Do I Have To File All My W2s? What To Do With Multiple W2s

Filing taxes can be confusing. It becomes worse when you're holding more than one W2. You begin to wonder, "Do I have to file all my W2s?" or "Can I file one W2 now and another later?" 

The simple answer is yes, you have to file all your W-2s. You must file every W-2 you receive from your employer. Pay records created with a pay stub creator can help you match your earnings to each form.

This guide answers every possible question you have, so you know exactly what to do. You’ll learn why you get multiple forms and how to file them correctly. You will also get answers to questions like, "Can you file two W2 separately?" By the end, you’ll understand how to avoid mistakes and IRS audits.

Why Do I Have Multiple W2s From the Same Employer?

Most employees wonder why exactly they have multiple W2s from the same business owner. If you are also asking, "Can you file multiple W2 separately?" The answer is no. You must combine all your W-2 information into one tax return.

Below are some of the possible reasons why a single employer gave you more than one W-2:

• Multiple Employer Identification Number (EIN): One of the common reasons is that your employer uses more than one EIN. Some companies use more than one Employer Identification Number (EIN), especially if they have multiple legal entities or divisions. If you worked for more than one EIN within the same corporate group, you may receive multiple W-2s

• Change in Company’s Ownership: Your company can change ownership during a tax year. When this happens, you will get W-2s from your old and new employers.

• To Correct Errors Made on the Original W-2: Another reason you may have two W-2s is that the previous one issued had errors. You may receive a corrected W-2, called Form W-2c, which updates the information from the original form. 

Do I Have To File All My W2s on My Tax Return?

If you've ever wondered, "Do I have to file every W2?" The answer is simply yes. You must include all your W-2 forms when you file taxes. This applies to you whether you have two W2s because you worked for multiple employers or for the same employer. Each W-2 is part of your total income for the previous year.

Additionally, each W-2 form displays a portion of your income, wages, and withholding amounts. The IRS uses these tax forms to verify that your taxes were reported accurately. Leaving out one W2 form can result in an honest mistake that delays your refund or triggers an IRS audit. This can happen, especially during tax season, when the IRS matches every W-2 to your Social Security number.

Many employees also ask, "If I have two W2, can I file one?" or "Can I file my W2s separately?" The answer is simply no, you cannot file your W-2s separately. You cannot pick which ones to report as well; it is mandatory to file your W2 forms at the same time. The IRS requires that all wages be reported in the year they were earned.

Furthermore, every W-2 form must be included so your total income is reported correctly. If you had multiple income sources, worked through an employment agency, or have a previous employer, ensure to file all the W-2s you received.

If you need clean, organized pay records before filing, you can use our simple 123 Paystub process to generate accurate paystubs in just 3 steps.

What To Do With Multiple W2s From the Same Employer

If the same employer has given you multiple W2s, you may be wondering what to do. Below is a guide on what to do when you receive two W-2s from the same employer:

First, check if there is identical information on the forms. Check if they have the same information, such as employer identification number, wages, and withholding amounts. If they do, you only need to enter one copy on your tax return and keep the duplicates for your records.

However, your W-2 may show a difference in EINs or different amounts in boxes such as Box 12 or the state/local boxes. If they do, treat them as separate wage and tax statements. Enter each relevant amount when you file your taxes. 

When the amounts in the boxes on your W-2s differ, tax software lets you add another W-2 or enter the extra box entries. This allows you to report your total income and withholding amounts correctly. 

If your employer won’t fix an apparent error, the IRS explains how to use Form 4852 to do this. You can also contact the IRS for help. Also, keep copies and consider a tax professional if corrections are complex.

How To File Taxes With Multiple W2s From Different Employers

Filing taxes with more than one W-2 form is much easier than many employees think. All you need to do is follow the correct steps. Here is a guideline on how to file taxes with multiple W2s:

1. Gather Your W-2s

Collect every W-2 you got during the year. Employers are required to send W-2 forms by January 31 of the year following the tax year. However, if this date falls on a weekend or holiday, the date shifts to the next business day. If you have multiple jobs, ensure that each employer has issued your W-2.

2. Review Each Form Carefully When It Arrives

Confirm that your name, Social Security number, address, and the employer’s EIN are correct. If you receive more than one W-2 from the same employer, double-check for duplicate wage or withholding amounts before filing. A W2 form creator summarizes annual wages and withholding based on payroll data. If you suspect errors, contact your employer’s human resources or a tax professional for additional guidance. 

3. Tax Software/Online Services

When it’s time to file, most online tax filing software offers an “Add another W-2” option. Simply enter each form individually. This way, your total income and taxes withheld are reported accurately. Once you have input all of your W-2s, you can e-file your return directly to the IRS. 

How Multiple W2s Affect Your Withholding Amount and Tax Bracket

Your combined compensation from all jobs may place you in a higher tax bracket. However, your employer only considers the information you provide on your W-4. You may risk underpaying your total tax if they are unaware that you work multiple jobs. Ensure you update your W-4 forms with each employer. This is to ensure that adequate taxation and withholding are applied to your total income.

Also, it’s important to note that the IRS calculates your tax liability based on the combined income from all W-2s, not just one. Always review each W-2 carefully and ensure that all withholding amounts, including federal and state taxes, are reported correctly in your account. Correctly reporting every W-2 ensures your taxes are accurate and helps prevent owing money or triggering an IRS audit.

What if I Only File One W2?

If you make a mistake on your tax return, you might face penalties. The outcome of your error depends on the type of error and how the situation is handled. 

If you are asking, "If I have two W2, can I file only one?" the answer is no. If you fail to send every W-2, this means you have not reported your full income. This mistake should be reported and fixed as soon as possible! Here are a few scenarios to consider:

If You Realized the Mistake Right After Filing

If you made a mistake, you can’t just file a new tax return. The IRS would not know which is the right one. As such, you’ll have to follow the proper steps to correct incorrect tax returns. This involves filling in an amended return. The amended return for W-2 forms is Form 1040-X. Filing an amended return may result in interest or penalties if the correction leads to additional tax owed.

If the IRS Finds Your Mistake When Processing the Return

If you weren’t aware of your mistake and didn't file an amendment, the IRS might notify you that you made a mistake in your return. You’ll usually receive a notice (CP2000) that informs you of any discrepancies or which form to complete to correct the error. 

In this case, simply follow the instructions provided. Usually, you have about 20-30 days to comply. Don’t panic if you receive a letter; the IRS sends thousands of these and simply wants to see issues fixed as soon as possible.

If the Mistake Isn’t Found

When taxpayers file one W-2, it is common to ask, “Will IRS catch a missing W2?” In most cases, the IRS eventually detects missing W-2 income. The IRS uses automated matching to compare your tax return with the forms submitted by your employers.

However, it is still possible for a return with a missing W-2 to be initially processed. Your refund will be based only on the income you reported. The missing W-2 will not automatically increase or decrease your refund at the time of processing.

Eventually, the mistake could be uncovered later through automated underreporter matching or when conducting audits of your files. In this case, you may owe additional tax, interest on any amount that should have been paid and possibly penalties. You may also need to repay part of your refund if the additional income means you received more than you were entitled to.

When To Consult a Tax Professional

There are times during the tax filing season when reaching out to a tax professional is the safest move. A professional can help ensure all the info on your tax return is accurate. Also, they can ensure your tax forms are reported correctly. You may reach out to a tax professional if you:

• Received multiple W-2s from different employers

• Switched jobs

• If your withholding amounts look incorrect.

Also, the IRS recommends you get help whenever you're unsure of how to report your income. You may also need assistance if you need an amended return or if you received a notice stating that you owe money.

Furthermore, consult a professional if your employer issued a corrected W-2 or changed payroll providers. You may also need a professional if any personal information, such as your Social Security number, isn't spelled correctly in the Social Security Administration records. 

A tax expert can provide additional guidance, confirm the correct information, and help you avoid trouble with the IRS. They can ensure your tax return is accurate and compliant.

Final Thoughts

If you are wondering, "Do I have to file all my W2s?" The answer is yes, you have to file every single one. However, it becomes much easier to file taxes with multiple W-2s when you understand the rules. Also, if you are asking, "Can you file 2 W2 forms separately?" the IRS requires you to report each form on the same return. You cannot file W2s separately or delay one. Correctly reporting all your income can prevent mistakes and avoid IRS penalties.

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