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Form W-2 FAQs

Answers to common questions
  • What is a W-2 form?
    A W-2 form is an official IRS document that employers use to report an employee’s annual wages and the taxes withheld from their paycheck. Employees use their W-2 form to file their federal and state tax returns.
  • Who needs to receive a W-2 form?
    Any employee who earned at least $600 in wages during the tax year and had taxes withheld must receive a W-2 form from their employer. Independent contractors do not receive W-2 forms; they typically receive a 1099-NEC instead.
  • How do I create W2 forms for my employees?
    Employers can create W2 forms using payroll software, an accounting service, or by manually filling out Form W-2 using the IRS-provided instructions. The W-2 must then be sent to both the employee and the IRS.
  • What is the deadline for employers to send W-2 forms?
    Employers must send W-2 forms to employees and file them with the Social Security Administration (SSA) by January 31st of the following year.
  • How can I get a copy of my W-2 form if I lost it?
    If you lost your W2 form, you should first ask your employer for a replacement. If that’s not possible, you can request a copy from the IRS by filing Form 4506-T.
  • Can I create W2 forms online?
    Yes, you can create W2 forms online using payroll services, tax preparation software, or the IRS's Business Services Online (BSO) system. These tools help generate and submit accurate W2 forms electronically.
  • What if there is an error on my W-2 form?
    If there’s a mistake on your W-2 form, such as incorrect wages or a misspelled name, you should immediately notify your employer so they can issue a corrected W-2 (Form W-2c).
  • What’s the difference between a W-2 form and a W-4 form?
    A W-2 form reports an employee’s earnings and tax withholdings at the end of the year, while a W-4 form is completed by employees when they start a job to determine how much tax should be withheld from their paycheck.
  • Can I file my taxes without a W2 form?
    If you don’t have your W2 form, you can use your last pay stub of the year to estimate your earnings and file a substitute W-2 using IRS Form 4852. However, it’s always best to wait for the actual form W2 if possible.
  • Where do I send my W-2 forms after I complete them?
    Employers must file W2 forms with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and provide copies to employees. Some states also require a separate filing with their tax department.

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