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The IRS W-3 form plays a crucial role in the annual tax reporting process for employers in the United States. This form serves as a summary of all W-2 forms that an employer has issued to their employees throughout the tax year. By compiling key information, such as total wages paid, taxes withheld, and the number of employees, the W-3 ensures that the Social Security Administration receives accurate data for each employee's earnings and contributions. Employers must submit the W-3 alongside their W-2 forms, either electronically or by mail, to comply with federal regulations. The deadline for submission typically aligns with the end of January, making timely filing essential to avoid penalties. Understanding the W-3 form's requirements can help employers streamline their payroll processes and maintain compliance with tax obligations.

IRS W-3 Example

Attention:

You may file Forms W-2 and W-3 electronically on the SSA’s Employer W-2 Filing Instructions and Information web page, which is also accessible at www.socialsecurity.gov/employer. You can create fill-in versions of Forms W-2 and W-3 for filing with SSA. You may also print out copies for filing with state or local governments, distribution to your employees, and for your records.

Note: Copy A of this form is provided for informational purposes only. Copy A appears in red, similar to the official IRS form. The official printed version of this IRS form is scannable, but the online version of it, printed from this website, is not. Do not print and file Copy A downloaded from this website with the SSA; a penalty may be imposed for filing forms that can’t be scanned. See the penalties section in the current General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3, available at www.irs.gov/w2, for more information.

Please note that Copy B and other copies of this form, which appear in black, may be downloaded, filled in, and printed and used to satisfy the requirement to provide the information to the recipient.

To order official IRS information returns such as Forms W-2 and W-3, which include a scannable Copy A for filing, go to IRS’ Online Ordering for Information Returns and Employer Returns page, or visit www.irs.gov/orderforms and click on Employer and Information returns. We’ll mail you the scannable forms and any other products you order.

See IRS Publications 1141, 1167, and 1179 for more information about printing these tax forms.

DO NOT STAPLE

 

 

 

 

 

a Control number

 

 

 

 

For Official Use Only:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33333

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OMB No. 1545-0029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Kind of Employer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sick pay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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c Total number of Forms W-2

d Establishment number

1 Wages, tips, other compensation

 

 

2 Federal income tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e Employer identification number (EIN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 Social security wages

 

 

 

 

 

4 Social security tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

f

Employer’s name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Medicare wages and tips

 

 

6 Medicare tax withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 Social security tips

 

 

 

 

 

8 Allocated tips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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10 Dependent care benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11 Nonqualified plans

 

 

 

 

12a Deferred compensation

 

 

 

 

g Employer’s address and ZIP code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

h Other EIN used this year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13 For third-party sick pay use only

 

12b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 State

Employer’s state ID number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14 Income tax withheld by payer of third-party sick pay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16 State wages, tips, etc.

17 State income tax

 

 

 

18 Local wages, tips, etc.

 

 

 

 

19 Local income tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employer’s contact person

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employer’s telephone number

 

 

For Official Use Only

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employer’s fax number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employer’s email address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return and accompanying documents, and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, they are true, correct, and complete.

Signature:

Title:

 

Date:

Form W-3 Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements

2025

Department of the Treasury

Internal Revenue Service

Send this entire page with the entire Copy A page of Form(s) W-2 to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Photocopies are not acceptable. Do not send Form W-3 if you filed electronically with the SSA.

Do not send any payment (cash, checks, money orders, etc.) with Forms W-2 and W-3.

Reminder

Separate instructions. See the 2025 General Instructions for Forms

W-2 and W-3 for information on completing this form. Do not file Form

W-3 for Form(s) W-2 that were submitted electronically to the SSA.

Purpose of Form

Complete a Form W-3 transmittal only when filing paper Copy A of Form(s) W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. Don’t file Form W-3 alone. All paper forms must comply with IRS standards and be machine readable. Photocopies are not acceptable. Use a Form W-3 even if only one paper Form W-2 is being filed. Make sure both the Form W-3 and Form(s) W-2 show the correct tax year and employer identification number (EIN). Make a copy of this form and keep it with Copy D (For Employer) of Form(s) W-2 for your records. The IRS recommends retaining copies of these forms for at least 4 years.

E-Filing

The SSA strongly suggests employers report Form W-3 and Forms W-2 Copy A electronically instead of on paper. The SSA provides two free e-filing options on its Business Services Online (BSO) website.

W-2 Online. Use fill-in forms to create, save, print, and submit up to 50 Forms W-2 at a time to the SSA.

File Upload. Upload wage files to the SSA you have created using payroll or tax software that formats the files according to the SSA’s Specifications for Filing Forms W-2 Electronically (EFW2).

W-2 Online fill-in forms or file uploads will be on time if submitted by February 02, 2026. For more information, go to www.SSA.gov/bso.

When To File Paper Forms

Mail Form W-3 with Copy A of Form(s) W-2 by February 02, 2026.

Where To File Paper Forms

Send this entire page with the entire Copy A page of Form(s) W-2 to:

Social Security Administration

Direct Operations Center

Wilkes-Barre, PA 18769-0001

Note: If you use “Certified Mail” to file, change the ZIP code to “18769-0002.” If you use an IRS-approved private delivery service, add “ATTN: W-2 Process, 1150 E. Mountain Dr.” to the address and change the ZIP code to “18702-7997.” Go to www.irs.gov/PDS for a list of IRS- approved private delivery services.

For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.

Cat. No. 10159Y

File Breakdown

Fact Name Description
Purpose The W-3 form is a summary transmittal form that accompanies W-2 forms when submitted to the IRS.
Who Files Employers are responsible for filing the W-3 form along with the W-2 forms for their employees.
Filing Deadline The W-3 must be filed by January 31st of the following year after the wages are paid.
Information Included The form includes total earnings, Social Security wages, and Medicare wages for all employees.
Electronic Filing Employers can file the W-3 electronically through the Social Security Administration's online portal.
State-Specific Forms Some states require their own transmittal forms; check state laws for specific requirements.
Governing Laws State-specific forms are governed by each state’s tax laws, which can vary significantly.
Corrections If errors are found after filing, a corrected W-3 can be submitted with the correct information.
Record Keeping Employers should keep copies of the W-3 and W-2 forms for at least four years for record-keeping purposes.
Importance The W-3 form helps the IRS and Social Security Administration track earnings for individuals and ensures proper tax credit calculations.

Guide to Using IRS W-3

After you have gathered all necessary information, you are ready to fill out the IRS W-3 form. This form is used to transmit information from W-2 forms to the IRS. Follow these steps carefully to ensure accuracy.

  1. Begin by entering your employer identification number (EIN) in the top section of the form.
  2. Fill in your business name as it appears on your tax documents.
  3. Provide your business address, including city, state, and ZIP code.
  4. Indicate the total number of W-2 forms
  5. Enter the total wages
  6. List the total federal income tax withheld
  7. Complete the state and local tax information
  8. Sign and date the form at the bottom. Make sure to include your title.

Once you have completed the form, review it for any errors. After ensuring everything is accurate, you can submit it along with the W-2 forms to the IRS.

Get Answers on IRS W-3

What is the IRS W-3 form?

The IRS W-3 form, also known as the Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements, is a summary form that accompanies the W-2 forms when employers submit them to the Social Security Administration (SSA). It provides a summary of the total earnings, Social Security wages, and tax withheld for all employees for a given tax year. This form is essential for ensuring that the information reported on W-2s is accurate and complete.

Who needs to file the W-3 form?

Employers who issue W-2 forms to their employees must file the W-3 form. This includes businesses of all sizes, non-profits, and government entities. If you have employees and are reporting their wages and taxes, you are required to submit the W-3 along with the W-2 forms to the SSA.

When is the W-3 form due?

The W-3 form is due on January 31st of the year following the tax year for which the wages are reported. This means that if you are reporting wages for the year 2023, the W-3 form must be submitted by January 31, 2024. It is crucial to meet this deadline to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with federal regulations.

How do I file the W-3 form?

The W-3 form can be filed electronically or by mail. If filing electronically, you can use the SSA’s Business Services Online (BSO) portal. For paper filing, you must complete the W-3 form and send it along with all W-2 forms to the appropriate address listed in the instructions. Ensure that you keep copies for your records.

What information is required on the W-3 form?

The W-3 form requires several key pieces of information, including:

  • Employer's name, address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Total number of W-2 forms being submitted
  • Total wages paid
  • Total Social Security wages
  • Total income tax withheld

Completing these fields accurately is essential for proper processing by the SSA.

What happens if I make a mistake on the W-3 form?

If you discover an error after submitting the W-3 form, it is important to correct it as soon as possible. You can do this by filing a corrected W-3 form along with corrected W-2 forms. Be sure to indicate that the forms are corrected to avoid confusion. Timely corrections help prevent issues with employee tax records.

Are there penalties for not filing the W-3 form?

Yes, there are penalties for failing to file the W-3 form or for filing it late. The penalties can vary based on how late the form is submitted and the size of your business. It is advisable to file on time to avoid these penalties, which can accumulate quickly and become costly.

Where can I find the W-3 form?

The W-3 form can be downloaded from the IRS website or the Social Security Administration's website. It is essential to use the most current version of the form to ensure compliance with the latest regulations. Always check for updates or changes in requirements before filing.

Common mistakes

Filling out the IRS W-3 form can be a straightforward process, but many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to delays or complications. One frequent error is providing incorrect or incomplete information about the employer. This includes failing to enter the correct Employer Identification Number (EIN) or not including the full legal name of the business. Such inaccuracies can create issues when the IRS attempts to match the W-3 with the corresponding W-2 forms.

Another mistake involves the reporting of wages and tax information. Some people may miscalculate the total wages paid or the amount of taxes withheld. This can happen if the figures from the W-2 forms are not accurately summed up. It's essential to double-check these numbers to ensure they align with the information reported on the W-2s.

Many individuals also overlook the requirement to sign and date the W-3 form. This step is crucial, as the form is not considered valid without a signature. Failing to sign can lead to the form being rejected, which may delay processing and create additional work for the employer.

Additionally, some filers forget to check the box indicating the type of return being submitted. This could be for a final return, or if it is an amended return. Not marking this box can lead to confusion and may result in the IRS not processing the form as intended.

Another common oversight is not keeping a copy of the completed W-3 form for personal records. This document serves as a summary of the W-2s issued and can be important for future reference or in case of an audit. Retaining a copy helps ensure that you have all necessary documentation at hand.

People often fail to submit the W-3 form by the IRS deadline. Timeliness is critical, as late submissions can incur penalties. It is advisable to be aware of the due dates and to plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues.

Inaccurate information regarding the number of W-2 forms being submitted is another mistake. The W-3 must accurately reflect the total number of W-2s attached. If this number is incorrect, it can lead to discrepancies in the IRS records.

Lastly, some individuals do not utilize the correct method for submitting the W-3 form. Depending on the number of employees, the submission may need to be electronic or paper-based. Not adhering to the appropriate submission method can cause delays in processing.

Documents used along the form

The IRS W-3 form is a crucial document for employers, as it summarizes the total earnings, Social Security wages, and taxes withheld for all employees. When submitting this form, there are several other forms and documents that are often used in conjunction with it. Below is a list of these documents, each serving a specific purpose in the reporting process.

  • IRS W-2 Form: This form reports an employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck. Employers must provide a W-2 to each employee by January 31st of the following year.
  • IRS 941 Form: This quarterly form is used by employers to report income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employee wages. It helps the IRS track payroll taxes throughout the year.
  • IRS 1099 Form: This form is used to report income received by independent contractors and other non-employees. It is essential for reporting payments made to individuals who are not on the payroll.
  • Form 1096: This is a summary form used to transmit paper 1099 forms to the IRS. It provides the IRS with a summary of the information reported on the 1099 forms.
  • Form 1040: This is the standard individual income tax return form. Employees use it to report their annual income, including wages reported on their W-2 forms.
  • Form SS-4: This form is used to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN is necessary for businesses to report taxes and other documents to the IRS.
  • Form 8822: This form is used to notify the IRS of a change of address. Keeping the IRS updated ensures that all tax documents are sent to the correct location.

Using these forms and documents correctly is essential for compliance with IRS regulations. They work together to provide a complete picture of an employer's tax responsibilities and an employee's earnings. Ensure that all forms are accurately filled out and submitted on time to avoid any penalties or issues with the IRS.

Similar forms

The IRS W-3 form is an important document that serves as a summary of all W-2 forms issued by an employer. Understanding its similarities with other forms can help clarify its purpose and importance. Here are eight documents that share characteristics with the W-3 form:

  • W-2 Form: This form reports an employee's annual wages and the taxes withheld. The W-3 summarizes all W-2 forms submitted by an employer.
  • 1099-MISC Form: Used to report payments made to independent contractors, this form provides a summary of income similar to how the W-3 summarizes W-2 information.
  • 1096 Form: This is a summary form that accompanies certain information returns, including 1099s. Like the W-3, it provides a summary of multiple documents.
  • W-4 Form: While this form determines how much tax is withheld from an employee's paycheck, it is related to the W-2 and W-3 in that it influences the information reported on them.
  • Schedule C: This form is used by sole proprietors to report income and expenses. It serves as a summary of business income, akin to the W-3 summarizing employee wages.
  • Form 941: Employers use this form to report income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employee paychecks. It summarizes payroll tax information, similar to the W-3.
  • Form 1099-NEC: This form reports non-employee compensation. Like the W-3, it provides a summary of payments made, though it focuses on independent contractors.
  • Form 5500: This form is used to report information about employee benefit plans. It summarizes plan data, similar to how the W-3 summarizes employee wage data.

Understanding these documents can aid in ensuring compliance and accuracy in reporting. Each form plays a crucial role in the larger framework of tax documentation.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the IRS W-3 form, it's important to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here are five things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do double-check all information for accuracy before submitting.
  • Don't leave any required fields blank; every section must be completed.
  • Do use clear and legible handwriting if filling out the form by hand.
  • Don't forget to sign and date the form; an unsigned form may be rejected.
  • Do keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

Misconceptions

The IRS W-3 form is often misunderstood. Here are six common misconceptions about it:

  • W-3 is the same as W-2. Many people think the W-3 form is just another version of the W-2. In reality, the W-3 is a summary of all W-2 forms submitted by an employer. It consolidates information for the IRS.
  • Only large employers need to file W-3. Some believe that only large companies are required to file the W-3. However, any employer who issues W-2 forms must also submit a W-3, regardless of size.
  • The W-3 is optional. A common myth is that filing the W-3 is optional. This is incorrect. Employers must file the W-3 along with their W-2 forms to report wages and taxes accurately.
  • The W-3 is only for federal tax reporting. Some think the W-3 is solely for federal purposes. In fact, it is also used by state agencies for tax reporting, making it important for both federal and state compliance.
  • W-3 can be filed at any time. Many assume that they can file the W-3 whenever they choose. However, there are specific deadlines for submitting the W-3, typically by the end of January following the tax year.
  • W-3 does not require accuracy. Some believe that minor errors on the W-3 do not matter. In truth, inaccuracies can lead to penalties and complications for both employers and employees.

Key takeaways

The IRS W-3 form serves as a summary of all W-2 forms issued by an employer for a given tax year. Here are some key takeaways regarding its completion and use:

  • Purpose of the W-3: This form is used to transmit W-2 forms to the Social Security Administration (SSA). It consolidates wage and tax information for all employees.
  • Accurate Information: Ensure that all information is accurate and matches the details on the W-2 forms. Discrepancies can lead to processing delays.
  • Filing Deadline: The W-3 must be filed by the end of January following the tax year. This is crucial to avoid penalties.
  • Electronic Filing: Employers can file the W-3 electronically if they are submitting 250 or more W-2 forms. This method is often faster and more efficient.