File a W-2C for the current year or as far back as three years. Correct your W-2s as soon as you find an error on a form. The Internal Revenue Service may issue fines in degrees if you make mistakes on a W-2. Proving that the mistakes resulted from a reasonable cause might lessen the severity of the penalty.
We outlined below how to fill out and submit Form W-2C.
Step 1: Buy copies of the form
The version of Form W-2C on the IRS website is only for informational purposes. Buy the form directly from the IRS, an office supply store, or invest in tax software.
Step 2: Identify the errors
The error dictates how you will fill out a W-2C. Some common errors include:
- Making entries that are too large or too small
- Incorrectly formatting your employee’s name
- Omitting or incorrectly entering a business EIN
File a W-3C form if you made the last mistake.
Step 3: Know the errors that you should not correct
Do not fix the Federal Income Tax Withheld box if you have withheld too much or too little for employee taxes. The IRS directly contacts the employee with a refund or requests money. Do not correct the Medicare Tax Withheld box if you withheld the wrong amount.
Only file a W-2C for administrative errors like typos.
Step 4: Submit a W-2C with a transmittal form
Send Form W-3C when you file W-2Cs to the SSA.
People Also Ask
- How do I send a corrected 1099 to the IRS? – Filling out a corrected 1099 form for the IRS is straightforward and should include a new Form 1096 if you mail the 1099 to the government. Make sure to put a checkmark in the “corrected” box that is located at the top of the form to distinguish it from a previous submission.
- Why is it better to file a W-2C correction with software? – Making small W-2 mistakes can cause big delays. Using tax software will help to reduce needing to make multiple corrections. If you do need to file corrections, software will help you complete the task quicker with less wasted resources and time.
Our W-2/1099 Forms Filer software will assist you once you determine how far back you need to correct a W-2. Call us today at (405) 340-0697 if you have questions about generating tax forms throughout the year. Download our free 1099-etc Demo software today and get started.
This article was updated on Dec. 4, 2025 to keep its information as fresh as possible. We update this article every six months, before and after tax season, to keep current with any changes.