In 2016, the IRS implemented an earlier filing deadline for forms W-2 and 1099, which was two months earlier than the former electronic filing date of March 31. For 2017, the filing deadline for forms W-2 and 1099-MISC will be January 31, 2018.
The deadline for providing W-2 forms to employees and 1099-MISC forms to other workers for 2017 remains January 31, 2018.
Why the Earlier Filing Deadline?
The IRS is targeting tax fraud and identity theft and, as a result, has accelerated the filing deadline.
Penalties Have Increased
The IRS has increased the penalties for the following:
- Failing to file the correct forms by the due date,
- Intentional disregard of filing requirements, and
- Failure to furnish W-2s to employees.
