This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Form W-2 and Form W-2C, detailing their purpose, the information they contain, and the specific actions employees must take if a correction is issued.
In this article:
How to Fix Incorrect Information on the Platform
What is a W-2 Form?
A W-2 form (Wage and Tax Statement) is a document provided by your employer that summarizes your total annual earnings and the specific amount of tax withheld throughout the year.
Employers are required to provide these forms by January 31 for the prior tax year.
What information does a W-2 include?
Total wages and salary.
Federal, state, and local taxes withheld.
Social Security and Medicare wages and taxes.
Employer information (Name, Address, EIN).
Personal details (Name, Address, SSN).
Why is the W-2 important?
This form is essential to file your federal and state income tax returns, verify your income, and ensure your taxes were withheld correctly.
What Is a W-2C Form?
A W-2C (Corrected Wage and Tax Statement) is issued when an employer must correct information on a previously issued W-2.
Common reasons for a W-2C include:
Incorrectly reported wages or wrong tax withholdings.
Incorrect name or Social Security Number.
Benefits or deductions updated after the original W-2 was issued.
Important: A W-2C does not replace your original W-2. It shows only the corrected information and the numerical difference between the original and corrected amounts.
How to File Taxes With a W-2C
How you handle a W-2C depends on the timing of your tax filing:
If you have NOT filed your taxes yet:
Use the corrected amounts from the W-2C combined with the amounts from the original W-2 that were not changed.
Most tax software will prompt you to enter W-2C details or update your existing W-2.
Do not file using the incorrect information from the original W-2.
If you have ALREADY filed your taxes:
You may need to file an amended tax return (Form 1040-X).
This is typically necessary if your income or tax withholding changed.
If the correction is minor (such as a name spelling), an amendment may not be required.
Tip: Consult a tax professional or use tax software to determine if an amended return is necessary.
How to Fix Incorrect Information on the Platform
If you identify errors on your W-2 related to your personal details or wages, follow the workflows below to trigger a correction.
Incorrect Social Security Number (SSN)
Correct the SSN on the Deel platform. If unable to do so, contact the support team.
Raise a request for correction through the Support Center or inform your employer.
The payroll provider will amend the filings and publish your W-2C.
Incorrect Address
Correct the address on the Deel platform.
Raise a request for correction via the Support Center or notify your employer.
The payroll provider will process the amendment and generate your W-2C.
Incorrect Name or Last Name
Correct your name on the Deel platform.
Request a correction through the Support Center or your employer.
While the original W-2 may not be rejected at the time of filing (validation occurs later), it may trigger a tax notice for the discrepancy. You can file your return and inform your tax preparer, but Deel must still file a W-2C to correct the information with the agency.
Incorrect Wage Amounts
Raise a request for correction through the Support Center or inform your employer.
The payroll provider will amend the filings with the requested information and generate a W-2C.
Frequently Asked Questions
[ACCORDION] Is receiving a W-2C normal?
Yes. W-2C forms are common and simply indicate a correction was necessary. It does not imply you have done anything wrong.
[ACCORDION]Do I ignore my original W-2 if I get a W-2C?
No. Keep both for your records, but ensure you use the corrected information when filing your taxes.
[ACCORDION] Will a W-2C delay my tax refund?
It can, particularly if you have already filed and must now amend your return. Filing with accurate information helps avoid these delays.
[ACCORDION] Does a W-2C mean my employer or payroll provider made a mistake?
Not necessarily. Corrections occur for many reasons, including late updates, benefit adjustments, or new information received after year-end.