How to Get Your W2 Form Online for 2018, 2019
Your W2 form is the one form you need if you’re going to file Form 1040, the basic tax form every American worker must file come tax season.
Unfortunately, every single year, there’s always a high level of confusion regarding receiving a copy of these forms. We’re going to show you how you can access a copy of your W2 form online for free.
Why Do You Need a W2 Form?
The W2 form is sent out by employers and is required for the filing of Form 1040. The reason for this is that it includes information, like how much you earned in the last financial year and any taxes you may have already paid.
Your employer is fully responsible for producing these forms and issuing them to all employees.
You can’t fill out or submit 1040 until you get this form. However, keep in mind that some companies may be quicker than others, as some will even send your W2 through the mail.
However, if your tax affairs are more complex you can start preparing your tax information in advance.
Can Everyone Get their W2 Form Online?
Not necessarily. The move away from pieces of paper is not yet complete. For a lot of smaller companies, they won’t have moved online just yet.
Bigger companies, on the other hand, may have elaborate online platforms to make it easier for every employee to access their W2 forms. Most companies will tell you in advance if they’re making W2 forms accessible through a secure, online platform.
Using Tax Programs with Your W2 Forms
Many ordinary Americans are using platforms like TurboTax to file their taxes. Online tax preparation platforms can make this process even easier.
All you need to do is enter the relevant data and you’ll be able to automatically import your W2 form into your online tax preparation solution.
The best part is the information will be taken from this form and automatically inputted into Form 1040. You don’t need to employ an accountant. So don’t wait for your W2 to come in the mail, try getting yours online and make tax filing easier.
I am Jessica Gonzalez and i have over 16 years experience in the financial services industry giving me a vast understanding of how news affects the financial markets. She is an active day trader spending the majority of my time analyzing earnings reports and watching commodities and derivatives. I have a Masters Degree in Economics from Westminster University with previous roles counting Investment Banking.