Due Date for 2016 W-2 and 1099-Misc

[JohnH]

The Jan 31, 2017 due date for 2016 W-2 and 1099-Misc is going to create enough heartburn to last all year for some of us.  Add to that the new penalties for incorrect ID numbers on 1099 as well and it's enough to cause one to hang it up.  Anyhow, I just learned that 1099Express is filing extension requests for all their customers from the prior year, unless the customer opted out (that's a relief).   

They will also files extension requests for new customers who request it.  I have a feeling they're going to be very busy come January.

But even 1099Express says the W-2 deadline is set in stone.

They also make a very compelling case for using a TIN Name-Matching service due to the prospect of retroactive penalties a year after filing due to the "Delayed Tier-3 Penalty".  It's worth a read.

[BHoffman]

Form 8809 extension request works for both 1099M NEC and W2 forms.  The process is more involved for W2 but an extension is available.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8809.pdf

 

[Jack from Ohio]

I was right.  I knew there would be an extension of the due date.  What is the purpose of a "set in stone" due date?  IRS deadlines are a total joke.

This extension ability totally eliminates the purpose of having an early deadline.  SMH

The automatic extension (if available) is 30 days from the original due date. If you receive an automatic extension, you may request one additional extension of not more than 30 days by submitting a second Form 8809 before the end of the first extension period (see Line 5, later). Only one extension of time to file Form W-2 is available. Requests for additional extensions of time to file information returns, and requests for extensions of time to file Form W-2, are not automatically granted. Generally, such requests are granted only where it is shown that extenuating circumstances prevented filing by the due date of the return (determined with regard to the automatic extension, if applicable). Note: The automatic extension of time to file and any approved requests for additional time will only extend the due date for filing the information returns with the IRS. It does not extend the due date for furnishing statements to recipients.

[Lee B]

Be aware, some states have accelerated their due dates to January 31st and some have not.

For example, my state of Oregon, which has a mandatory efiling of W -2s,  has kept the same due date of March 31st.

[Medlin Software, Dennis]

8809 is clear it does not extend the date to recipients, so unless there is another form...

[SaraEA]

Sounds like a good idea to automatically file extensions but use them only for the federal filings.  We always waited a few weeks after issuing W2s and 1099s to file the federal and state because invariably some recipients would call to say their address/SS#/amount was wrong.  On the other hand, since the purpose of the earlier deadline is to allow IRS matching before refunds are issued, would filing an extension and delaying federal reporting hold these clients' refunds until the 941s are filed?