The IRS W-2 form is a vital document that employers use to report their employees' annual wages and the taxes withheld from their paychecks. It serves as a key piece of information for both the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the employee, essential for preparing annual tax returns. Ready to ensure your tax information is accurate and up-to-date? Click the button below to fill out your form.
In the landscape of the United States tax system, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) W-2 form holds paramount importance for both employers and employees. This critical document serves as an annual wage and tax statement that employers are mandated to issue to each of their employees and submit to the IRS. It meticulously outlines the total amount of money earned by an employee, the taxes withheld from their paycheck, including federal, state, and other taxes, alongside contributions to Social Security and Medicare. The accuracy of the information provided in the W-2 form is essential for individuals to complete their personal income tax returns. It also assists the IRS in ensuring that employees are reporting their income accurately and paying the appropriate taxes. Due to its pivotal role in the tax filing process, understanding the nuances and requirements of the W-2 form is crucial for compliance and for navigating the complexities of the tax system effectively.
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
14 Other
12c
12d
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
a Employee’s social security number
12a
Copy 1—For State, City, or Local Tax Department
Safe, accurate,
Visit the IRS website at
FAST! Use
www.irs.gov/efile
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
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.
Copy C—For EMPLOYEE’S RECORDS
(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)
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.
Copy D—For Employer
Act Notice, see separate instructions.
After completing the preparation stages, the next step is to accurately fill out the IRS W-2 form. This document is essential for reporting an employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck. Employers are responsible for completing this form for each of their employees and ensuring its accuracy. To help navigate this process, the following steps have been outlined to simplify the completion of the W-2 form.
By following these steps carefully, employers can ensure the precise completion and submission of the W-2 form, which is crucial for both tax reporting and compliance. Remember, providing accurate information is key to avoiding potential penalties or issues down the line. Should any uncertainties or questions arise during the process, do not hesitate to seek assistance from a tax professional.
The W-2 form, also known as the Wage and Tax Statement, is an IRS tax form used in the United States to report wages paid to employees and the taxes withheld from them. Employers must send out a W-2 form to every employee they have paid a salary, wage, or other compensation. This includes full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers, regardless of the amount earned, as long as payroll taxes were withheld.
Employers are required to send out W-2 forms to their employees by January 31st of the year following the reported earnings. If this date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline extends to the next business day. This timing allows employees to have the necessary documentation to file their income taxes before the tax filing deadline, which is typically April 15th.
If you don't receive your W-2 form by mid-February, you should take the following steps:
The W-2 form includes important information used for preparing your tax return, such as:
Yes, many employers provide electronic W-2 forms that can be accessed online through the company’s employee portal. Employees typically need to give their consent to receive their W-2 in electronic format instead of a paper form. This option is convenient, faster, and reduces the risk of lost or delayed forms. If your employer offers an electronic W-2, they will provide instructions on how to access and download it. Be sure to print a copy for your records.
Filling out the IRS W-2 form is a crucial step for employers during tax season. It reports an employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck. Mistakes can lead to penalties, delays, and headaches for both employers and employees. Here are six common errors people make while completing this form:
Incorrect Social Security Numbers (SSNs): One of the most frequent errors is entering an employee's SSN incorrectly. This mistake can cause significant issues with the IRS and may result in the employee's earnings not being properly credited to their Social Security records.
Mismatched Names and SSNs: The name on the W-2 must exactly match the name on the employee's Social Security card. Any discrepancies can lead to processing delays and may require correction submissions.
Incorrect or Missing Wage Information: Reporting inaccurate wages or tax withholdings can lead to incorrect tax calculations. It's crucial to double-check these numbers to ensure they match your payroll records.
Failing to Distribute or File Forms Timely: Employers have a deadline to provide W-2 forms to their employees and to file these forms with the Social Security Administration. Late distribution or filing can result in penalties.
Using the Wrong Year's Form: The IRS updates the W-2 form annually. Ensure that you are using the correct version for the tax year you are reporting, as using an outdated form can lead to processing errors.
Not Reporting All Forms of Compensation: Employers sometimes forget to include all forms of compensation on the W-2, such as bonuses, non-cash payments, and other taxable benefits. All forms of compensation must be reported to avoid underreporting an employee's income.
By paying close attention to these details, employers can avoid common mistakes and ensure the accurate and timely filing of W-2 forms. Doing so helps to keep the process smooth for both the employer and the employees, minimizing the risk of penalties and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.
When handling taxes, the IRS W-2 form is crucial as it reports an employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck. However, to complete a comprehensive tax return, several other forms and documents are often needed. These additional forms help to provide a full picture of an individual's financial situation for the tax year, ensuring they meet their tax obligations accurately.
In summary, while the IRS W-2 form is a starting point for employees, a variety of other documents ensure a thorough and compliant tax return process. From identifying deductible expenses to reporting additional income, these forms collectively ensure individuals can accurately report their financial activities and possibly optimize their tax outcomes.
The IRS Form 1099-MISC bears a close resemblance to the W-2 form in that it reports income. However, while the W-2 form is used by employers to report wages, tips, and other compensation paid to an employee, the 1099-MISC form is used to report payments made to independent contractors and others for services performed for a business. Both forms are critical for individuals when preparing their income tax returns, helping to ensure that all earnings are reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Similar to the W-2, the IRS Form 1040 is a vital piece of documentation for individuals during the tax season. The 1040 form is the standard federal income tax form used to report an individual's gross income. It serves as a summary of all taxable income earned throughout the year, including the wages and earnings reported on the W-2 form, making it essential for calculating the amount of tax owed or to be refunded by the government.
The IRS Form W-4 is akin to the W-2 in its relationship with employment and taxes. The W-4 form is completed by employees to indicate their tax situation to their employer, determining how much federal income tax to withhold from their earnings. In contrast, the W-2 summarizes the results of what was withheld during the year. Both forms play integral roles in ensuring the accuracy of an individual’s tax contributions and refunds.
Form W-9 is yet another document related to the IRS W-2, serving a different but complementary purpose. Independent contractors and freelancers often use the W-9 form to provide their taxpayer identification number (TIN) to the entities for which they perform services. This information allows businesses to accurately complete Form 1099-MISC for payments made to the contractor, which is similar to how employers use the information on the W-2 to report employee earnings.
The IRS Form 8850 takes a slightly different angle from the W-2 but is related in terms of employment and tax reporting. Form 8850 is a pre-screening notice and certification request for the Work Opportunity Credit, a tax credit available to employers who hire individuals from certain targeted groups who face significant barriers to employment. While the W-2 reports the earnings of employees, Form 8850 helps employers potentially qualify for tax credits based on those hires.
Form 941, the Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return, shares a connection with the W-2 in the realm of employment taxation. This form is used by employers to report income taxes, Social Security tax, or Medicare tax withheld from employee's paychecks. Additionally, it reports the employer's portion of Social Security or Medicare tax. Together with the W-2, it ensures both the employee and employer fulfill their tax responsibilities accurately.
The Schedule SE (Form 1040) is related to the W-2 from the perspective of self-employment income. While the W-2 reports income from traditional employment, Schedule SE is used by self-employed individuals to calculate the taxes due on their net earnings from self-employment. This form takes into account not just the income earned but also the Social Security and Medicare taxes that self-employed individuals are responsible for paying directly.
Lastly, the IRS Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit (PTC), interacts with the W-2 form through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Individuals who purchase health insurance through the Marketplace may be eligible for the Premium Tax Credit to help make their insurance more affordable. The income information from the W-2 form is essential for determining the amount of the credit an individual is eligible for, showing how interconnected these forms can be in managing one's financial and tax obligations.
When filling out the IRS W-2 form, accuracy and attentiveness are key. There are several do's and don'ts to keep in mind to ensure the process is completed correctly and efficiently. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through the process:
When it comes to navigating taxes, the IRS W-2 form is a critical document almost every worker encounters. However, it's also surrounded by a good amount of confusion. Let's clear up some common misconceptions:
Only full-time employees receive W-2 forms. This is a misunderstanding. Both full-time and part-time employees should expect a W-2 form from their employer. This document is essential for reporting annual income and taxes withheld to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Your W-2 shows your total earnings for the year. While this statement is mostly true, the W-2 reports taxable income, which can differ from total earnings. For instance, contributions to a pre-tax retirement plan are deducted from total earnings before they're reported on your W-2.
If you haven't received your W-2 by January, you won't get it. Employers have until January 31 to send out W-2 forms, but sometimes they can be delayed or lost in the mail. If you haven't received your W-2 by mid-February, it's important to contact your employer or the IRS for assistance.
You don’t need a W-2 to file taxes. Many people think they can use their last pay stub of the tax year to file their taxes. While it's possible to file using an IRS Form 4852 as a substitute, doing so without an actual W-2 can delay processing and lead to errors in your tax return.
Correcting errors on a W-2 is the employee’s responsibility. If you spot a mistake on your W-2, your first step should be to contact your employer for a corrected form. Employers are responsible for issuing a corrected W-2 (W-2c) to both you and the IRS if errors are identified.
W-2 forms are confidential and cannot be shared. While it's true that W-2 forms contain sensitive information, there are situations where you need to submit your W-2 form to third parties, such as mortgage lenders or financial aid offices. Always ensure you share your W-2 securely to protect your personal information.
All states require a copy of your W-2 when filing state taxes. Not every state has an income tax, so residents of those states don't need to submit a W-2 form for state taxes. For states with income tax, submitting a W-2 with your state tax return is typically necessary.
Understanding the IRS W-2 form's role and requirements can help you navigate tax season more smoothly and avoid common pitfalls that could impact your tax filing process.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) W-2 form is a crucial document for both employers and employees, as it plays a significant role in the annual tax filing process. Understanding the key aspects of filling out and using this form can simplify tax season for everyone involved. Below are six key takeaways to consider:
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