ALERT – Deadline Change for Information Returns

A new federal law has moved up the filing date for W-2s and certain 1099 forms.  Under the new law, employers (and paid preparers) must submit copies of these forms to the IRS and SSA by January 31.  This change is effective with the 2016 information forms that will be due on January 31, 2017.  The accelerated deadline is intended to help the IRS spot errors on returns and make it easier for the IRS to verify the legitimacy of tax returns filed.

Previously, a copy of these forms was required to be provided to recipients by January 31, but employers (and paid preparers) had until the end of February (if filing on paper) or March (if filing electronically) to send copies to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA).

A 30-day extension is available for IRS submission.  If an extension is necessary, Form 8809 Application for Extension of Time to File Information Returns must be completed as soon as possible, but no later than January 31.