W-2 Form Definition

Form W-2 is a required tax form that employers send to employees and the Social Security Administration (SSA) after the year ends. Employees then use information on the W-2 form to fill out their income tax forms.

Extended Definition
Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, is a form that shows an employee’s gross wages and taxes withheld during the calendar year.

On the W-2 form, the employer inputs information about the employee’s earnings and tax payments from the previous year. The employee uses this information about income and taxes paid when filing taxes. This IRS and, if required, state and local tax departments receive copies to ensure the correctness of filed tax forms.

The IRS provides example copies of W-2 forms for employers to see. Employers must purchase official IRS forms or file online.

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Last Updated By

Rachel Blakely-Gray | May 01, 2023