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Category: Tax Forms

Home » Tax Forms » Page 5

What Information Do You Need Before Creating a Paystub?

Last updated February 14, 2025
What Information Do You Need Before Creating a Paystub?

Managing payroll takes careful planning. To ensure accuracy, you need the right information, including the data necessary to create pay stubs. A paystub information list outlines all the key details related to an employee’s pay.

Both employers and workers must understand the pay stub information on a check stub. Employers should generate accurate pay stubs that align with gross pay, tax withholdings, and other payroll amounts. Meanwhile, workers must review their paystubs to confirm they received the correct wages.

The process begins with each employee completing a Form W-4.

Working with Form W-4

Form W-4 (Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate) plays a crucial role in payroll processing. The federal government requires newly hired employees to complete this form, as it informs employers how much salary to withhold from each paycheck for tax purposes.

Keep these key points in mind:

  • As an employer, always keep the employee’s most current W-4 form in their payroll file.
  • Ensure that you enter the correct number of allowances into your payroll processing system.
  • If an employee does not complete or sign the W-4 before their first payroll date, you must withhold federal income taxes as if they selected single filer status with zero allowances.
  • After completion, store a signed copy of the W-4 form in your records since the IRS may request it.

Here is the W-4 form:

  • Step 1: Collect the worker’s basic information (name, address, filing status).
  • Step 2: Addresses employees who have multiple jobs, or who have working spouses. There are extra resources listed to calculate withholdings for these situations.

  • Step 3: Compute the number of dependents.
  • Step 4: Adjust your withholding amount.
  • Step 5: Taxpayer signs the form.

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Once you have a completed W-4, you’ll need to collect additional information for the pay stub.


Information Needed to Create a Pay Stub

Before processing payroll, ensure you gather the following details for each employee:

  • Payroll cycle: The number of pay periods determines how much salary is paid on each payroll date. It also sets the start and end dates for calculating hourly wages.
  • Wages: Employees may earn wages through a set salary or an hourly rate. Be sure to calculate both gross and net pay accurately.
  • Tax withholdings: Federal, state, and possibly local taxes must be deducted based on the employee’s W-4 selections.
  • Benefit withholdings: These deductions cover the employee’s share of insurance premiums or contributions to a retirement plan.

Since pay stub regulations differ by state, employers must verify whether they are required to provide pay stubs to workers in each state where they operate.

Employees should retain their most recent pay stubs as proof of income. Lenders often request this documentation when evaluating loan applications, and the paystub information confirms the borrower’s gross earnings.

Additionally, the pay stub information should align with each employee’s year-end W-2 form, ensuring consistency for tax filing purposes.

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Specific Information on a Pay Stub

Standard Paystub Template

Paystub information should display the following key details:

1) Gross Wages

Gross wages represent an employee’s total earnings before any withholdings or deductions. These amounts are calculated differently based on the employee’s pay structure:

  • Salaried employees: Divide the annual salary by the number of pay periods in a year.
  • Hourly employees: Multiply hours worked by the hourly pay rate.

In addition to base wages, gross earnings may also include extra compensation such as sick pay, holiday pay, or bonuses.

2) Hours Worked and Pay Rate

Tracking hours worked is especially important for non-exempt (hourly) employees. Paystub information should clearly display both regular hours (up to 40 per week) and overtime hours when applicable.

Additionally, the paystub information must specify all hours worked along with the corresponding pay rate for each. Some employees, such as those covered by union contracts, may receive a predetermined overtime or double-time rate.

Even though salaried employees receive a fixed wage, their pay stubs may still list hours worked for record-keeping purposes.

3) Tax Deductions

Employees determine their federal income tax withholdings by completing Form W-4. Additionally, each state has its own tax withholding form that may require separate documentation.

Tax Deductions

The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax helps fund Social Security and Medicare. In 2024, employees must contribute 6.2% of their income to Social Security, up to a wage limit of $168,600. Medicare tax applies to all wages at a rate of 1.45%, with an additional 0.9% tax for high-income earners. Combined, the total employee FICA tax rate stands at 7.65% in 2024.

Employers also contribute 7.65% toward FICA taxes, and they can deduct this cost as a business expense.

4) Benefit Deductions

Workers often pay a share of the insurance premiums for company-provided health insurance, and may contribute into retirement plan, such as a 401(k) plan. 401(k) contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, and the employer may add matching contributions.

5) Unemployment Taxes

Unemployment programs are funded by the FUTA tax (federal) and the SUTA tax (state). These amounts are paid by the employer, but also reported on the pay stub.

6) Net Pay

Net pay is the actual dollars paid to the worker, after all deductions.

*Additionally, the employee id on paystub is often listed to help verify pay records accurately. Employers must ensure that the employee id on paystub matches official HR records.*

Understanding Pay Stubs: Key Details and Why They Matter

For those unfamiliar with payroll documentation, what does a pay stub look like? A pay stub includes an employee’s wages, deductions, and net pay, structured in a clear format. Understanding what does a pay stub look like ensures accuracy when reviewing pay records.

But what important information is available on a pay stub? It includes gross pay, taxes, deductions, benefits, and net pay—all essential for financial documentation.

To ensure compliance and accurate record-keeping, employers should ask, what information is on a pay stub? A properly formatted pay stub provides a breakdown of wages, withholdings, and other payroll details. Workers should review what information is on a pay stub to ensure that their earnings and deductions are correct. For financial planning, knowing what information is on a pay stub can help track income over time.

Let FormPros Help!

Managing your finances doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Creating accurate paystubs is an essential part of maintaining organized records, staying prepared for tax season, and building financial security. With the right resources, this task can be straightforward and stress-free.

At FormPros, we simplify paystub creation with a platform that’s secure, user-friendly, and tailored to your specific needs. Beyond paystubs, we offer solutions for generating tax forms like W-2s and 1099-NECs, forming LLCs, acquiring a Registered Agent, and even creating voided checks. Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or entrepreneur, we have the tools to support your success.

Don’t let paperwork slow you down. Visit FormPros today to explore how our comprehensive services can save you time, simplify your financial documentation, and empower you to focus on growing your business with confidence. Get started now and take charge of your financial management!

Create Your Pay Stub Now



Mark Mogilnitsky

Mark Mogilnitsky is a content writer specializing in Financial Form Generation, with a passion for simplifying complex processes for individuals and businesses. I thrive on crafting clear, engaging content that empowers users to navigate compliance and documentation with ease.

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Home » Tax Forms » Page 5

What is a W-9 Form?

Last updated May 27, 2025
What is a W-9 Form?

If you’ve ever worked as a freelancer, independent contractor, or run your own small business, a client or company likely asked you to fill out a W-9 form. But what exactly is this form, and why is it so important?

The W-9, formally known as the “Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification,” is a short but essential IRS document. While you don’t send it directly to the IRS, the W-9 still plays a key role. It helps businesses report payments and individuals prepare for tax season.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the W-9. You’ll learn what the W-9 is, who needs to fill it out, when to use it, and why it matters. We’ll also walk through the different parts of the form. Plus, we’ll offer simple tips to help you get it right the first time.

Understanding the W-9 Form

Businesses use Form W-9 to collect key personal or business information from individuals or entities that receive certain types of payments. This form helps the requesting party — usually a business — properly report what they’ve paid you to the IRS, typically using Form 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC.

It’s important to note that you don’t file the W-9 form with the IRS. Instead, you give it to the person or company requesting it, and they keep it on file in case the IRS needs to verify payment records.

Who Needs to Fill One Out?

If you’re not a traditional employee, chances are you’ll need to complete a W-9 at some point. This includes:

  • Freelancers and independent contractors
  • Consultants
  • Vendors or service providers
  • Single-member LLCs, partnerships, and certain corporations

Essentially, anyone who earns income outside of regular wages may need to provide a W-9 when a client or business requests it. Even if you operate a business entity, you may still need to fill one out if a client or partner is reporting payments made to you.

When Do You Need It?

Clients or companies usually ask you to complete a W-9 before they issue your first payment or when you start a new contract or service agreement. It’s also important to provide an updated W-9 any time your taxpayer information changes — whether that’s your name, business structure, address, or taxpayer identification number (TIN). Businesses must collect W-9 forms from payees when they expect to issue payments totaling $600 or more in a calendar year. This helps them accurately report those payments to the IRS using the appropriate 1099 form.

Why is it Important?

Though it may seem like just another form, the W-9 has a big impact on your tax reporting. It helps:

  • Ensure accurate information is used when issuing IRS forms like the 1099-NEC
  • Prevent costly mistakes related to your taxpayer identification number (TIN)
  • Avoid backup withholding, where the IRS requires a business to withhold 24% of your payment if your information is missing or incorrect

For businesses, collecting a correct W-9 protects them from IRS penalties. For individuals, filling it out accurately ensures smooth tax reporting and uninterrupted payments.

Breaking Down Form W-9

While the W-9 is only a single page long, it contains a few sections that are important to understand. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need to fill out.

Top Section: Basic Information

Top section of a W-9

At the top of the W-9, you’ll provide identifying details, including:

  • Your full legal name
  • Your business name or disregarded entity name (if applicable)
  • Federal tax classification, such as Individual/Sole Proprietor, C Corporation, S Corporation, Partnership, Trust/estate, or Limited Liability Company (LLC). If you check “LLC,” you’ll also need to indicate your tax classification (e.g., C = C corporation, S = S corporation, P = partnership).
  • Address where the requester will send any related tax documents
  • Account numbers or requester’s name (optional fields used only if specified)

Accuracy here is crucial, especially for the tax classification and name fields, as these must match IRS records.

Bottom Section: Parts I & II

Part I and II of a W-9

Part I: Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

In this section, you’ll enter your Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) — whichever applies to you or your business.

  • If you’re an individual or sole proprietor, you’ll typically enter your SSN.
  • If you run a registered business entity, such as an LLC or corporation, you’ll likely use your EIN.

Part II: Certification

The final section of the form is the certification, where you sign and date to confirm that:

  • The information you provided is correct
  • Your TIN is accurate
  • You’re not subject to backup withholding (unless otherwise noted)

By signing, you’re also confirming that you’re a U.S. person (which includes individuals, corporations, partnerships, and certain trusts and estates). Failing to sign this section could result in delays or backup withholding, where a percentage of your payment is withheld and sent to the IRS.

Tips for Filling Out a W-9

Although the W-9 is straightforward, taking a few extra precautions can help you avoid common errors and ensure smooth processing.

— Use accurate, up-to-date information. Double-check that your legal name, business name (if applicable), and TIN match what’s on file with the IRS. Inconsistencies can lead to rejected forms or backup withholding.

— Double-check your TIN. Whether you’re using a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Employer Identification Number (EIN), make sure you enter it clearly and correctly in Part I. This is how the IRS tracks your income — mistakes here can cause reporting issues.

— Select the right tax classification. If you’re unsure how your business is taxed, it’s worth confirming whether you’re a sole proprietor, an LLC taxed as a partnership or corporation, or something else. Choosing the wrong box can lead to mismatched records.

— Sign and date the form. It sounds simple, but it’s often overlooked. Unsigned forms are considered incomplete and can delay payments or trigger backup withholding.

— Submit securely. Since the W-9 contains sensitive information like your TIN, make sure you only send it through secure, trusted channels — especially if sharing electronically.

— Keep a copy for your records. Even though you’re not sending the form to the IRS, it’s wise to save a copy for your own files in case you need to refer to it later.

Wrapping Up: Simplifying the W-9 Process

Form W-9

The W-9 form might seem like just another piece of paperwork, but it plays a vital role in the way independent workers and businesses report income. Whether you’re a freelancer, contractor, or small business owner, understanding how and when to fill out this form can save you time, prevent IRS issues, and help ensure you get paid without delays.

If you want to make a W-9 quickly and accurately, FormPros offers an easy-to-use online W-9 generator that guides you through each section step by step. It’s a fast, secure way to create a compliant W-9 you can download and send to any client or company.

Create Form W-9

FormPros Has You Covered

Simplify your paperwork with FormPros! Whether you need a W-2 generator, want to make a paystub, or need to file a 1099-NEC, our easy-to-use platform has you covered. You can also learn what is a LLC Operating Agreement and generate one in minutes, or even create a voided check with just a few clicks. Save time, reduce errors, and manage your business documents with confidence. Get started today and see how FormPros makes professional form generation fast, affordable, and hassle-free!



Mark Mogilnitsky

Mark Mogilnitsky is a content writer specializing in Financial Form Generation, with a passion for simplifying complex processes for individuals and businesses. I thrive on crafting clear, engaging content that empowers users to navigate compliance and documentation with ease.

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Home » Tax Forms » Page 5

Understanding Your Pay Stub: Earnings & Deductions Explained

Last updated March 10, 2025
Understanding Your Pay Stub: Earnings & Deductions Explained

Both employers and workers need to understand the information on a pay stub.

Employers must generate accurate pay stubs that match gross pay, tax withholdings, and other payroll amounts. Workers should review their pay stubs to ensure they received the correct wages, especially when confirming annual income on paystub documents for loans or financial planning.

But first….

What is a Pay Stub?

A paystub lists all of the key information related to an employee’s pay.

When you review a pay stub, it’s important to note the difference between current (current pay period) and year-to-date (YTD) amounts. Both are important, and the YTD balances help the employer and the worker understand if the amounts are correct.

The pay stub provides several types of information:

  • Wages: Gross pay and net pay. Wages may be based on a salary, or calculated using an
    hourly rate of pay.
  • Tax withholdings: Federal, state, and possibly local amounts withheld for taxes, including FICA on paycheck deductions.
  • Benefit withholdings: Amounts cover the employee’s share of insurance premiums or go toward retirement plan investments.

The rules regarding pay stubs vary by state. Some states require employers to provide pay information to workers, while other states do not. Businesses should confirm the requirements in each state where they employ workers.

Employees should keep their most recent pay stubs as proof of income. If an individual applies for a loan, the pay stub confirms the borrower’s annual income on paystub records. Employers should keep pay stubs on file, if they are generated.

What does a pay stub look like?

A pay stub includes detailed breakdowns of gross wages, tax withholdings, deductions, and net pay. It helps employees track earnings, verify withholdings, and understand their total compensation.

The pay stub information should match the data on each employee’s W-2 form, which individuals use to file their personal tax returns. FormPros can help you with that as well.

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Specific Information on a Pay Stub

This information should be posted to each pay stub:


Gross Wages

Wages earned before any withholdings or deductions are subtracted. Gross wages for a pay period amount are calculated in one of two ways:

  • Salaried employees: (annual salary / number of pay periods in a year)
  • Hourly employees: (hours worked X pay rate per hour)

*Gross wages may include additional compensation, including sick pay, holiday pay, or bonuses.*


Hours Worked & Pay Rate

Pay Stub Gross Earnings

The hours worked total is particularly important for non-exempt (hourly) workers. The salary pay stub should include regular hours (up to 40 hours per week) and overtime hours.

The pay stub must detail all hours worked, and the rate of pay earned for each hour. Some workers, including those covered by union contracts, must be paid a specific rate of pay for overtime or double-time hours.

Salaried workers may also see hours listed on their salary pay stub.


Tax Deductions

Tax Deductions on a Pay Stub

Workers determine their federal income tax withholdings amounts by completing Form W-4, and each state has a tax withholding form.

FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) tax is collected to fund Social Security and Medicare programs. For 2025, the employee tax rate for Social Security remains at 6.2%, applied to income earned up to $176,100. The Medicare tax rate is 1.45% on all wages, with an additional 0.9% tax for high-income taxpayers. This brings the total employee FICA on paycheck rate to 7.65% in 2025.

Employers also contribute 7.65% for each employee, which they can deduct as a business expense. These employer contributions are typically detailed on employee pay stubs.

*FICA on a paycheck refers to the mandatory payroll taxes that fund Social Security and Medicare. Employees and employers both contribute, ensuring these essential programs remain funded. Workers should review their FICA on paycheck deductions to ensure they align with the correct rates.*


Benefit Deductions

Employees typically share the cost of employer-sponsored health insurance by paying a portion of the premiums. Additionally, many contribute to retirement plans like a 401(k), which allows pre-tax contributions, reducing taxable income. Some employers also offer matching contributions, providing an added financial benefit to employees’ retirement savings.


Unemployment Taxes

Unemployment programs are funded by the FUTA tax (federal) and the SUTA tax (state). These amounts are paid by the employer, but can also be reported on the pay stub.


Net Pay

Net pay is the actual dollars paid to the worker, after all deductions.


Take Charge of the Process

Creating accurate paystubs is essential, and technology can make the process easier and more efficient.

FormPros offers a user-friendly pay stub generator that simplifies the task, saving you time while ensuring accuracy. With FormPros, you can confidently manage your pay stub creation with ease.

Create Your Pay Stub Now

FormPros Has You Covered

Simplify your paperwork with FormPros! From creating paystubs, W-2s, and 1099-NEC forms to generating LLC Operating Agreements and even voided checks, our easy-to-use platform has you covered. Save time, reduce errors, and handle your business documents with confidence. Start now and see how FormPros makes professional form generation fast, affordable, and hassle-free!



Mark Mogilnitsky

Mark Mogilnitsky is a content writer specializing in Financial Form Generation, with a passion for simplifying complex processes for individuals and businesses. I thrive on crafting clear, engaging content that empowers users to navigate compliance and documentation with ease.

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Home » Tax Forms » Page 5

A Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out Form 1099-MISC

Last updated April 1, 2025
A Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out Form 1099-MISC

How Do You Fill Out a 1099-MISC Form Correctly?

Filling out tax forms can feel overwhelming, but understanding the instructions for 1099 MISC is essential for accurate reporting. First and foremost, whether you’re a business owner or independent contractor, knowing how to fill out a 1099 MISC form correctly helps you avoid errors and potential IRS penalties. That’s why this guide will walk you through how to fill out a 1099 form, breaking down each section to simplify the process.

If you’re unsure how to fill out a 1099 MISC, you’re not alone. The 1099 MISC instructions can be tricky, especially if you’re dealing with multiple recipients or payments. Fortunately, we’ll provide clear and concise instructions for 1099 MISC to help you navigate the process confidently. By following this guide, you’ll understand how to fill out a 1099 MISC form and why it’s crucial for accurate tax reporting. The following is a quick overview of the information you will need to enter in the boxes. However, for more detailed information, you should consult the IRS’s instructions for filling out the 1099-MISC form.

Payer and Recipient’s Information

The IRS provides a large field in the upper right-hand corner of the 1099-MISC form for the payer (that’s you, the business owner) to enter their full name, address, town, state or province, zip code or foreign postal code, and telephone number.

Directly beneath that field are two side-by-side boxes, one for the payer’s federal tax identification number (TIN) and the other for the recipient’s. The TIN may be a social security number or an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Next, the following three fields on the right-hand side are where you enter the recipient’s information: their full name, their street address, their city, state or province, country, and zip or foreign postal code. 

Account Information

Beneath the recipient’s information is a field labeled Account Information. Here, the payer only enters information in this field if they are issuing multiple 1099-MISC forms to a single recipient.

You will need multiple copies of the 1099-MISC. To clarify, the table below showcases the purpose of the different copies:

Copy AFor the IRS
Copy BFor the recipient
Copy CFor your records
Copy 1For the state tax department (if applicable)
Copy 2For the recipient’s state tax return (if applicable)

FATCA Filing Requirement

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) mandates that participating foreign financial institutions report the financial earnings of U.S. account holders. Specifically, payers who check this box are generally U.S. citizens reporting interest or dividends earned from a foreign bank or lender. 

2nd TIN Notice

You need to check this box only if the IRS notified you twice that the recipient’s TIN was incorrect.

Enter the Total Payment Information

Here’s a breakdown of the various boxes and what they represent:

Box 1 : Rents

In this field you report rents from real estate listed on either Schedule E or Schedule C of your tax form.

Box 2: Royalties

Box 2 is where you would report payments of royalties for oil, gas, mineral properties, copyrights, and patents that appear on Schedule E.

Box 3: Other Income

You use Box 3 to report other income from Form 1040. For example, prize money and trade or business income that you reported on Schedule C will also be listed here.

Box 4: Federal Income Tax Withheld 

This field is for recording backup withholdings or withholdings on Indian gaming profits.

Box 5: Fishing Boat Proceeds 

You enter money received from self-employed fishing boat operators here. For instance, this includes amounts shared as proceeds from the sale of catch.

Box 6: Medical and Health Care Payments

Enter medical and health care payments that you reported on Schedule C. Additionally, ensure these payments are correctly categorized to avoid discrepancies.

Box 7: Nonemployee Compensation

The most commonly used box, this is where you report the amount of money you paid to independent contractors in a given tax year. As a reminder, this includes payments made for services, not goods.

Box 8: Substitute Payments in Lieu of Dividends or Interest

Substitute payments in lieu of dividends typically occur when a broker lends out the stock you own to short-sellers. If this applies to you, note that if the stock declines as a result of the gambit, you will earn revenue that must be reported in this box.

Box 9: Payer Made Direct Sales of $5,000 or More of Consumer Products to a Buyer (Recipient) for Resale

This is simply a check box to indicate whether or not the payer made more than $5,000 in direct sales. Importantly, you do not have to indicate the exact dollar amount here.

Box 10: Crop Insurance Proceeds

Next, if you received revenue from crop insurance, the amount goes in this field.

Boxes 11 & 12

While they appear on the form, these boxes are currently void, and you should not report any information here. Instead, move on to the next relevant sections.

Box 13: Excess Golden Parachute Payments

This figure will also appear on your 1040 form.

*Good to Know: Excess golden parachute payments are subject to a 20% excise tax.*

Box 14: Gross Proceeds Paid to an Attorney

If you consulted or retained an attorney for business purposes in a given tax year, that amount needs to be recorded here. Be sure to double-check this information for accuracy.

Boxes 15a & 15b: Section 409A Deferrals and Income

Companies sometimes elect to pay employees and principals via non-qualified deferred compensation. In simple terms, the pay is earned one year, but the payee elects to receive compensation later.

Box 15a reports the amount of deferred pay, and Box 15b reports current year income (income in Box 15b should also appear in Box 7).

*Good to Know: This area of the tax code is particularly complex; you should consult the IRS or a tax professional for further information about Section 409 rules and regulations.*  

Box 16: State Tax Withheld

This is where you report state taxes withheld from your income. For those working in multiple states, you need to enter information for each state where income was earned.

Box 17: State/Payer’s State No. 

Finally, record the official state(s) number here.

Box 18: State Income

Report income you received from each of the states where you worked in this box. Make sure to verify this information against your records to avoid any discrepancies.


FormPros Has You Covered

Simplify your paperwork with FormPros! Whether it’s creating paystubs, W-2s, and 1099-MISC forms to generating LLC Operating Agreements and even voided checks, our easy-to-use platform has you covered. Save time, reduce errors, and handle your business documents with confidence. Start now and see how FormPros makes professional form generation fast, affordable, and hassle-free!

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Mark Mogilnitsky

Mark Mogilnitsky is a content writer specializing in Financial Form Generation, with a passion for simplifying complex processes for individuals and businesses. I thrive on crafting clear, engaging content that empowers users to navigate compliance and documentation with ease.

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Home » Tax Forms » Page 5

A Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out the W-2 Form

Last updated January 14, 2025
A Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out the W-2 Form

How Do You Fill Out a W-2 Form Correctly?

A W-2 form reports an employee’s annual wages and the taxes withheld from their paycheck. First and foremost, employers must issue a W-2 to each employee by January 31st for the previous year. Knowing how to fill out W-2 forms properly is crucial for smooth tax filing.

Fortunately, the W-2 is simple and straightforward. You enter information that is already available from payroll and personnel records. Additionally, you will also need to have some information about your business, such as an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and, in most cases, a State ID Number. 

Form Differences

The fields on each W-2 form are the same. However, employers fill out the forms differently, depending on factors like which state they operate their business in and whether there are tax-exempt benefits. Filling out a W-2 form correctly is essential for both employers and employees to ensure accurate tax reporting. To help you with this, this guide will walk you through how to fill out a W2 form step by step, helping you avoid common mistakes and stay compliant with IRS regulations.

  • Employers often wonder how to fill out a W2 for a single person. In this case, the process is the same, but it’s also important to ensure the employee’s filing status is accurately reflected, which affects the amount of tax withheld. 
  • So, what about filling out W2 forms for multiple employees? In this situation, the process is repeated for each employee, ensuring that personal information and wages are accurately entered. 
  • Similarly, how do you create a W2 for part-time workers? Simply follow the same steps, but make sure to only report earnings for the period the employee worked.

In summary, knowing how to fill out W2 forms correctly helps avoid penalties and ensures employees receive accurate tax documents. If you’re still unsure, how to fill out a W-2, consider consulting with a tax professional to ensure accuracy. IRS Publication 15, the “Employer’s Tax Guide,” is the seminal guide to filling out the form.

What follows next is a straightforward, simple guide that walks you through each of the lettered and numbered fields on the W-2 form, providing a brief explanation when necessary.


Lettered Fields (a-f) 

The lettered fields, located on the left-hand side of the W-2 form, provide basic identification for both the employer and the employee.

One exception is that the state ID number goes in a numerically labeled box at the bottom of the form, along with the other state and local tax information.

Field a: Employee’s Social Security Number

Nine-digit social security number of the employee for whom this W-2 form is being prepared for.

Field b: Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the unique nine-digit number that the IRS assigns to businesses. Essentially, you must have an EIN in order to hire employees.

Field c: Employer’s Name, Address, and ZIP code.

You need to enter the full legal name you used when you registered your corporation or LLC, as well as the complete address of your business, including the ZIP code.

Field d: Control Number

The control number identifies each employee’s unique W-2 in the company’s records. Usually, the numbers are automatically generated by your company’s payroll processing software.

Fields e-f: Employee’s Name, Address and ZIP code.

Make sure you have entered the current address of each employee. It’s a good idea to double-check to ensure this information is accurate.


Numerical Fields (1-20)

The numbered fields run in a double column on the right-hand side of the W-2 form and continue across the bottom of the form. Wages and federal tax information is contained in the right-hand columns.

Meanwhile, the bottom field displays state and local tax information in a series of horizontal numbered fields. It is divided by a dotted line to provide more than one space for entering information.

For example, if you have employees working for your business in more than one locality or state, you will need to fill out withholdings for each locality, utilizing the space on either side of the dotted line.

Field 1: Wages, Tips, Other Compensation

This field reports the total of all your employee’s taxable wages or salary, including bonuses and taxable fringe benefits like group term life insurance. However, it does not include pre-tax benefits, such as contributions to a 401(k) or health insurance plan.

Field 2: Federal Income Tax Withheld

How much federal income tax you withhold from a given employee’s paycheck depends on the number of withholding allowances they designated on their W-4 form.

Field 3: Social Security Wages

Only a portion of each employee’s total wages is subject to tax from the Social Security Administration. Above a certain threshold— $168,600 in 2024—this so-called payroll tax stops. Therefore, no employee should have a wage larger than $168,600 entered in this field. Additionally, you don’t include employee tips in this field. For those, see Field 7.

Field 4: Social Security Withheld

Employers and employees contribute equally to this tax, paying 6.2% each of the employee’s wage up to the allowable threshold amount.

Importantly, the figure in Field 4 should not exceed the [taxable threshold] x [employer’s share], or $10,453.20 (6.2% of $168,600) in 2024.

Field 5: Medicare Wages and Tips

The figure you enter in this field reflects the total taxable income each employee earned with your company. Unlike Social Security, there is no maximum threshold.

Field 6: Medicare Tax Withheld

Employers and employees pay matching tax rates into Medicare — 1.45% each.

*Good to Know: Not only is there no upper threshold on Medicare earnings; highly compensated individuals must pay an additional .9% above the standard rate, or 2.35% for couples making over $250,000 a year. However, only the employee pays this additional tax, while the employer payment remains fixed at 1.45%.*

Field 7: Social Security Tips

You include employee’s reported tips in this field. When added to Field 3, the sum should equal the number in Field 1.

Field 8: Allocated Tips

If your business is a large food or beverage establishment, and the amount of tips an employee reported to you fell below the IRS’s approved percentage rate, you may need to assess additional compensation to your employees in the form of allocated tips.

However, unlike any tips reported in Field 7, this sum is not included in the amount of total income reported in Field 1.

Field 9: Advance EIC Payment

This field is a relic of a tax policy that no longer is relevant and should always remain blank.

Field 10: Dependent Care Benefits

You use this field to report income you reimbursed to an employee for dependent care expenses, including through a flexible spending account.

Field 11: Nonqualified Plans

This field is where you report any amounts you distributed to your employees from a non-government Section 457 pension plan or a non-qualified deferred compensation plan.

Additionally, this amount should be included as taxable income in Field 1 as well.

Field 12: Deferred Compensation

There are numerous forms of deferred compensation recognized by the IRS, each of which has its own tax code. The W-2 form mandates you to report as many of these forms of compensation as are relevant to your employees in Field 12.

For instance, some common types include group-term life insurance benefits in excess of the $50,000 worth you can provide as a tax-free benefit, and the non-taxable portion of temporary disability or sick pay. The IRS recognizes roughly 30 different forms of deferred compensation.

Field 13: Checkboxes for Statutory Employees, Retirement Plan, and Third Party Sick Pay

In this field, you check any of the three boxes that are relevant to the employee in question.

  • For example, a “Statutory Employee” is someone who works for your company but doesn’t receive compensation in the form of a regular paycheck — for instance, they work exclusively on commission.
  • You check “Retirement Plan” if your employees have access to a 401k or 403b at work, which may limit their ability to get tax incentives normally associated with an IRA.
  • ”Third Party Sick Pay” refers to compensation your employee received from an outside party, such as an insurance company.

Field 14: Other

You can use this field to report any compensation that doesn’t fall into the other categories listed on the W-2 form.

Field 15: State ID Number

State ID numbers function in much the same way as EINs, serving to give your business a recognizable identity for tax purposes. The state ID number is only valid in that state.

*Good to Know: Whether you need a state ID for your business depends on several factors, such as how the business handles income and employment tax.* 

Field 16: State Wages, Tips, Etc.

This field is where you report the income you paid to the employee that is taxable at the state level.

Good to Know: If they worked for your company in more than one state, you must separate the incomes out, placing the income taxable to each state on a separate line. If you do business in one of the seven U.S. states that has no income tax, this field will be blank. These are the aforementioned states:

  1. Alaska
  2. Florida
  3. Nevada
  4. South Dakota
  5. Tennessee
  6. Texas
  7. Wyoming

*In addition, Washington levies an income tax on investment income and capital gains, but it is only for certain high earners.*

**Elsewhere, New Hampshire currently taxes investment and interest income but is set to phase out those taxes starting in 2023. That will bring the number of states with no income tax to nine by 2027.**

Field 17: State Income Tax

This field shows the total amount of state income tax you withheld from your employee’s checks over the course of the year.

Field 18: Local Wages, Tips, Etc.

You report all income that is subject to taxation by your locality. This figure may be different than the figure in Field 16.

Field 19: Local Income Tax

If one or more of the localities you do business in requires employees to pay local income tax, this is the field where you report the amount.

Field 20: Locality Name

You’ll enter a brief description of the city or town that withheld taxes.


Where Do I Send the Completed Copies of my W-2 Form?

In total, there are six copies of the form that need to be distributed.

Copy ASent to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Typically, it is submitted either electronically or on paper if fewer than 250 W-2s are being filed.
Copy BThis copy is for the employee to file with their federal tax return.
Copy CThis is for the employee’s personal records.
Copy DThis copy is for the employer’s records. Be sure to retain it for at least four years.
Copy 1This is for the city, state, or local tax department, and it is used to report state or local income taxes withheld.
Copy 2This copy is for the employee to file with their state, city, or local tax return, depending on the requirements of the locality.

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Mark Mogilnitsky

Mark Mogilnitsky is a content writer specializing in Financial Form Generation, with a passion for simplifying complex processes for individuals and businesses. I thrive on crafting clear, engaging content that empowers users to navigate compliance and documentation with ease.

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