QUESTION
What is the difference between tax return and W-2?
Asked on Mar 19th, 2013 on Taxation - Delaware
More details to this question:
I want to file for my spouse and I have my W-2 but is it different from tax return?
6 ANSWERS
Bruce Givner
Your personal tax return is IRS Form 1040. A W-2 is a report by your employer (to you and to the IRS) of your wages which is to be attached to your personal return. So, yes, a W-2 is different from your personal tax return.
Answered on Mar 21st, 2013 at 9:42 PM
Probate Attorney serving St. Louis, MO
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Edward L. Armstrong, P.C.
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Yes the W-2 is different from the tax return. The W-2 notifies the IRS that you have been paid wages - it shows the amount of wages, how much federal income tax has been withheld, how much social security tax has been withheld, how much medicare tax has been withheld and show the amounts of any state and local income taxes withheld. The tax return will be either Form 1040 or Form 1040A depending on particular circumstances of the file. Form 1040A is a very simple return that doesn't allow for itemized deductions. If you are a Missouri resident you must also file Form MO1040 or MO1040A.
Answered on Mar 21st, 2013 at 12:30 AM
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Law Office of Andrew Kern
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A W-2 reports your wages and taxes paid and it comes from your employer. A tax return is a report to the government that details taxes owed and includes the taxes your employer paid that are credited to the taxes owed to the government.
Answered on Mar 21st, 2013 at 12:27 AM
Your W-2 is the tax statement provided to you by your employer. This is not your tax return. Your tax return will be on IRS Form 1040. You will attach your W-2 to this second form. For more detailed advice, consult the advice of a tax accountant in your area.
Answered on Mar 20th, 2013 at 11:17 PM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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See a tax preparer to help you this time.
Answered on Mar 20th, 2013 at 11:13 PM
Estate Planning Attorney serving Wilmington, DE
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Reger Rizzo & Darnall, LLP
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The W-2 is what you use for the information for the tax return.
Answered on Mar 20th, 2013 at 10:57 PM