The difference between IRS forms W-2 and W-4 lies in who fills out the documents. When starting a new job, employees complete Form W-4 to determine how much tax employers should withhold from their paychecks. At the end of each year, employers file Form W-2 to indicate the amount that was withheld.
Is the W-2 form completed by an employee?
You should only receive a W-2 if you are an employee. If you are an independent contractor or self-employed, the work you do may be the same as an employee, but you will receive an earnings statement on a Form 1099 rather than a W-2. The W-2 form is divided into boxes that report various items relating to your income.
When should you receive your W 2 form from your employer?
Jan. 31 The IRS requires employers to furnish W-2s to the government and employees by Jan. 31 or face penalties. The IRS generally defines furnish as “get it in the mail,” which means you should have yours in hand by the first week of February. Employers can also send employees their W-2s electronically, but it’s not required.
How to fill out a W-2 tax form for employees?
Just remember that employers complete W-2 forms and send the completed forms to employees. Employees complete W-4 forms. When someone starts a new job or experiences a change in their financial circumstances or tax filing status, that person fills out a W-4 form to list deductions and tell employers the amount of taxes to withhold.
When do you need a corrected W-2 form?
When do you need a corrected W-2 form? You need to create an amended W-2 form if you make an error on Form W-2, such as including incorrect names, Social Security numbers, or amounts. Employers can make Form W-2 corrections on forms sent to employees as well as forms filed with the SSA. Possible penalties for filing an incorrect W-2
What do you need to know about form W-2c?
Form W-2c includes the same boxes as Form W-2. It asks for things like employer name and EIN, employee name and SSN, and federal, state, and local tax information. But unlike Form W-2, there are two columns for federal, state, and local wage and tax information.
When do I need to fill out the W4 form?
The 2021 W4 Form needs to be filled out by all new employees and existing employees who want to update their withholding. The form makes sure your employer can withhold the correct amount of federal income tax from your pay.
