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Filing Date Change for Forms W-2

Question:

A non-profit organization recently asked if there is a change in the payroll reporting deadline for 2016. If yes, when do the Forms W-2 need to be filed?

Answer:

Yes, there is a change in the deadline for filing Forms W-2, W-3, and 1099-MISC. All forms must be submitted by January 31, 2017, for tax year 2016. The Forms W-2 and W-3 must be submitted to the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the Forms 1099-MISC must be submitted to the IRS.
  • Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement for employees 
  • Form W-3, Wage and Tax Statement for employers
  • Form 1099-MISC for reporting non-employee compensation to individuals or qualifying businesses (e.g., contractors, speakers, landlords, love offering recipients) 
These changes to the Internal Revenue Code were a part of the PATH ActProtecting Americans from Tax Hikes, Section 201, enacted on December 18, 2015. The IRS’s reminder provides more detailed information.

The January 31 deadline has long applied to employers furnishing copies of these forms to their employees and that date remains unchanged.

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