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How to print previous year W2 in QuickBooks Online

  • henrymaartin1990
  • Oct 14
  • 5 min read

Every business that processes payroll must provide W-2 forms to employees and file them with the IRS. Fortunately, QuickBooks simplifies this process by allowing employers to generate and print W-2s directly within the software. Whether you use QuickBooks Desktop or QuickBooks Online, the platform ensures compliance with IRS requirements while saving valuable time during tax season.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about printing W-2 forms in QuickBooks, including step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and the difference between printing from QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online. For further assistance, you can reach expert QuickBooks Payroll Support at +1-866-500-0076.


Find a complete step-by-step guide on printing W-2 forms in QuickBooks. Learn to file, review, and print employee W-2s in QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online. Contact +1-866-500-0076 for expert payroll assistance.


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What Are W-2 Forms and Why They Matter

The W-2 form, also known as the Wage and Tax Statement, is a crucial IRS document employers must provide to each employee and the Social Security Administration (SSA) every year. It details the employee’s earnings, withheld taxes, and other deductions for the previous calendar year.

QuickBooks Payroll automates this process by accurately calculating wages, taxes, and deductions throughout the year, ensuring the generated W-2s are precise and compliant.


Before You Print W-2 Forms in QuickBooks

Before moving forward with printing W-2 forms in QuickBooks, make sure you’ve completed the following checklist:

  1. Verify Employee Information:Ensure names, addresses, and Social Security Numbers are accurate.

  2. Check Payroll Data:Review your final payroll run for the year to confirm that all paychecks have been recorded.

  3. Update QuickBooks Payroll Tax Table:Always use the latest payroll tax table before generating W-2s.

  4. Review Tax Filing Preferences:Make sure your filing method (electronic or paper) is correctly set up.

  5. Order W-2 Paper Forms:If you plan to print and mail physical copies, use IRS-approved preprinted forms.

If you encounter any issues preparing for year-end tax forms, contact QuickBooks Payroll Support at +1-866-500-0076 for expert help.


Printing W-2 Forms in QuickBooks Desktop

For employers using QuickBooks Desktop, the process to print W-2 forms is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Go to the Payroll Center

  • Open QuickBooks Desktop.

  • Navigate to Employees > Payroll Center > File Forms.

Step 2: Choose W-2 Forms

  • Under the “File Forms” tab, select Annual Form W-2/W-3 – Wage and Tax Statement/Transmittal.

  • Click Create Form.

Step 3: Review and Edit Employee Data

  • When prompted, choose the correct year and employee list.

  • Click Review/Edit to verify details.

Step 4: Select Filing Method

  • You can choose between E-file or Print for mailing.

  • If you’re printing, make sure to select Print W-2 forms in QuickBooks Desktop.

Step 5: Print and Distribute

  • Load preprinted W-2 forms into your printer.

  • Print the employee and employer copies.

Your employees must receive their W-2 forms by January 31st each year. Always print and file before this deadline to avoid penalties.

If you face alignment or printing issues, don’t hesitate to call +1-866-500-0076 for expert troubleshooting assistance.



Printing W-2 Forms in QuickBooks Online

If you’re using QuickBooks Online Payroll, you can easily print W-2 forms directly from your browser. Here’s how:

Step 1: Access Payroll Settings

  • Sign in to QuickBooks Online.

  • Go to Payroll > Employees.

Step 2: Select the W-2 Filing Option

  • Click on Filings from the left menu.

  • Choose W-2, Copies B, C & 2 for Employees.

Step 3: Verify Data

  • Review the year and employee details.

  • Ensure all payroll records are finalized.

Step 4: Download and Print

  • Select View or Download PDF to preview the forms.

  • Use the “Print W-2 forms in QuickBooks Online” option to print directly.

Step 5: Distribute and File

  • Provide employees with printed or electronic copies.

  • Submit your employer W-2 and W-3 forms to the SSA.

This process saves time and ensures compliance. If you need help, contact QuickBooks Online Payroll experts at +1-866-500-0076 for immediate guidance.


Common Issues When Printing W-2 Forms in QuickBooks

Even with QuickBooks’ user-friendly design, users sometimes face technical issues while printing or aligning forms. Below are common problems and how to fix them:

  1. Alignment Issues:Adjust the alignment settings in the printer setup window. Run a test print before finalizing.

  2. Blank or Missing Fields:Verify that the latest payroll tax table is installed and your employee records are up to date.

  3. Error Messages:Update your QuickBooks software and restart the system. If the issue persists, contact +1-866-500-0076.

  4. Incorrect Year or Data:Always select the correct tax year and review W-2 preview data before printing.


Best Practices for Managing W-2s in QuickBooks

To ensure accuracy and compliance, follow these best practices when working with W-2 forms in QuickBooks:

  • Keep Payroll Records Updated: Regularly update your employee and payroll information.

  • File Before Deadlines: Submit W-2s to the SSA and distribute employee copies before January 31.

  • Use Secure Printing: Store printed forms securely to protect employee data.

  • Review Year-End Summaries: Run payroll summaries to check for any inconsistencies.

  • Backup Data: Always create a backup of your company file before generating W-2s.


How QuickBooks Simplifies the W-2 Process

One of the biggest advantages of using QuickBooks is automation. The system automatically calculates employee wages, tax withholdings, and deductions, making the year-end process seamless. Whether you’re using QuickBooks Desktop or QuickBooks Online, the W-2 generation feature ensures compliance and accuracy.

Here’s how QuickBooks helps streamline your W-2 management:

  • Auto-filled Data: Employee information is automatically pulled from payroll records.

  • Built-in Accuracy Checks: QuickBooks checks for errors before generating W-2s.

  • E-file Convenience: File directly with the SSA from within QuickBooks.

  • Multi-format Printing: Choose between plain paper or preprinted IRS-approved forms.

For further assistance with setup or troubleshooting, reach out to QuickBooks Payroll Support at +1-866-500-0076.


When to File and Distribute W-2 Forms

Employers must file and distribute W-2 forms by January 31st each year for the previous tax period. QuickBooks helps ensure you meet this requirement by generating reminders and allowing quick electronic submission.

Key Dates to Remember:

  • December: Verify employee and payroll data.

  • January 1–15: Generate and review W-2 drafts.

  • January 31: Distribute W-2s to employees and submit to the SSA.


Conclusion:

Managing W-2 forms in QuickBooks is an efficient, reliable, and accurate way to handle your year-end payroll obligations. Whether you print W-2 forms in QuickBooks Desktop or QuickBooks Online, the software offers tools to simplify compliance and ensure accuracy.

If you need professional guidance or encounter any issues while printing W-2 forms in QuickBooks, contact the QuickBooks Payroll Support team at +1-866-500-0076. With the right preparation and support, your business can confidently meet IRS requirements and keep employees satisfied with timely, accurate W-2 forms.


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