use Only

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employer’s fax number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employer’s email address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return and accompanying documents, and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, they are true, correct, and complete.

Signature:

Title:

 

Date:

Form W-3 Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements

2025

Department of the Treasury

Internal Revenue Service

Send this entire page with the entire Copy A page of Form(s) W-2 to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Photocopies are not acceptable. Do not send Form W-3 if you filed electronically with the SSA.

Do not send any payment (cash, checks, money orders, etc.) with Forms W-2 and W-3.

Reminder

Separate instructions. See the 2025 General Instructions for Forms

W-2 and W-3 for information on completing this form. Do not file Form

W-3 for Form(s) W-2 that were submitted electronically to the SSA.

Purpose of Form

Complete a Form W-3 transmittal only when filing paper Copy A of Form(s) W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. Don’t file Form W-3 alone. All paper forms must comply with IRS standards and be machine readable. Photocopies are not acceptable. Use a Form W-3 even if only one paper Form W-2 is being filed. Make sure both the Form W-3 and Form(s) W-2 show the correct tax year and employer identification number (EIN). Make a copy of this form and keep it with Copy D (For Employer) of Form(s) W-2 for your records. The IRS recommends retaining copies of these forms for at least 4 years.

E-Filing

The SSA strongly suggests employers report Form W-3 and Forms W-2 Copy A electronically instead of on paper. The SSA provides two free e-filing options on its Business Services Online (BSO) website.

W-2 Online. Use fill-in forms to create, save, print, and submit up to 50 Forms W-2 at a time to the SSA.

File Upload. Upload wage files to the SSA you have created using payroll or tax software that formats the files according to the SSA’s Specifications for Filing Forms W-2 Electronically (EFW2).

W-2 Online fill-in forms or file uploads will be on time if submitted by February 02, 2026. For more information, go to www.SSA.gov/bso.

When To File Paper Forms

Mail Form W-3 with Copy A of Form(s) W-2 by February 02, 2026.

Where To File Paper Forms

Send this entire page with the entire Copy A page of Form(s) W-2 to:

Social Security Administration

Direct Operations Center

Wilkes-Barre, PA 18769-0001

Note: If you use “Certified Mail” to file, change the ZIP code to “18769-0002.” If you use an IRS-approved private delivery service, add “ATTN: W-2 Process, 1150 E. Mountain Dr.” to the address and change the ZIP code to “18702-7997.” Go to www.irs.gov/PDS for a list of IRS- approved private delivery services.

For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.

Cat. No. 10159Y

Form Specifications

Fact Name Details
Purpose The IRS W-3 form is a summary form that accompanies the W-2 forms submitted to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Filing Requirement Employers must file the W-3 form if they have issued one or more W-2 forms during the tax year.
Deadline The W-3 form is due by January 31 of the year following the tax year for which the W-2 forms were issued.
Information Included The form summarizes total wages, tips, and other compensation, as well as taxes withheld for all employees.
Filing Methods The W-3 can be filed electronically or submitted as a paper form, depending on the employer's preference.
State-Specific Forms Some states require their own W-3 equivalent forms, governed by state tax laws.
Corrections If errors are found, employers must submit a corrected W-3 form along with the corrected W-2 forms.
Signature Requirement The form must be signed by an authorized person, typically the employer or a designated representative.
Record Keeping Employers should keep copies of the W-3 and W-2 forms for at least four years for record-keeping purposes.
Online Resources The IRS provides online resources and instructions for completing and filing the W-3 form.

IRS W-3: Usage Guidelines

After completing the IRS W-3 form, you will be ready to submit it along with your W-2 forms to the Social Security Administration. This step is essential for ensuring accurate reporting of income and taxes withheld for employees.

  1. Obtain a copy of the IRS W-3 form, which can be downloaded from the IRS website or acquired through other means.
  2. Fill in your employer identification information at the top of the form. This includes your name, address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  3. Provide the total number of W-2 forms you are submitting. This number should match the count of W-2 forms you are including with the W-3.
  4. Enter the total wages, tips, and other compensation for all employees. This total should reflect the sum of all W-2 forms submitted.
  5. Indicate the total federal income tax withheld from all employees. Again, this should match the total from the W-2 forms.
  6. Complete the boxes for Social Security wages and tips, as well as Medicare wages and tips. Ensure these amounts correspond with the W-2 data.
  7. Sign and date the form. The signature certifies that the information provided is accurate and complete.
  8. Make a copy of the completed W-3 form for your records before submission.
  9. Submit the W-3 form along with the W-2 forms to the Social Security Administration by the specified deadline.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the IRS W-3 form?

The IRS W-3 form, also known as the Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements, is a summary form that accompanies the W-2 forms when employers submit them to the Social Security Administration (SSA). It provides a summary of the total earnings, Social Security wages, Medicare wages, and withholding for all employees for the tax year. Essentially, it consolidates the information from multiple W-2 forms into one document for easier processing.

Who needs to file the W-3 form?

Any employer who issues W-2 forms to their employees must file a W-3 form when submitting those W-2s to the SSA. This requirement applies to all employers, regardless of the size of their workforce. Even if you have only one employee, you still need to complete and submit the W-3 form along with the W-2s.

When is the W-3 form due?

The W-3 form is due on the same date as the W-2 forms, which is typically January 31st of the year following the tax year. If January 31st falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline may be extended to the next business day. It’s essential to meet this deadline to avoid penalties and ensure that your employees receive their tax information on time.

How do I file the W-3 form?

The W-3 form can be filed electronically or via mail. If you are submitting your W-2 forms electronically, the W-3 will be included in that electronic submission. If filing by mail, you should send the W-3 along with the W-2 forms to the address specified in the IRS instructions for the form. Be sure to keep copies of all submitted forms for your records.

What information is required on the W-3 form?

The W-3 form requires several key pieces of information, including the employer's name, address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN). It also requires a summary of the total number of W-2 forms being submitted, total wages paid, total Social Security wages, total Medicare wages, and total federal income tax withheld. Accurate reporting is crucial to avoid discrepancies.

Can I correct errors on the W-3 form after submission?

If you discover an error after submitting the W-3 form, you can correct it by filing a new W-2c (Corrected Wage and Tax Statement) for each affected employee. You should also submit a corrected W-3c (Transmittal of Corrected Wage and Tax Statements) that summarizes the changes. Make sure to follow the instructions provided by the IRS for corrections to ensure compliance.

What are the penalties for not filing the W-3 form?

Failure to file the W-3 form on time can result in penalties from the IRS. The penalties can vary based on how late the form is filed and the size of your business. For example, if you file late, the penalties can range from $50 to $550 per form, depending on the delay. Additionally, not filing correctly can lead to issues for your employees when they file their tax returns.

Is there a way to file the W-3 form online?

Yes, you can file the W-3 form online through the Social Security Administration’s Business Services Online (BSO) portal. This platform allows employers to submit W-2 forms electronically, and the W-3 form is included in this process. Filing online is generally more efficient and helps to ensure that your forms are processed quickly and accurately.

Where can I find the W-3 form and instructions?

The W-3 form and its accompanying instructions can be found on the IRS website. It’s important to download the most current version of the form and read the instructions carefully to ensure compliance with all requirements. The IRS updates forms and instructions periodically, so checking for the latest version is essential.

Common mistakes

When completing the IRS W-3 form, individuals often encounter several common mistakes. Understanding these pitfalls can help ensure the form is filled out correctly. Below is a list of eight frequent errors:

  1. Incorrect Employer Identification Number (EIN): Failing to provide the correct EIN can lead to processing delays. Always double-check that the number matches what the IRS has on file.

  2. Missing Information: Omitting essential details, such as the employer's name or address, can result in the form being returned. Ensure all fields are filled in completely.

  3. Inaccurate Total Wages: Reporting incorrect total wages can cause discrepancies in tax calculations. It is crucial to verify that the figures match those reported on the W-2 forms.

  4. Not Signing the Form: A signature is required for the form to be valid. Failing to sign can lead to rejection of the submission.

  5. Using the Wrong Year: Submitting the W-3 for the incorrect tax year can complicate matters. Always ensure you are using the form for the correct year.

  6. Inconsistent Information: Discrepancies between the W-2 forms and the W-3 can trigger audits. Make sure all information is consistent across documents.

  7. Not Following Submission Guidelines: Ignoring the IRS guidelines for submission can lead to delays. Be sure to send the form to the correct address and by the deadline.

  8. Neglecting to Keep Copies: Failing to retain copies of the W-3 and related documents can be problematic. Always keep a copy for your records in case of future inquiries.

By being aware of these common mistakes, individuals can improve their chances of successfully completing the IRS W-3 form without complications. Attention to detail is key in this process.

Documents used along the form

The IRS W-3 form is a summary of all W-2 forms submitted by an employer for a given tax year. When filing this form, several other documents may be required or helpful for a complete submission. Below is a list of common forms and documents that often accompany the W-3.

  • W-2 Form: This form reports an employee's annual wages and the taxes withheld from their paycheck. Each employee receives a W-2, which is essential for their personal tax filing.
  • Form 941: Employers use this form to report income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employee's paychecks. It's filed quarterly.
  • Form 940: This annual form is used to report and pay unemployment taxes. Employers must file it if they paid wages of $1,500 or more in any calendar quarter.
  • Form 1099-MISC: This form is used to report payments made to independent contractors or other non-employees. It's necessary when payments exceed $600 in a calendar year.
  • Form 1096: This is a summary form that accompanies paper submissions of certain information returns, including 1099s and W-2s. It summarizes the total number of forms being submitted.
  • Schedule C: Self-employed individuals file this form to report income or loss from their business. It provides a detailed account of business expenses and income.
  • Form SS-4: This form is used to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is necessary for businesses with employees. It establishes the business as a tax entity.
  • Form 4868: This form is used to request an automatic extension of time to file a federal tax return. It is helpful for employers needing more time to gather documents.
  • Form 1040: This is the standard individual income tax return form. Employees use it to report their personal income, including wages reported on W-2s.

Understanding these documents can streamline the filing process and ensure compliance with IRS regulations. Having the right forms on hand will help both employers and employees manage their tax responsibilities effectively.

Similar forms

The IRS W-3 form is a summary of the W-2 forms that employers submit for their employees. It provides a total of wages and taxes withheld. Here are five documents that share similarities with the W-3 form:

  • W-2 Form: This is the individual wage and tax statement for each employee. The W-3 summarizes the information from all W-2 forms submitted by an employer.
  • 1099-MISC Form: This form reports payments made to independent contractors. Like the W-3, it aggregates income information but for non-employees.
  • W-4 Form: This form is used by employees to indicate their tax withholding preferences. While it does not summarize income, it directly affects the information reported on the W-2 and subsequently the W-3.
  • 941 Form: This is the employer's quarterly federal tax return. It reports payroll taxes withheld, similar to how the W-3 summarizes annual totals for employees.
  • Form 1095-C: This form provides information about health insurance coverage offered by large employers. It complements the W-3 by detailing employee benefits, which can impact overall compensation reporting.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the IRS W-3 form, it’s important to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here are seven things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do double-check all information for accuracy.
  • Do use the correct tax year on the form.
  • Do ensure that the totals match those on your W-2 forms.
  • Do sign and date the form before submission.
  • Don't leave any required fields blank.
  • Don't forget to keep a copy for your records.
  • Don't use a pencil; always fill out the form in ink or electronically.

Misconceptions

The IRS W-3 form is an important document for employers, but several misconceptions surround it. Here are seven common misunderstandings about the W-3 form, along with clarifications.

  1. Misconception 1: The W-3 form is only for large businesses.

    In reality, any employer who issues W-2 forms to employees must file a W-3, regardless of the size of the business.

  2. Misconception 2: The W-3 is optional if you file electronically.

    This is incorrect. Even if you file W-2 forms electronically, you still need to submit a W-3 form to summarize the information provided.

  3. Misconception 3: The W-3 form only reports wages.

    The W-3 actually summarizes various types of compensation, including tips and other forms of income, not just wages.

  4. Misconception 4: Filing a W-3 guarantees that employees will receive their W-2 forms on time.

    While the W-3 is necessary for reporting, it does not affect the timeline for employees receiving their W-2s. Employers are responsible for ensuring timely delivery.

  5. Misconception 5: You can submit the W-3 form at any time during the year.

    The W-3 must be filed along with the W-2 forms by the deadline, typically January 31st of the following year.

  6. Misconception 6: The W-3 is only used for federal reporting.

    In addition to federal reporting, some states may require similar information, and the W-3 can serve as a useful summary for state filings.

  7. Misconception 7: You can correct errors on the W-3 after submission.

    If you discover an error after filing, you must file a corrected W-3 and W-2 form to amend the information.

Understanding these misconceptions can help employers ensure compliance and streamline their reporting processes.

Key takeaways

The IRS W-3 form, also known as the Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements, is an important document for employers. It summarizes the total earnings, taxes withheld, and other relevant information from all W-2 forms issued to employees. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when filling out and using the W-3 form:

  • Purpose of the W-3: This form serves as a cover sheet for submitting W-2 forms to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
  • Accurate Information: Ensure that all information, including totals from W-2 forms, is accurate to avoid issues with tax reporting.
  • Filing Deadline: The W-3 must be submitted to the SSA by the last day of January following the tax year.
  • Electronic Filing: If you file W-2 forms electronically, you must also submit the W-3 electronically.
  • Signature Requirement: The form must be signed by an authorized person, confirming the accuracy of the information provided.
  • Keep Copies: Retain copies of the W-3 and W-2 forms for your records, as they may be needed for future reference or audits.

By understanding these key points, employers can ensure compliance and smooth processing of wage and tax statements.