The IRS Form W-2, known as the Wage and Tax Statement, is used in the United States as an information return to report wages paid to employees and taxes withheld, and as a way to report FICA taxes to the Social Security Administration. Form W-2 serves as an annual report that enables taxpayers to file their personal income tax return with the IRS. Form W-2 reports only wages paid during the year, regardless of when they were earned.

All United States employers must complete a Form W-2 for each employee that receives compensation as part of the employment. The Form W-2 reports income on a calendar year basis, regardless of the fiscal year used by the employer or employee for other Federal tax purposes.

IRS Form W-2 consists of six copies:

Copy A - Submitted by the employer to the Social Security Administration.

Copy B - Sent to the employee and filed by the employee with their federal income tax returns.

Copy C - Sent to the employee to be kept by the employee for their personal records.

Copy D - Retained by the employer, for the employer's records.

Copy 1 - Filed with the employee's state or local income tax returns

Copy 2 - Filed with the employee's state or local income tax returns

Typically employees should expect to receive a copy of the W-2 Form by January 31. If taxpayer doesn’t receive their Form W-2 by February 15 they should contact the IRS for assistance.

You can download an informational copy of IRS Form W-2 for 2007 here.