The IRS has recently released the 2025 Form W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement), with several important updates and changes. Below is a comprehensive overview of what you need to know.
Notice to Employees
Significant updates have been made to the dollar amounts in the Notice to Employees section:
- Maximum annual social security withholding: Increased to $10,918.20.
- Maximum annual railroad retirement taxes: Increased to $6,409.20.
Box 12 Instructions
The Box 12 Instructions now reflect higher contribution limits:
- SIMPLE Plans: Maximum contributions increased to $16,500.
- Certain 403(b) plans: Maximum contributions increased to $26,500.
- Code G deferrals: Maximum contributions increased to $23,500.
Code Descriptions
- Code F: Now explicitly includes elective deferrals made to a Roth SEP IRA.
- Code S: Now explicitly includes salary reduction contributions made to a Roth SIMPLE IRA.
Filing Deadline
The deadline for filing the 2025 Form W-2 is set for February 2, 2026, which is two days later than usual due to January 31, 2026, falling on a Saturday.
Additional Updates from the IRS
New Procedure for Extension Requests
The IRS has introduced a new procedure for requesting extra time to furnish copies of the W-2 to employees. Employers must complete Form 15397, Application for Extension of Time to Furnish Recipient Statements, and submit it via the fax number provided on the form. This extension applies to Copies 2, B, and C of Form W-2.
New OMB Number
A new OMB number (1545-0029) has been assigned to several forms, including W-2, W-2AS, W-2GU, W-2VI, W-3, W-3SS, W-2c, and W-3c. Updated correction Forms W-2c and W-3c were released in June 2024, with a revision date (Rev. 6-2024) to the right of the bold W-2c or W-3c. These forms have been updated for the new OMB number and include certain editorial changes.
Disaster Tax Relief
Disaster tax relief is available for those affected by recent disasters. For more information about disaster relief, visit IRS Disaster Tax Relief.
Increased Penalties
Penalties for failure to file and failure to furnish, as well as penalties for intentional disregard of filing and payee statement requirements, have increased due to adjustments for inflation. The higher penalty amounts apply to returns required to be filed after December 31, 2025. For more details, see the Penalties section in the IRS instructions.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3 and the 2025 Form W-2.
