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IRS Reminds Employers, Other Businesses of Jan. 31 Filing Deadline

The Internal Revenue Service today reminds employers and other businesses of the Jan. 31 filing deadline that applies to filing wage statements and independent contractor forms with the government.

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act requires employers to file their copies of Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, and Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements, with the Social Security Administration by Jan. 31. The Jan. 31 deadline also applies to certain Forms 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, filed with the IRS to report non-employee compensation to independent contractors. Such payments are reported in box 7 of this form.

This deadline makes it easier for the IRS to verify income that individuals report on their tax returns and helps prevent fraud. Failure to file these forms correctly and timely may result in penalties. As always, the IRS urges employers and other businesses to take advantage of the accuracy, speed and convenience of filing these forms electronically.

An extension of time to file Forms W-2 is no […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2020-09-03T20:04:19+00:00January 29th, 2019|irs, w2|0 Comments

Accelerated Filing Deadline for Forms W-2 and 1099

The Internal Revenue Service today reminded employers and small businesses of a new Jan. 31 filing deadline for Forms W-2. The IRS must also hold some refunds until Feb. 15.

A new federal law, aimed at making it easier for the IRS to detect and prevent refund fraud, will accelerate the W-2 filing deadline for employers to Jan. 31. For similar reasons, the new law also requires the IRS to hold refunds involving two key refundable tax credits until at least Feb. 15. Here are details on each of these key dates.

New Jan. 31 Deadline for Employers

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, enacted last December, includes a new requirement for employers. They are now required to file their copies of Form W-2, submitted to the Social Security Administration, by Jan. 31. The new Jan. 31 filing deadline also applies to certain Forms 1099-MISC reporting non-employee compensation such as payments to independent contractors.

In the past, employers typically had until the end of February, if filing on paper, or the end of March, if filing electronically, to submit their copies of these forms. In addition, there are changes in requesting an extension […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2020-09-03T20:05:02+00:00November 1st, 2016|w2|0 Comments

Personal use of employer-provided automobile on 2014 W-2s

An employee must include personal use of an employer-provided automobile in gross income. If not reimbursed by the employee, the personal use of the automobile is a taxable fringe benefit.

The employee must include in income the FMV (fair market value) of the fringe benefit reduced by (1) the amount, if any, paid for the benefit, and (2) the amount specifically excluded from gross income by statute (i.e., the portion attributed to use in the employer’s business).

The value of the fringe benefit as current compensation is subject to FICA (for non-agricultural employees) and FUTA, and must be included in the employee’s W-2. However, it is not subject to federal income tax withholding if the employee is so notified.

Methods to value the fringe benefit:

Annual Lease Valuation
Vehicle Cents-per-Mile Valuation
Commuting Valuation
Special Commuting Rules

If your business provides automobiles to your employees, please consider contacting us to discuss your options.

Written by Mike Musson, CPA, Partner

By Linkenheimer LLP|2020-09-03T20:05:34+00:00January 9th, 2015|automobile, w2|0 Comments