Homepage Blank IRS W-3 Form
Outline

The IRS W-3 form plays a crucial role in the world of payroll and tax reporting. This form serves as a summary of all W-2 forms issued by an employer for a given tax year. Employers use it to report the total wages, tips, and other compensation paid to employees, along with the total amount of taxes withheld. It is important for ensuring that the information submitted to the Social Security Administration is accurate and complete. The W-3 must accompany each batch of W-2 forms when they are filed, whether electronically or on paper. This means that timely and correct submission can help avoid penalties and ensure compliance with federal regulations. Understanding the W-3 form is essential for employers to fulfill their tax obligations and for employees to ensure their earnings are properly reported. With this form, clarity and organization in payroll reporting become attainable, making it a vital component of the tax process.

Sample - IRS W-3 Form

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b

 

 

 

 

941

Military

943

 

944

 

 

None apply

501c non-govt.

Third-party

 

Kind of Payer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kind of Employer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sick pay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Check if

 

(Check one)

CT-1

 

Hshld.

Medicare

 

 

 

(Check one)

State/local

State/local 501c Federal govt.

 

 

 

 

 

emp.

govt. emp.

 

 

 

 

 

non-501c

applicable)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

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

Form Information

Fact Name Description
Purpose The IRS W-3 form is a summary of all W-2 forms issued by an employer, reporting total earnings, Social Security wages, and taxes withheld.
Filing Requirement Employers must file the W-3 form along with the W-2 forms by January 31st each year to report employee earnings to the Social Security Administration.
Who Files Employers, including corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietors, are required to file the W-3 form if they have issued W-2 forms to employees.
Form Format The W-3 form can be filed electronically or submitted in paper format, but electronic filing is encouraged for accuracy and efficiency.
State-Specific Forms Some states require their own summary forms, such as the California DE-6, which is governed by California Unemployment Insurance Code Section 1088.
Penalties Failure to file the W-3 form on time can result in penalties, including fines for late submissions or incorrect information.
Record Keeping Employers should keep copies of the W-3 and W-2 forms for at least four years to comply with IRS regulations and for potential audits.

Detailed Guide for Filling Out IRS W-3

After completing the IRS W-3 form, you'll need to submit it along with your W-2 forms to the Social Security Administration (SSA). This process is essential for reporting wages and taxes withheld for your employees. Follow these steps to accurately fill out the form.

  1. Obtain a copy of the IRS W-3 form. You can download it from the IRS website or request a physical copy.
  2. At the top of the form, enter your employer information. This includes your name, address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  3. In the "Kind of Payer" section, check the appropriate box that describes your business type.
  4. Fill in the total number of W-2 forms you are submitting. This number should match the number of W-2 forms you are sending to the SSA.
  5. Report the total wages, tips, and other compensation paid to your employees in the designated box.
  6. Provide the total federal income tax withheld from your employees’ wages.
  7. Complete the boxes for Social Security wages and Medicare wages, ensuring these figures are accurate.
  8. If applicable, fill in the amounts for any state wages and taxes withheld.
  9. Sign and date the form. This certifies that the information provided is correct to the best of your knowledge.
  10. Make a copy of the completed W-3 form for your records before sending it to the SSA.

Obtain Answers on IRS W-3

  1. 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 total of all wages, tips, and other compensation paid to employees, along with the total taxes withheld.

  2. Who needs to file the W-3 form?

    Any employer who issues W-2 forms to their employees is required to file the W-3 form. This includes businesses of all sizes, as well as non-profit organizations and government entities. The W-3 form must be submitted when filing W-2 forms, regardless of the number of employees.

  3. When is the W-3 form due?

    The W-3 form is due by January 31 of the year following the tax year for which the W-2 forms are filed. For example, if you are filing for the 2023 tax year, the W-3 must be submitted by January 31, 2024. If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it is due the next business day.

  4. How do I file the W-3 form?

    The W-3 form can be filed electronically or by mail. To file electronically, you can use the SSA's Business Services Online (BSO) portal. If you choose to file by mail, you should send the W-3 form along with copies of all W-2 forms to the appropriate address listed on the SSA website. Ensure that all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays.

  5. 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 submitted
    • Total wages, tips, and other compensation
    • Total federal income tax withheld
    • Total Social Security wages and tips
    • Total Medicare wages and tips

    Accurate reporting of this information is crucial for compliance and to ensure that employees receive proper credit for their earnings.

  6. What happens if I do not file the W-3 form?

    Failure to file the W-3 form can result in penalties imposed by the IRS. These penalties can vary based on how late the form is filed and the size of the business. Additionally, not filing may lead to complications for employees who rely on accurate W-2 reporting for their tax returns. It is important to meet the filing requirements to avoid these issues.

Common mistakes

Filling out the IRS W-3 form can be a straightforward task, but many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to complications. One prevalent error is providing incorrect employer information. This includes the name, address, or Employer Identification Number (EIN). Ensuring that these details match what the IRS has on file is crucial for accurate processing.

Another frequent mistake involves the total number of W-2 forms submitted. The W-3 form serves as a summary of all W-2 forms issued by an employer. If the number of W-2 forms reported does not match the actual number submitted, it can trigger delays and questions from the IRS.

Many people also overlook the importance of reporting the correct year. The IRS W-3 form must reflect the tax year for which the W-2 forms were issued. Failing to indicate the correct year can lead to confusion and potential penalties.

Inaccurate wage and tax information is another area where errors often occur. Employers must ensure that the total wages, tips, and other compensation reported are accurate. Mistakes in this section can result in discrepancies that may require further investigation by the IRS.

Additionally, some individuals forget to sign the W-3 form. This signature is a declaration that the information provided is accurate and complete. Without a signature, the form may be considered invalid, leading to processing issues.

Another common mistake is neglecting to file the W-3 form on time. Timeliness is essential when dealing with tax forms. Late submissions can incur penalties and interest, which can add unnecessary financial strain.

Some employers also fail to keep copies of the W-3 form and associated W-2 forms. Retaining these documents is vital for record-keeping and may be necessary if the IRS has questions or if there are discrepancies in the future.

Lastly, many people do not verify the accuracy of their calculations. Simple math errors can lead to significant issues down the line. Taking the time to double-check figures can prevent complications and ensure a smoother filing process.

Documents used along the form

The IRS W-3 form is a crucial document for employers when submitting annual wage and tax information to the IRS. However, several other forms and documents often accompany the W-3 to ensure compliance with tax reporting requirements. Below is a list of related forms that may be necessary for employers and employees alike.

  • Form W-2: This form reports an employee's annual wages and the taxes withheld from their paycheck. Employers must provide this form to each employee by January 31st of the following year.
  • Form 941: This quarterly form is used to report income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employee's paychecks. Employers must file it four times a year.
  • Form 1099-MISC: This form is used to report payments made to independent contractors and other non-employees. It includes details about income earned and is typically issued to recipients by January 31st.
  • Form 1096: This is a summary form that accompanies paper submissions of certain information returns, such as 1099s. It provides the IRS with a summary of the information reported on the attached forms.
  • Form 1040: This is the standard individual income tax return form used by taxpayers to report their annual income to the IRS. It includes various schedules and can incorporate information from W-2s and 1099s.
  • Form 940: This annual form is used to report and pay federal unemployment taxes (FUTA). Employers must file it by January 31st of the following year.
  • Form SS-4: This form is used to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which 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 this information updated is important for receiving tax documents and correspondence from the IRS.

Understanding these forms can help ensure that you meet all necessary tax obligations and deadlines. Properly completing and submitting these documents can facilitate a smoother tax reporting process and reduce the risk of errors or penalties.

Similar forms

The IRS W-3 form serves as a summary of all W-2 forms submitted by an employer for a given tax year. It is essential for reporting income and taxes withheld for employees. Here are seven documents that are similar to the W-3 form:

  • W-2 Form: This form reports an employee's annual wages and the taxes withheld from their paycheck. Each employee receives a W-2, which is then summarized on the W-3.
  • 1099 Form: Used to report various types of income other than wages, salaries, and tips. Like the W-3, it provides a summary of income paid to non-employees.
  • W-4 Form: This form helps employers determine how much tax to withhold from an employee's paycheck. While not a summary, it is crucial for accurate W-2 and W-3 filings.
  • 1040 Form: This is the standard individual income tax return form. Taxpayers use information from W-2 and W-3 to complete their 1040.
  • Schedule C: Self-employed individuals use this form to report income or loss from their business. It complements the 1099 and is similar in that it summarizes income.
  • Form 941: This quarterly form reports income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employee wages. It provides a snapshot of payroll taxes similar to the W-3.
  • Form 1095-C: Employers use this form to report information about health insurance coverage offered to employees. It is similar in that it summarizes information required for tax purposes.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the IRS W-3 form, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here are six things to keep in mind:

  • Do double-check your employer identification number (EIN) for accuracy.
  • Don't leave any boxes blank; every section must be completed.
  • Do ensure that the total amount of wages matches the amounts reported on the W-2 forms.
  • Don't forget to sign and date the form before submission.
  • Do file the W-3 form along with the W-2 forms by the deadline.
  • Don't use pencil or erasable ink; use black or blue ink only.

Following these guidelines will help streamline the filing process and reduce the likelihood of errors or delays. Always keep a copy of the submitted forms for your records.

Misconceptions

The IRS W-3 form, also known as the Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements, is often misunderstood. Here are nine common misconceptions about this important document:

  1. The W-3 form is optional. Many believe that submitting the W-3 is not necessary, but it is required when filing W-2 forms. Employers must submit the W-3 along with copies of the W-2 forms to the Social Security Administration.
  2. The W-3 form is only for large businesses. Some think that only large corporations need to file the W-3. In reality, any employer who issues W-2 forms, regardless of size, must complete and submit the W-3.
  3. The W-3 is the same as the W-2. While the W-3 summarizes the information on W-2 forms, it is not the same. The W-2 reports individual employee earnings, whereas the W-3 aggregates this data for the entire organization.
  4. Filing the W-3 is a one-time event. Some assume that once they file the W-3, they do not need to worry about it again. However, it must be submitted annually, along with the W-2 forms for each tax year.
  5. The W-3 can be filed electronically or on paper, but not both. It is a misconception that employers must choose one method. In fact, employers can file electronically or submit paper forms, but they must ensure that all submissions are consistent.
  6. Only the IRS requires the W-3. While the IRS does require this form, the Social Security Administration also needs it. The information provided on the W-3 is crucial for accurate wage reporting.
  7. The W-3 form does not require signatures. Some believe that no signatures are necessary. However, the form must be signed by an authorized individual, such as the employer or an agent, to validate the submission.
  8. There is no deadline for submitting the W-3. Many think they can file the W-3 at their convenience. In reality, there are strict deadlines that align with the W-2 filing dates, typically by the end of January each year.
  9. Errors on the W-3 can be corrected easily. A common belief is that mistakes on the W-3 can be quickly fixed. However, correcting errors can be a lengthy process and may require additional forms or documentation.

Understanding these misconceptions can help employers navigate the requirements of the W-3 form more effectively, ensuring compliance and accuracy in wage reporting.

Key takeaways

The IRS W-3 form serves as a summary of the W-2 forms that employers submit for their employees. Understanding how to fill it out correctly is crucial for compliance with tax regulations.

  • Purpose of the W-3: The form is used to transmit W-2 forms to the Social Security Administration (SSA). It provides a summary of the total earnings, Social Security wages, and tax withheld for all employees.
  • Filing Deadlines: Employers must file the W-3 form by the end of January each year, along with the W-2 forms. Missing this deadline can result in penalties.
  • Accurate Information: Ensure that all information, including employer details and total wages, is accurate. Errors can lead to issues with employee tax records and potential fines.
  • Electronic Filing: Employers can file the W-3 electronically through the SSA’s Business Services Online (BSO) portal. This method is often quicker and more efficient than paper filing.