As the new year begins, business owners and employers, including household employers, must focus on essential compliance tasks, including preparing and filing W-2 Forms, Wage and Tax Statements, Forms 1099 (and others series), Information Statements, federal and state payroll tax returns, etc. Meeting the deadlines for these Forms is critical to avoid penalties for late submissions, incorrect or incomplete filings, and non-filing. Whether you’re sending Forms to recipients or filing them with the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), staying organized and informed is key.
Deadlines for 2024 Forms in 2025
The following table outlines the due dates for sending W-2 Forms to recipients and filing them with the SSA:
| Form | Due Date to Recipients | Filing to SSA By Mail | E-Filing to SSA |
| W-2 Wage and Tax Statement | January 31, 2025 | January 31, 2025 | January 31, 2025 |
The following table outlines the due dates for sending the more common 1099 series Forms to recipients and filing them with the IRS:
| Form | Due Date to Recipients | Filing to IRS By Mail | E-Filing to IRS |
| 1099-NEC Nonemployee Compensation | January 31, 2025 | January 31, 2025 | January 31, 2025 |
| 1099-MISC Miscellaneous Income (No Data in Boxes 8 or 10) | January 31, 2025 | February 28, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| 1099-MISC Miscellaneous (Income) Information (With Data in Boxes 8 (Substitute Payments in Lieu of Dividends or Tax-Exempt Interest) or 10 (Gross Proceeds Paid to an Attorney) | February 15, 2025* | February 28, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| 1099-B & 1099-S Proceeds from Sales of Securities & Real Estate | February 15, 2025* | February 28, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| 1099-INT Interest Income | January 31, 2025 | February 28, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| 1099-DIV Dividend Income | January 31, 2025 | February 28, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| 1099-R Distributions from Retirement Plans, IRAs, Annuities, Life Insurance, Etc. | January 31, 2025 | February 28, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
NOTE *Since this date falls on a weekend, the deadline may be extended to the next business day, which would be Monday, February 17, 2025. For the most current information, please refer to the IRS website.
Key Filing Requirements:
- E-Filing Mandate: If you file 10 or more information returns of any type, in aggregate, including Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statements, 1099 series, 1095 series, etc., you are required to file your Forms electronically with either SSA or IRS.
- Avoid Penalties: Failure to file on time or comply with the e-filing mandate can result in significant penalties under IRC Section 6721.
Free E-Filing Options
To help businesses comply with the e-filing mandate, the SSA offers Business Services Online (BSO), and the IRS provides the Information Returns Intake System (IRIS). These free, secure platforms are designed to make filing W-2 and 1099 Forms easier and more accurate, particularly for small businesses that have traditionally relied on paper filings. BSO and IRIS don’t require specialized software, making them an accessible solution for everyone. Please note that both systems require prior registration to use them, and it can take some time to complete the registration process.
Avoiding Penalties: The Importance of Meeting W-2, 1099, etc. Form Information Return Filing Deadlines
Failing to provide the recipient copies or file your W-2 or 1099 Forms on time or submitting inaccurate or incomplete information or non-filing can result in heavy penalties (see Information return penalties). It’s essential to prepare and file the correct forms to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary costs.
How to Stay Compliant
- Prepare Early: Gather and review all relevant information well before the deadlines.
- Double-check for Accuracy: Ensure all data is correct to avoid penalties for errors.
Ensuring your W-2, 1099, or other information returns filings are submitted accurately and on time is an essential step in maintaining compliance and avoiding penalties. Be sure to review the deadlines and utilize the tools available to streamline the process.
