Take advantage of previewing your W-2 forms now to make sure you’ve entered correct wages, benefits and employee information for 2024. Learn what common mistakes to look for and how to fix them now.
In this article
How do I preview my W-2 forms?
Important dates
Verify that your employees' wages, benefits and personal information is correct
Need to make a correction?
Need to enter a benefit enjoyed during 2024?
Register with the Social Security Business Services Online if you file your own W-2 forms
What is a W-2 preview?
Available November 1st, the W-2 forms are a preview of what your employees’ W-2 forms will look like based on pay and benefits issued so far in 2024. This allows you to review the wage, tax, employee and business details to ensure forms are filed accurately, without the need for corrections later on.
The information you view in the W-2 preview reflects current year-to-date payroll information on the day you preview it. If you’ve approved a payroll with a payday in the future, the pay and benefits it includes will appear on previews generated after the payday has passed.
How do I preview my W-2 forms?
The preview contains 2024 Form W-2s for each of your employees, and your 2024 Form W-3. It reflects only wages and benefits paid up to the date it is generated. Do not use these forms for filing. The final versions will be available in January 2025.
- In the left navigation menu, click Payroll > Tax Forms
- Click Download Preview
Important dates
November 1, 2024: Form W-2 previews are available! Be sure to review your forms early to make sure your year-to-date entries are accurate and finish the year strong.
December 27, 2024: The last day for those enrolled in Tax Services to request adjustments to Form W-2 prior to SSA submission. Adjustments requested after this date will require a Form W-2C.
Verify that your employees' wages, benefits and personal information is correct
Are all wages reported accurately?
Are all benefits reported accurately?
Common W-2 errors:
Incorrect Social Security Numbers (SSN)
Incorrect Addresses
Incorrect Names (the employee name appearing on the W-2 must match their SSN card)
Incorrect Benefit Codes (Box 10,12)
Need more information about adding benefits in Wave?
[US] Payroll Deduction Features
Need to make a correction?
During the W-2 preview period you can correct employee names, addresses, and SSNs directly in your Wave account. Here's how:
- In the left navigation menu, Payroll > click Employees
- Select the Employee
- Click Personal information
If you need to request other corrections to your W-2 forms, open Mave, Wave’s automated chatbot, and type W-2 corrections. Mave will help collect any relevant details and direct you to the appropriate support. Learn how to open Mave in Get support with Wave.
Need to enter a benefit enjoyed during 2024?
If you are missing a benefit, and have yet to run your final 2024 payroll, you will be able to add it to payroll before the end of the year. To do this, go to the employee profile > click Benefits & Deductions.
If you're missing a benefit and cannot add it to a future payroll in Wave, open Mave, Wave’s automated chatbot, and type missing benefits. Mave will help collect any relevant details and direct you to the appropriate support. Learn how to open Mave in Get support with Wave.
A reminder that December 27, 2024 is the last day for those enrolled in Tax Services to request adjustments to Form W-2 prior to SSA submission. Adjustments requested after this date will require a Form W-2c.
Once changes have been made to a W-2 preview form, it will need to be regenerated in Wave. For businesses not enrolled in Wave's automated tax payment and filing service, please select Discard and Start Over to view updated previews of your forms.
Confirm if you are required to electronically file W-2 forms, and register with the Social Security Administration Business Services Online
If you are not enrolled in Wave's automated tax payment and filing service, you are responsible for filing W-2 forms with the Social Security Administration (SSA) before the filing deadline.
If you plan to file electronically you can register now so that you’re ready in January. If you plan to complete paper filings, remember to check updated SSA guidance to ensure you are not required to file electronically.
Check out Wave's SS BSO Registration Guide for more details on how to register.
For tax year 2024, the IRS has finalized regulations that have reduced the threshold for e-filing requirements from 250 returns to 10 returns. If you have 10 or more combined returns (more than 10 1099-NECs and W-2s, for example) then you are required to e-file.