The W2 Guide: Get It Free & Online

What Is a W2 Form?

A W-2 form is a tax document that employers in the United States are required to provide to their employees each year. It shows the employee’s total wages earned for the year, as well as the amount of federal, state, and local taxes withheld from their paychecks. The form also includes other important information, such as the employee’s Social Security number, the employer’s tax identification number, and any contributions made to retirement plans or other benefits. Employees use the information on their W-2 forms to file their tax returns and determine their tax liability or refund. Employees can get these forms through W2 finder.

What Information Is Provided on a W2?

A W-2 form provides various types of information about an employee’s compensation and taxes withheld. The following is a list of the most common items that appear on a W-2 form:

1. Employee’s name, address, and Social Security number
2. Employer’s name, address, and tax identification number
3. Total wages earned for the year
4. Federal income tax withheld
5. Social Security tax withheld
6. Medicare tax withheld
7. State and local income tax withheld (if applicable)
8. Other deductions, such as contributions to a retirement plan or flexible spending account
9. The value of any fringe benefits provided by the employer, such as health insurance premiums
10. The employee’s share of Social Security and Medicare taxes (if applicable)

All of this information is important for employees to accurately report their income and taxes on their federal and state tax returns.

How to Obtain Your Free W2 Online

How can I get a copy of my W2 online for free, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Contact your employer: First, contact your employer to find out if they offer electronic W-2s. Some employers may provide access to electronic W-2s through a third-party provider, such as ADP or Paychex.
2. Create an account: If your employer offers electronic W-2s, you will need to create an account on the provider’s website. You will typically need to provide personal information, such as your Social Security number and date of birth, to verify your identity.
3. Download or print your W-2: Once you have access to your W-2 online, you can download or print it for your records. Be sure to check that all the information on the form is accurate and matches your records.
4. Request a paper copy: If your employer does not offer electronic W-2s or you are unable to access your W-2 online, you can request a paper copy from your employer. Be sure to allow enough time for the paper copy to be mailed to you, as it may take several days to arrive.

It’s important to keep in mind that not all employers offer electronic W-2s, so you may need to request a paper copy from your employer.

W2 Filing Options & Deadlines

There are several options available for filing your W-2, depending on your situation. Here are some of the most common filing options:

1. Paper filing: You can file a paper copy of your W-2 with the Social Security Administration (SSA) by mail. The deadline for filing paper copies is January 31st.
2. Electronic filing: You can file your W-2 electronically using the SSA’s Business Services Online (BSO) website. The deadline for electronic filing is March 31st.
3. Third-party filing: If you use a payroll service or tax professional to prepare your W-2s, they may offer to file your forms for you. Be sure to check with your provider to find out their specific deadlines and requirements.

It’s important to note that the deadlines for filing W-2s can vary depending on your state and whether you file electronically or on paper. In general, you should aim to file your W-2 as early as possible to avoid any penalties or delays in processing.