Why Do I Have Two W2s From the Same Employer?
Receiving two W2 forms from the same employer can be confusing. To understand the reasons behind this, you need to first understand what a W2 form is.
A W2 form is an official document that employers in the United States use to report wages, salaries, tips, and other compensation paid to employees during the tax year. The form also includes information about taxes withheld from an employee’s pay, such as federal income tax, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax. The form is used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to calculate the employee’s tax liability and to determine the amount of any refund or balance due.
Duplicate W2 Forms
There are a few reasons why you might receive two W2 forms from the same employer.
One possibility is that you worked for two different divisions or subsidiaries of the same company. Each division or subsidiary may have its own Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is the number used to identify the employer on tax forms. As a result, you may receive a W2 form from each division or subsidiary.
Another possibility is that you worked for the same employer in two different states. Each state may have its own withholding requirements, so you may receive a W2 form from each state.
Finally, it is also possible that you received a corrected W2 form. If the employer made a mistake on the original W2 form, they may send you a corrected W2 form to fix the mistake. The corrected W2 form will have the same EIN as the original W2 form, but it will have different information in the boxes that report your wages and taxes.
What to Do If You Receive Two W2 Forms
If you receive two W2 forms from the same employer, you should first try to determine why you received two forms. Once you know the reason, you can take the appropriate steps to correct the situation.
If you worked for two different divisions or subsidiaries of the same company, you will need to file a separate tax return for each W2 form. You can use the same Social Security number on both tax returns, but you will need to report the income and taxes from each W2 form separately.
If you worked for the same employer in two different states, you will need to file a separate tax return for each state. You will need to report the income and taxes from each W2 form on the appropriate state tax return.
If you received a corrected W2 form, you will need to use the information on the corrected W2 form to file your tax return. You should destroy the original W2 form.
Tips for Avoiding Duplicate W2 Forms
There are a few things you can do to avoid receiving duplicate W2 forms.
First, make sure that you provide your employer with your correct Social Security number and address. If your information is incorrect, you may receive duplicate W2 forms.
Second, if you work for two different divisions or subsidiaries of the same company, make sure that you provide each division or subsidiary with your correct Social Security number and address. This will help to ensure that you receive only one W2 form from the company.
Finally, if you move during the tax year, be sure to notify your employer of your new address. This will help to ensure that you receive your W2 form at your new address.
FAQ
Q: Can I combine the income from two W2 forms?
A: No, you cannot combine the income from two W2 forms. You must report the income from each W2 form separately on your tax return.
Q: What should I do if I receive a duplicate W2 form?
A: If you receive a duplicate W2 form, you should destroy the original W2 form and use the information on the corrected W2 form to file your tax return.
Q: Can I file a tax return without a W2 form?
A: No, you cannot file a tax return without a W2 form. The W2 form is used to report your wages and taxes, and the IRS needs this information to calculate your tax liability.
Conclusion
Receiving two W2 forms from the same employer can be confusing, but it is important to understand the reasons why this might happen. By following the tips in this article, you can help to avoid receiving duplicate W2 forms and ensure that you file your tax return correctly.
Are you interested in learning more about W2 forms? If so, please leave a comment below and I will be happy to answer your questions.
