What You Need to Know to Complete Form W-2

When running a business, there’s never a shortage of to-do items, especially when it  comes to year-end. An important aspect as you close out 2021 and enter 2022 is your employer-employee relationship and how you are handling payments to those individuals.

What is IRS Form W-2 and What is It Used For?
If you have employees, then it’s vital you understand what a W-2 is and why it matters. The Wage and Tax Statement (Form W-2) is an information return form that reports on an employee’s yearly wages and the amount of tax withheld. Companies are required to provide this form to their employees come year-end. 

Mistakes on the W-2 often can result in costly penalties or wasted time. Common issues we see include:

• Not getting an employee’s Social Security number or address.
• Using nicknames instead of an employee’s full name, as reported on their Social Security card.
• Not watching Social Security limits.
• Not paying attention your Form 941

Get the W-2 e-Book
Complete the form below and you’ll receive immediate access to our W-2 e-book via email with an attachment you can save for later reference.

GET STARTED

How does a 1099 differ from a W-2?
It’s important to understand the difference between a 1099 vs. W-2 form and who receives them. These forms deal with the relationship between an organization and the person performing work for that organization. 

If the individual is considered an employee, your organization is required to withhold payroll tax. These individuals receive Form W-2.

If the person conducting the work is considered an independent contractor, withholding payroll tax is not required. Independent contractors receive Form 1099-MISC.

When do I need to give my employees their Form W-2?
Employers are required to give their employees the Form W-2 each year so an employee can properly file their taxes. For 2020, employers are required to disseminate the W-2 by January 31, 2022. 

A W-2 resource to help you make sense of year-end planning
Our W-2 e-book has what you need to understand, and correctly fill out, a W-2 for each of your employees. The book includes:

• How to complete and correct the various forms
• Common mistakes on Form W-2 series
• Dates and deadlines to remember