Online Form Templates

Online Form Templates

Homepage IRS W-2 PDF Form
Table of Contents

The IRS W-2 form plays a crucial role in the annual tax filing process for millions of Americans. It serves as a summary of an employee's earnings and the taxes withheld throughout the year. Employers are required to provide this form to their employees by the end of January each year, ensuring that individuals have the necessary information to accurately report their income to the Internal Revenue Service. The W-2 form includes essential details such as the employee's total wages, tips, and other compensation, as well as the amounts withheld for federal, state, and local taxes. Additionally, it provides information about Social Security and Medicare contributions, highlighting the employee's contributions to these vital programs. Understanding the W-2 is essential not only for compliance but also for maximizing potential tax refunds or minimizing liabilities. As such, both employees and employers must pay careful attention to the accuracy of the information reported, given its significant implications for tax responsibilities and financial planning.

Common mistakes

  1. Incorrect Personal Information: Many individuals fail to provide accurate names, addresses, or Social Security numbers. This can lead to delays in processing and potential issues with tax returns.

  2. Wrong Filing Status: Selecting the incorrect filing status can affect tax calculations. It's essential to review options carefully to ensure the right choice is made.

  3. Misreporting Income: Some individuals misreport their earnings. This can happen if there are discrepancies between the W-2 form and other documents, such as pay stubs.

  4. Omitting Deductions: Failing to include eligible deductions can result in overpaying taxes. It’s crucial to understand what deductions apply to your situation.

  5. Ignoring State and Local Taxes: Some people overlook the state and local tax sections. These details are important for accurate tax reporting and compliance.

  6. Not Keeping Copies: Many individuals forget to keep a copy of their W-2 forms. This can be problematic if questions arise during tax filing or audits.

Example - IRS W-2 Form

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

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 Other

 

 

 

 

 

12c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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12d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

22222

a Employee’s social security number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

Statutory

Retirement

Third-party

 

12b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

employee

plan

sick pay

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 Other

 

 

 

 

 

12c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

2022

 

 

Department of the Treasury—Internal Revenue Service

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

a

Employee’s social security number

 

 

 

Safe, accurate,

 

 

 

 

 

Visit the IRS website at

 

 

 

 

 

 

OMB No. 1545-0008

FAST! Use

 

 

 

 

 

www.irs.gov/efile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 Other

 

 

 

 

 

12c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

2022

 

 

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.

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

OMB No. 1545-0008

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.

 

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

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 Other

 

 

 

 

 

12c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

2022

 

 

Department of the Treasury—Internal Revenue Service

 

 

 

 

Safe, accurate,

 

Copy C—For EMPLOYEE’S RECORDS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAST! Use

 

(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)

 

 

a Employee’s social security number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

Statutory

Retirement

Third-party

 

12b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

employee

plan

sick pay

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 Other

 

 

 

 

 

12c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

2022

 

 

Department of the Treasury—Internal Revenue Service

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

VOID

 

 

a Employee’s social security number

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

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 Other

 

 

 

 

 

12c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

o

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

2022

 

 

Department of the Treasury—Internal Revenue Service

 

 

 

 

For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction

Copy D—For Employer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Act Notice, see separate instructions.

More About IRS W-2

What is a W-2 form?

The W-2 form, officially known as the Wage and Tax Statement, is a document that employers must provide to their employees each year. It reports an employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck. The W-2 is essential for employees to accurately file their income tax returns, as it summarizes their earnings and tax withholdings for the year.

Who receives a W-2 form?

Any employee who has earned wages from an employer during the tax year should receive a W-2 form. This includes full-time, part-time, and temporary workers. Employers are required to issue a W-2 to anyone who has received at least $600 in compensation, as well as to those from whom taxes were withheld, regardless of the amount earned.

When should I receive my W-2 form?

Employers must send out W-2 forms by January 31 of the year following the tax year. This means that for earnings made in 2023, employees should expect to receive their W-2 by January 31, 2024. If you do not receive your W-2 by this date, it is advisable to contact your employer to request a copy.

What should I do if my W-2 form is incorrect?

If you find an error on your W-2, such as incorrect earnings or tax withholdings, contact your employer immediately. They can issue a corrected W-2, known as a W-2c. It is crucial to resolve these discrepancies before filing your tax return, as errors can lead to complications with the IRS and potential penalties.

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

Your W-2 form is vital for completing your federal and state tax returns. The information provided on the W-2, including your total earnings and the taxes withheld, should be reported on your tax forms. Most tax software will prompt you to enter this information directly from your W-2. Ensure that all details are accurate to avoid issues with your tax filing.

Key takeaways

Understanding the IRS W-2 form is essential for both employees and employers. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

  • Accurate Information is Crucial: Ensure that all personal information, such as your name, address, and Social Security number, is correct. Errors can lead to delays in processing your tax return.
  • Multiple Copies: The W-2 form comes in multiple copies. Employers must provide copies to employees, the IRS, and state tax agencies. Each copy serves a specific purpose.
  • Tax Reporting: The W-2 form reports your annual earnings and the taxes withheld. This information is vital for accurately filing your federal and state tax returns.
  • Deadline Awareness: Employers must send W-2 forms to employees by January 31 each year. Be mindful of this deadline to ensure you have the necessary documents for tax season.

Form Attributes

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 must provide a W-2 form to each employee by January 31 of the following year.
Filing Requirement Employees must file the W-2 form with their federal tax return.
Types of Income The W-2 form includes various types of income, such as wages, tips, and other compensation.
Tax Withholding It shows federal, state, and local taxes withheld from an employee's paycheck.
State-Specific Forms Some states have their own versions, like the California W-2, governed by California Revenue and Taxation Code.
Social Security and Medicare The form also reports contributions to Social Security and Medicare taxes.
Correction Forms If errors occur, employers must issue a corrected W-2, known as a W-2c.
Electronic Filing Employers can file W-2 forms electronically with the IRS for quicker processing.
Record Keeping Employees should keep their W-2 forms for at least three years for tax purposes.

Dos and Don'ts

Filling out the IRS W-2 form can seem daunting, but with a little guidance, you can navigate it smoothly. Here’s a helpful list of things to do and avoid when completing this important tax document.

  • Do double-check your personal information, including your name and Social Security number, to ensure accuracy.
  • Don’t forget to include your employer's information, such as their name and Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  • Do report all income accurately. This includes wages, tips, and any other compensation.
  • Don’t leave any boxes blank unless they do not apply to you. Every section should be filled out as needed.
  • Do ensure that your tax withholding amounts are correct. This will help you avoid surprises during tax season.
  • Don’t use incorrect codes for benefits or deductions. Make sure you understand what each code means.
  • Do keep a copy of your W-2 for your records. You may need it for future reference.
  • Don’t ignore deadlines. Submit your W-2 promptly to avoid any issues with your tax return.
  • Do ask your employer for clarification if you’re unsure about any part of the form.

By following these simple dos and don’ts, you can fill out your W-2 form with confidence. Remember, attention to detail is key!