(Tax Year 2024 – Filed in 2025)
Overview
If you are a W-2 employee, your employer is required to send you Form W-2 by January 31, 2025. This form is used to report your total wages, tips, and taxes withheld for the 2024 tax year. Filing your taxes using this form is straightforward if you follow the correct steps.
Form W-2 is issued under Internal Revenue Code § 6051, and the income you report from it is used when filing Form 1040, the U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
What Is Included in a W-2 Form?
Each W-2 has key information broken into numbered boxes:
| Box | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wages, tips, and other compensation |
| 2 | Federal income tax withheld |
| 3 | Social Security wages |
| 4 | Social Security tax withheld |
| 5 | Medicare wages |
| 6 | Medicare tax withheld |
| 12 | Additional benefits or contributions (coded) |
| 15-20 | State/local income information |
This data is necessary to complete your Form 1040 accurately.
Example: Filing With a W-2
Scenario:
Amit earned $58,000 in 2024 from his full-time job. His W-2 shows:
- Box 1 (Wages): $58,000
- Box 2 (Federal tax withheld): $6,200
- Box 4 (Social Security tax): $3,596
- Box 6 (Medicare tax): $841
Amit uses this information to complete his Form 1040. Because he had taxes withheld, he may receive a refund if his total tax liability is less than what was withheld.
Step-by-Step: How to File Taxes Using a W-2 (2025)
- Receive Your W-2 by January 31, 2025
- Contact your employer if you haven’t received it by early February.
- Check All Information
- Ensure your name, SSN, and all wage/tax amounts are correct.
- Get IRS Form 1040
- Use Form 1040 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) to report your income.
- Enter W-2 Information
- Box 1 from W-2 → Line 1 of Form 1040 (wages).
- Attach Copy B of the W-2 to your Form 1040 if filing by mail.
- Add Other Income or Deductions (if any)
- Include interest, student loan interest, or dependents if applicable.
- Calculate Refund or Amount Owed
- Compare your tax liability with what was withheld (Box 2).
- Submit by April 15, 2025
- File electronically or mail it to the IRS.
Filing Options
- Paper Filing
- Mail Form 1040 + Copy B of your W-2 to the IRS.
- E-Filing
- Use tax software or a CPA. Your W-2 info will be entered digitally.
- Hire a CPA
- Recommended for complex situations like dual income, dependents, or itemized deductions.
Common Filing Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering the wrong SSN
- Not including all W-2s if you worked multiple jobs
- Forgetting to attach W-2 Copy B (if filing by mail)
- Using last year’s tax form by mistake
- Filing late or without signature
Conclusion
Filing your taxes using a W-2 is simple if you follow the steps. Be sure to review all the data on your W-2 and enter it accurately on Form 1040. If you’re unsure about anything—especially deductions or credits—it’s wise to speak to a tax professional before submitting your return.
Call to Action
Have questions about your W-2 or unsure how to file your taxes? Schedule a session with Anshul Goyal, CPA EA FCA for professional assistance. He helps individuals and small business owners stay IRS-compliant and maximize eligible tax benefits.
Top 5 FAQs: Filing Taxes With a W-2
Can I file taxes with just a W-2?
Yes. If your only income is from a job, you can file using just your W-2 and Form 1040.
Do I need to attach the W-2 to my tax return?
Yes, if you’re mailing your return. Include Copy B of your W-2. If e-filing, you input the data only.
What if I have more than one W-2?
Report all W-2s. Total the wages and withholding amounts when completing Form 1040.
What if my W-2 is wrong?
Contact your employer immediately. They must issue a corrected form (W-2c).
Can I use free tax software to file with a W-2?
Yes, but if you have dependents, credits, or deductions, it’s better to use a CPA.
About Our CPA
Anshul Goyal, CPA EA FCA is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the United States, admitted to practice before the IRS as an Enrolled Agent. He helps individuals, Indian residents in the U.S., and business owners handle tax filing, IRS audits, and cross-border tax matters with precision and clarity.
Schedule a meeting with Anshul by clicking here: https://calendly.com/anshulcpa/
Disclaimer
This blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax or legal advice. Please consult a licensed tax professional for personalized assistance.