Illinois 2014 Forms W-2 Now Due February 15 Under Emergency Rule

Author: Rena Pirsos, XpertHR Legal Editor

January 5, 2015

Under an emergency rule filed in late December, the Illinois Department of Revenue (DOR) has accelerated the filing due date for 2014 Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, and Forms W-2c, Corrected Wage and Tax Statement, to February 15, 2015, from March 31.

The earlier due date applies to employers that are required to file these forms electronically with the Social Security Administration (e.g., employers filing 250 or more W-2s), and payroll providers that file payroll returns and complete W-2s for employers of any size. The DOR notes that it will not penalize employers and payroll providers that make a reasonable good faith effort to comply with, but miss, the February 15 deadline for 2014 filings only. Going forward, however, those missing the February 15 deadline will be penalized. Employers that are not required to file Forms W-2 and W-2c electronically (because they file fewer than 250 of the forms) but that choose to file them electronically are encouraged to file by February 15. Any forms filed later than March 31 will be considered late, and penalties will apply.

The DOR adds that if the IRS has granted an extension of time to file a federal information return due to a natural disaster or other approved reasons, an employer must submit copies of its Forms W-2 on or before the extended due date of the federal information return. Employers granted a federal extension for information returns due on or before February 15, and that file their W-2 information with the DOR on or before the federal extended due date will not be penalized. Employers can access updated electronic filing requirements in Publication 110, Form W-2 Electronic Transmittal Requirements.