IRS Form W-2: Wage and Tax Statement
Form W-2 is the statement your employer sends showing the wages they paid you and the taxes they withheld for the year. The employer also sends a copy to the government. You use the figures on it to file your tax return, and the IRS compares them with what you report.
What this form is for
It reports wages, tips and other pay, along with federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare withheld. Employers file it for each employee.
When people usually use it
You need it each year to file. It matters again when an IRS notice says income was not reported, since the IRS often matches your return against W-2 data from employers.
What to have ready
- Every W-2 you received for the year
- Your final pay stub, to compare figures
- Your employer's contact details if something looks wrong
Notices that mention it
- IRS Notice CP2000: Proposed changes to your tax return
- IRS Notice CP2501: Income information doesn't match
- IRS Notice CP59: No record of your tax return
Related forms
- Form W-4: Employee's Withholding Certificate
- Form 1040: U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
- Form 4506-T: Request for Transcript of Tax Return
Read the IRS page
IRS.gov page for Form W-2 (opens in a new tab). The IRS page is the final word on this form.
Frequently asked questions
What is IRS Form W-2?
Form W-2 is the statement your employer sends showing the wages they paid you and the taxes they withheld for the year. The employer also sends a copy to the government. You use the figures on it to file your tax return, and the IRS compares them with what you report.
Where do I get Form W-2?
The current version and instructions are on the IRS page for Form W-2 at https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-2. Download it there so you have the right revision.
Do I need to file Form W-2?
It depends on your situation. Read the IRS page and the instructions, and if a letter mentioned Form W-2, read what that letter asks for. OweRight does not give tax advice.
What should I have ready for Form W-2?
A good starting list is: every w-2 you received for the year; your final pay stub, to compare figures; your employer's contact details if something looks wrong. The instructions on IRS.gov list everything the form asks for.
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OweRight is not the IRS and does not give tax or legal advice.