On all-fouled-up W-2 and 1099 forms

[BLACK BART]

While jklcpa's 1099 situation is certainly not funny (I don't know WHAT I'd do with those two 1099s), it DID bring to mind something humorous (now-not then) which happened to me many years ago. 

A new client; a young guy (mechanic) wanted to work for himself - had no business experience but he dreamed of release from the factory time clock (can't blame him - I've punched one myself), so he dove in head-first - borrowed $75K (much more than he could ever hope to recoup), built a new garage, had his wife quit her sewing job, made her secretary, receptionist, and (last-and least) bookkeeper.  The first year he hired four guys and after a stunning $15,000 loss decided to reduce expenses next year by having his wife prepare the W-2s herself (instead of paying me ten bucks per form).  941s and sales tax get me $45 monthly plus $225 for the 1040, so I figure what the hey -- I furnish her the blank forms.  She asks "How many copies do the employees get?" "Three," I say and explain the red A's for IRS, copy 1 is for AR, D is hers, and the B/C/2 copies are for the employee.  A blank stare and then she says "But, the employees get three copies?" 

Thought nothing else about it 'til the middle of February when she brings her hand-written "D" copies for me to look over.  Now, I'M stunned.  There are three Ds for each employee.  I ask "You didn't happen to make three RED copies for each person, did you?"  She says, "Oh yes; you told to make three copies for everybody."  I ask if she still HAS those red forms.  She replies "Oh no; I mailed those a week ago.  We don't want to pay any late fees after doing these myself." 

Twelve W-2s for four guys .  I surely MUST have fixed it, but can't for the life of me remember how.  Too painful to recall, I suppose.

       

 

 

[jklcpa]

Thanks for sharing.  It seems funny now, although I bet it was probably exasperating at the time.