With tax season on the horizon, you likely want to ensure you’re prepared to get your W2 early. If you would like to receive your W2 as quickly as possible, one of the most critical steps to take is signing up to get your W2 electronically.
Typically, the process is incredibly straightforward, and once you complete it, you’ll experience a variety of benefits. If you would like to receive your W2 electronically, here’s a look at how to make it happen, as well as what you’ll gain by doing so.
How to Get Your W2 Electronically
In most cases, employees use one of two processes to ensure their W2 is delivered electronically. For professionals with a convenient online payroll portal, it may be as simple as logging in and verifying you want an electronic W2 using a checkbox or toggle button. Otherwise, filling out a consent form through your payroll or HR office is potentially required.
Generally, if you aren’t sure how to complete the process, the best strategy is to contact your HR or payroll representative. They’ll be able to let you know if a digital W2 is an option and how to complete the signup process.
The Benefits of Getting Your W2 Electronically
Fast, Secure Delivery
Receiving your W2 electronically is potentially more secure – and typically much faster – than the traditional mailed option. When a W2 goes through the mail, there’s always a chance of loss, damage, or theft. Loss significantly delays when you can file. Damage could make your W2 unreadable, while theft puts your personal information at risk.
When sent through the mail, your W2 may also linger in the system far longer than expected, particularly if it’s misdirected or accidentally not processed in a timely manner. However, even if it goes through properly, it can still take several days for it to complete the journey.
When you get your W2 electronically, the process is typically fast and secure. Most organizations use secure portals or other mechanisms – like password protection – to deliver digital W2s, safeguarding your sensitive information from theft. Plus, delivery is near-instantaneous once W2s are issued, so it’s far quicker than the mail.
Sustainability
A traditional mailed W2 is printed on paper. Plus, the document has to travel through the mail system, a process that relies on vehicles (and fuel) to complete. As a result, it’s not the most eco-friendly option, particularly when compared to electronic delivery.
By getting your W2 electronically, there’s no paper or fuel used in the process. As a result, it’s a far more sustainable approach.
Accessibility
Mailed W2s are paper documents. With a digital W2, you get a highly accessible file. Usually, you can access your W2 through any device you’d like, including a computer, tablet, or smartphone. As a result, it’s a far more accessible option.
Plus, with some tax software, you can import the information from an electronic W2 directly into the platform. Then, the software can automatically populate the relevant fields, eliminating a significant amount of data entry.
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