Should I cut out my W2 Copy C and send it with my mailed tax return?

You actually need to include Copy B of your W2 with your tax return, not Copy C. Copy B is specifically marked "To be filed with employee's federal tax return." Copy C is the one you're supposed to keep for your own records. If your printed W2 has all copies on one sheet like you described, just cut out Copy B and attach it to your 1040 form before mailing. I'd recommend paper clipping it rather than stapling so the IRS can easily separate it during processing. Make sure you're sending your return to the correct IRS mailing address for your location too - this changes depending on your state and whether you're enclosing a payment.

I was in the exact same situation last year and spent hours trying to figure out what to do! After all that stress, I finally used taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) to analyze my tax documents and they instantly clarified which copy I needed to send. Turns out I was overthinking it - I just needed to cut out Copy B (not C) from my W2 and attach it to my 1040. The tool even showed me exactly where to place it on my return. Saved me from a potential error that might have delayed my refund!

I have to admit I was wrong about taxr.ai. After my skeptical comment, I decided to try it since I was preparing my parents' taxes and wasn't sure which forms to include. Holy crap - it not only told me exactly which W2 copy to send (Copy B), but it also flagged that my dad's employer had put his Medicare wages in the wrong box. We got it corrected before filing and avoided what would have been a huge headache. The document analysis is surprisingly thorough - definitely not just basic info you can find anywhere.

If you're mailing your return and worried about making mistakes, you should also know that getting help from the IRS by phone is nearly impossible these days. I spent TWO WEEKS trying to get through to ask about sending the correct W2 copy and other questions. Finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and got connected to an IRS agent in less than 20 minutes. They have this weird but effective system that navigates the IRS phone tree for you - you can see how it works at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. The agent confirmed it should be Copy B attached to the front of the 1040, and answered all my other questions about paper filing.

Well I feel like an idiot. After posting that skeptical comment about Claimyr, I got so frustrated with not being able to reach the IRS about a missing refund that I decided to try it anyway. Got connected to an IRS agent in 17 minutes! The agent confirmed my refund was held up because I'd sent Copy C of my W2 instead of Copy B last year. She was able to release my refund while on the call. I'm still shocked at how well it worked - would have saved me months of stress if I'd used it sooner.

Just to add another perspective - if your W2 is printed on a single sheet with all the copies, you could actually just send the entire sheet without cutting it. I did this last year because I was worried about cutting it wrong, and my return was processed without any issues. The IRS just wants to verify the information, and having all copies actually gives them more to work with.

I work in HR and just want to clarify something - the copies of W2s are designed for different purposes: - Copy A: For employer to send to Social Security Admin - Copy B: For employee to file with FEDERAL return - Copy C: For employee's records - Copy 2: For employee to file with STATE return So you definitely need Copy B for your federal return. I always tell employees to cut the form carefully or fold it so the Copy B is showing on top when attached to their return.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I was getting really stressed about this but now I feel much more confident. Just to confirm what I'm understanding from all the responses: 1. I need to send Copy B (not Copy C like my tax software said) - it's specifically labeled "To be filed with employee's federal tax return" 2. I can either cut out just Copy B or send the whole printed sheet with all copies 3. Use a paper clip (not staples) to attach it to the front of my Form 1040 4. Make copies of everything before mailing I think I'll go with sending the whole sheet since I'm worried about cutting it wrong. Better safe than sorry! Really appreciate everyone taking the time to help a confused first-time paper filer.

Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me when I had to paper file - make sure you're sending your return to the correct IRS processing center! The mailing address changes depending on your state and whether you're including a payment with your return. I almost sent mine to the wrong address because I used an old address I found online. The IRS website has a tool where you can enter your ZIP code to find the right mailing address. Also, consider using certified mail or at least getting a tracking number so you know your return arrived safely. Paper filing makes me nervous since there's no electronic confirmation like with e-filing!

As someone who's been through this exact situation, I can confirm what everyone else is saying - you definitely need Copy B, not Copy C. The labeling on the W-2 itself is your best guide: Copy B clearly states "To be filed with employee's federal tax return" while Copy C says "For employee's records." I'd recommend sending the whole printed sheet rather than trying to cut it perfectly. When I paper filed two years ago, I sent the entire page and had zero issues. The IRS processors are used to seeing W-2s in all different formats from various payroll systems. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you're really unsure about which copy your tax software was referring to, you might want to double-check the software's help documentation or contact their support. Sometimes there can be display errors or the software might be using outdated terminology. But based on official IRS guidance, Copy B is definitely what you need for your federal return. Also, don't forget to sign and date your return before mailing - that's an easy mistake that can delay processing!