W-2 and W-3 Wage and Tax Statement - Copy A and Copy 1

Sep 19, 2026

Wage and Tax Statement instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3 explain electronic filing through the SSA EmploverW-2 Filing Instructions and Information site, including the ability to create fill-in versions, print copies for state/local governments, distribute to employees, and retain records. Copy A is for informational purposes only and is provided in red; it must be scannable, so the downloaded Copy A from the SSA site should not be printed and filed. Copies in black, including Copy B, can be downloaded, completed, and printed for recipient requirements, and official scannable forms can be ordered from IRS ordering resources.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time4 min

AccessFree to download

Electronic filing and fill-in versions

Printing and distribution guidance

Copy A vs. Copy B usage

Ordering official IRS information returns

Box-by-box wage and tax fields

# Attention: You may file Forms W-2 and W-3 electronically on the SSA's EmploverW-2 Filing Instructions and Information web page,which is also accessibleat www socialsecuritv aovlemnlover You can create fill-in versions ofForms W-2 and W-3 for filing with SSA.You may also print out copies forfiling with state or local governments,distribution to your employees,andfor your records. Note:Copy A of this form is provided for informational purposes only.Copy A appears inred,similar to the official IRS form.The official printed version of this IRS form is scannable,but the online version of it,printed from this website,is not.Do not print and file Copy Adownloaded from this website with the SSA;a penalty may be imposed for filing forms thatcan't be scanned.See the penalties section in the current General Instructions for FormsW-2 and W-3 availahle at wMw irs aov/w2 for more information Please note that Copy B and other copies of this form,which appear in black,may bedownloaded,filled in,and printed and used to satisfy the requirement to provide theinformation to the recipient. To order official IRS information returns such as Forms W-2 and W-3,which include ascannable Copv A for filing,go to IRS'Online Ordering for Information Returns andEmplover Returns page,or visit www.irs.govlorderforms and click on Employer andInformation returns.We'll mail you the scannable forms and any other products you order. See IRS Publications 1141.1167.and 1179 for more information about printina these taxforms. | 22222 | □
Void | a Employee's social security number | | | For Official Use Only▶
OMBNo.1545-0008 | | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | b Employer identification number(EIN) | | | | | | | 1 Wages,tips,other compensation | | | 2 Federal income tax withheld | | | c Employer's name,address,and ZIPcode | | | | | | | 3 Social security wages | | | 4 Social security tax withheld | | | | | | | | | | 5 Medicare wages and tips | | | 6 Medicare tax withheld | | | | | | | | | | 7 Social security tips | | | 8 Allocated tips | | | d Control number | | | | | | | 9 | | | 10 Dependent care benefits | | | e Employee's first name and initial | | | Last name | | | Suff. | 11 Nonqualified plans | | | 12a Seeinstructions for box 12
Coda | | | f Employee's address and ZIP code | | | | | | | Retirement
Thid-party
13 Statutory
plan
sick pay
employee | | | 12b
Code | | | | | | | | | | 14 Other | | | 12c
Code | | | | | | | | | | | | | 12d
Code | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 15 State Employer's state ID number | | | | 16 State wages,tips,etc. | 17 State income tax | | | 18 Local wages,tips,etc. | 19 Local income tax | | 20 Locality name | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2019 Department of the Treasury-Intemal Revenue ServiceFor Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Wage and Tax Statement Form Act Notice,see the separateinstructions. Copy A For Social Security Administration-Send this entire page withForm W-3 to the Social Security Administration;photocopies are not acceptable.Do Not Cut,Fold,or Staple Forms on This Page Cat.No.10134D | 22222 | a Employee's social security number | | OMB No.1545-0008 | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | b Employer identification number(EIN) | | | | 1 Wages,tips,other compensation | | | 2 Federal income tax withheld | | | c Employer's name,address,and ZIPcode | | | | 3 Social security wages | | | 4 Social security tax withheld | | | | | | | 5 Medicare wages and tips | | | 6 Medicare tax withheld | | | | | | | 7 Social security tips | | | 8 Allocated tips | | | d Control number | | | | 9 | | | 10 Dependent care benefits | | |

FAQs

How can Forms W-2 and W-3 be filed electronically?

Forms W-2 and W-3 can be filed electronically using the SSA EmploverW-2 Filing Instructions and Information web page.

Why should Copy A not be printed and filed when downloaded from the SSA website?

Copy A is provided for informational purposes only and must be scannable; printing and filing the online version downloaded from the SSA site may result in a penalty.

Which copies can be downloaded, filled in, and used to provide information to recipients?

Copy B and other black copies can be downloaded, filled in, and printed to satisfy the requirement to provide information to the recipient.

Sep 19, 2026

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