The IRS recently reminded tax professionals that wage statements and independent contractor forms are due Friday, Jan. 31.
Before the 2015 Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, employers generally had more time to file these forms. The law made a permanent requirement for employers to file Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, and Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements, by Jan. 31.
The early filing date helps the IRS to more easily detect refund fraud. The IRS recommends e-file as the quickest, most accurate and convenient way to file these forms.