What are the instructions for W-2 tax forms?
Andrew Mclaughlin
Published Feb 14, 2026
Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3, Wage and Tax Statement and Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3, Wage and Tax Statement and Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3, Wage and Tax Statement and Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements
What’s the code for Box 12 on W-2?
W-2 Online allows you to create exemption, we added a new code for box 12, Code CC, for HIRE “fill-in” versions of Forms W-2 to file with the SSA and to print exempt wages and tips. The total of code CC is reported in new copies of the forms to file with state or local governments, distribute box 12b on Form W-3.
What are the instructions for Form W-3 ( PR )?
Instructions for Form W-3 (PR), Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements (Puerto Rico Version) Informe de Comprobantes de Retencion Transmittal of Withholding Statements (Info Copy Only)
Can you get a copy of your W-2 for free?
We can give you copies or printouts of your Forms W-2 for any year from 1978 to the present. You can get free copies if you need them for a Social Security-related reason. But there is a fee of $81 per request if you need them for an unrelated reason.
What is first copy or Copy B of form ( s ) W-2?
What is first copy or Copy B of Form (s) W-2? It depends on how your W-2 comes. Years ago they were carbon paper forms, copy A (the top copy) was sent to the IRS by the employer, copy B was the next layer that you sent to the IRS, and so on.
How to get your old IRS Forms W-2 and 1099?
Twenty-seven million taxpayers don’t report all their W-2 and 1099 income every year. 1. Mail Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, to the IRS. This form allows you to request the wage and income transcript and a transcript of your tax return or tax account activity. The transcripts will arrive in about three weeks. 2.
Where can I get a copy of my current year W-2?
The quickest way to obtain a copy of your current year Form W-2 is through your employer. Your employer first submits Form W-2 to SSA; after SSA processes it, they transmit the federal tax information to the IRS.
Do you have to print W2 forms for employees?
First of all, you must remember that you should print W-2 forms for employees independently of the number of people who work in your company. You have to print W2 form and fill it for each person who paid their: income tax; Medicare tax; Social Security tax.
How to get copies of old W ‐ 2 forms?
How to Get Copies of Old W‐2 Forms. 1 Method 1. Requesting Forms from a Current or Past Employer. 1. Call the payroll department of your current or former employer. This is the easiest way 2 Method 2. 3 Method 3.
When is the deadline to file a W2?
Yes, W2 tax forms should be filed, online or physically on or before the 31st of January of the year after the close of every tax year. The deadline for giving your employees a copy of their W2 as you have filed them is also January 31st. What are the main things that go on a Form W-2?