1099 & W-2 Filing Guide for Businesses
Use the right filing method and right forms to get everything done more easily, and more quickly!
Simplify the complex requirements with our 1099 & W2 guides to alleviate confusion, reduce errors, file faster and understand the process better. Call our friendly reps with any questions.
Small Business Guide to Filing 1099 & W-2 Forms
Whether you need to file W2s for employees, or 1099-MISC for contractors, we can help!
Use this guide to understand how to file, when to file and the best forms, software and solutions for you.
Industry-Specific Guides to Filing 1099 and W2 Forms
Filing Requirements Overview
Deadlines for 1099 & W-2 Filing
January 31, 2019
All 1099 Recipient Copies B / C / 2 mailed to recipient
W-2 Employee Copies B / C / 2 mailed to employees
1099-MISC for contractors - Copy A forms to IRS (mailed or e-filed)
W2 Copy A to IRS (mailed or e-filed)
February 28, 2019 - Paper 1099 Copy A forms to IRS
1099 Form Copy A, along with 1096 Transmittals, mailed to the IRS for all 1099 forms except 1099-MISC with non-employee compensation, which are now due January 31.
March 31, 2019 - E-file 1099 forms with IRS
1099 Forms E-filed to the IRS, except 1099-MISC with non-employee compensation, which are now due January 31.
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We print and mail recipient copies, plus e-file with the government, for $3.95 per form.
Decoding W-2 Formats
2up Forms
2 forms per sheet, all blank paper can include employee instructions on the back.
Use them for Official W2 forms (2 of the same copies) or condensed 2up employee Copies B/C for federal filing.
3up Forms
3 forms on a sheet, typically with a vertical size strip to remove before mailing.
Use for condensed 3up W2 forms for employees, Copies B/C/2 for federal and state filing.
4up Forms
4 forms on a single sheet, perforated into quadrants or horizontal sections depending on your software.
Use for 8pt W2 printing of employee Copies B/C/2/2 for federal, state and local filing.
Tips for Faster & Easier W2 Filing
Be sure that you use W2 forms compatible with your software! Check your software for supported formats:
- Preprinted forms (prints data on a pre-made form) or
- Blank paper (prints data and boxes on a perforated sheet)
- 2up, 3up or 4up forms
- Be sure your envelope windows match!
W3 Transmittal forms must be mailed with Red Copy A forms. We include a couple FREE W3 forms with each W2 order.
Online filing is an option! DiscountEfile.com lets you enter or import data, and then takes care of the rest. Your forms are e-filed with the IRS/SSA and mailed to employees automatically. With a few clicks, you're done! Learn more.