How to Print W-2 Forms In QuickBooks Desktop and Online?
Excerpt:
This guide helps QuickBooks users easily generate and review W-2 forms, essential for tax filing. It explains how to create, verify, and distribute W-2s using both QuickBooks Online and Desktop. With step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips, it ensures accurate employee data, compliance with IRS requirements, and seamless W-2 management, saving time and avoiding errors during year-end tax processing.
Printing W-2 forms correctly is a critical year-end payroll responsibility for every U.S. employer. These forms summarize each employee’s wages and tax withholdings and are essential for both IRS compliance and employee income reporting. Any mistakes can lead to penalties, employee confusion, or delays in filing. QuickBooks simplifies the process by allowing you to generate, review, and print W-2s directly—no third-party tools required. Whether you’re a small business owner or payroll manager, this guide covers everything you need: how to print W-2 forms in QuickBooks, how to find and align forms correctly, choose the right paper, reprint previous years, and stay error-free during tax season.
What Should Be Considered Before Printing W-2 Forms in QuickBooks Desktop?
When printing W-2 forms in QuickBooks Desktop, accuracy and formatting are critical to meet IRS regulations and ensure employees receive correct wage and tax details. Before printing, verify that:
Payroll data is accurate and up to date, including employee SSNs, addresses, and year-end totals.
You’re using compatible W-2 paper — either blank or preprinted forms approved by the IRS.
Form alignment is tested using the print setup tool in QuickBooks Desktop to avoid misprints.
QuickBooks is updated to the latest release, including tax table updates for correct calculations.
Printer settings (scaling, margins, page size) match the form layout to prevent cutoff text or shifted boxes.
By addressing these key areas, you reduce the risk of reprints, IRS rejections, and employee confusion, ensuring a smooth, compliant year-end reporting process.
How to Print W-2 Forms in QuickBooks Desktop (Step-by-Step)?
Whether you’re mailing paper W-2s to employees, keeping copies for your records, or sharing them with your accountant, QuickBooks Desktop allows you to generate and print W-2 forms securely and accurately. Here’s how to get it done the right way to print W-2 forms for the current or recent year:
Step 1: Order W-2 Paper (If Required)
If you’re sending official W-2s by mail, purchase blank W-2 kits directly through the Official QuickBooks site:
If you’re using Desktop Payroll Enhanced or Standard, you can order 3- or 4-part perforated paper
For QuickBooks Payroll Assisted, only 4-part perforated forms are supported
Note: Skip this step if your employees use QuickBooks Workforce, where they can securely view and print W-2s from the past two years (if enrolled during that time).
Step 2: Access Your Payroll Service
Note: Before you can print W-2s in QuickBooks Desktop, you must identify which payroll service your QuickBooks company file is connected to — Assisted, Enhanced, or Standard — because the W-2 printing process and access permissions differ for each service.
To begin printing W-2 Forms, log in as the Primary Admin or Payroll Admin in your QuickBooks Desktop company file to identify which payroll service your QuickBooks company file is connected with:
Go to Employees > Payroll Center
Under the Payroll tab, check your Subscription Status to identify your payroll service
Step 3: Print W-2s in QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Assisted
Here’s how to print W-2 forms in QuickBooks Desktop:
Go to Employees > Payroll Center > File Forms tab
Select View/Print Forms & W-2s
Enter your Payroll PIN, then select OK
Click the W-2s tab, choose the tax year and employees
Select Open/Save Selected
If you need to enter company-paid health insurance or retirement plan info, click Edit Box 12/13 to update.
Select Manage W-2s to continue.
Check your print settings and update the paper type if needed.
Review which employees need a printed W-2. Paperless employees will not receive a printed copy.
Click View and Print, then use the Print icon in Adobe Reader to print.
Choose the reason for printing and open the PDF
In Adobe Reader, go to File > and hit the “Print”.
Note: If you use Payroll Assisted, printing opens on or after January 10. You only need to print W-2s if:
An employee lost the original copy
You selected “Print” instead of “Intuit Print” during setup
Note: If reissuing a lost W-2, write “REISSUED STATEMENT” at the top and include W-2 instructions for the employee.
How to Print a Previous Year’s W-2 in QuickBooks Desktop?
QuickBooks Desktop makes it easy to reprint W-2 forms from both the current and previous tax years—whether for employee requests, amended filings, or record-keeping. Below are clear steps for accessing and printing W-2s securely.
You can also print W-2s from earlier years for auditing or employee requests.
Use the Print icon in Adobe Reader to print the form
This ensures you’re complying with IRS guidelines while maintaining accurate payroll history for your business.
How to Print a W-2 in QuickBooks Without a Payroll Subscription?
If your QuickBooks Payroll subscription has expired, or you only need to reprint older forms for record-keeping, you may still be able to access and print archived W-2 forms, depending on your previous payroll setup.
Important: You can only view and print W-2s if they were originally filed while your subscription was active. No new W-2s can be generated without an active payroll plan.
Follow These Steps to Print Archived W-2 Forms in QuickBooks Without a Payroll Subscription :
Go to the Taxes menu and select Payroll Tax
Click on Filings, then go to the Resources section
Select Archived Forms and Filings
Choose the applicable date range or use the search bar to locate the W-2
Click View on the desired W-2 or W-3 form
Use the Print icon in the Adobe document viewer to print a copy
What Should Be Considered Before Printing W-2 Forms in QuickBooks Online?
Be sure that your printer is working properly and that you have a correct printer driver setup.
Check your subscription to the QuickBooks Online Payroll is active.
Black ink is needed to print W-2 forms in QuickBooks Online.
Users must have the newest tax table set up on the system.
Verify the QuickBooks Payroll compatibility with W-2 Forms.
How to Print W-2 Forms in QuickBooks Online (Step-by-Step)
QuickBooks Online Payroll makes it easy to print accurate W-2 forms for your employees while helping you stay IRS-compliant. Follow the steps below to print and distribute W-2s efficiently and avoid common tax season errors.
Step 1: Access the Payroll Tax Council and go to the Payroll Tax Center
Log in to your QuickBooks Online account.
Go to the left-hand menu, click on Taxes, then select Payroll Tax.
Click on Filings to access all submitted and pending forms.
Step 2: Locate and Access W-2 Forms
In the Filings tab, look for Annual Forms and click on the relevant Tax Year you wish to print.
You’ll see a list of W-2 forms generated for your employees.
Step 3: Review Employee W-2 Information
Choose which employee(s) will receive the W-2 form, which is to be printed.
Before printing, make sure the information displayed, such as wages or withholdings, among others, is correct. This helps prevent reporting errors and ensures IRS compliance.
Step 4: Print the W-2 Forms
Click the Print option beside each employee’s W-2.
The system will generate a PDF version of the form.
Use official W-2 blank forms or plain white paper (if allowed by IRS guidelines).
Print Copy B (for employees) and Copy D (for employer records) as needed.
Tip: Always double-check alignment before bulk printing.
Step 5: File W-2 Forms with the IRS
If you’re using QuickBooks Online Payroll Core, Premium, or Elite, your W-2s are automatically filed with the IRS and Social Security Administration.
Read the filing instructions available on the Payroll Tax Center page.
Fill out the forms before the due time set by the IRS.
If you’re experiencing printing issues—like misalignment, PDF errors, or blank forms—it could be due to:
Printer settings or driver conflicts
PDF reader misconfiguration
Incomplete payroll setup
For accurate resolutions, visit the QuickBooks Payroll Help Center or contact a QuickBooks specialist.
Do QuickBooks Online and Desktop Have the Same W-2 Printing Requirements?
Not entirely. While both platforms require accurate employee data and timely submission, the technical and setup requirements differ between QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online Payroll.
Tax rates and tables are updated automatically by Intuit.
Paper Type (Employee Copies)
Can be printed on plain paper for employee Copies B, C, and 2.
Black Ink Recommended
Required if printing for physical submission; otherwise for employee use, plain printing is acceptable.
No Adobe Reader Mandatory
Forms open in-browser as PDFs; any modern PDF viewer is sufficient.
Access via Filings Section
Go to Taxes > Payroll Tax > Filings to download and print W-2s.
How to Reprint W-2 Forms in QuickBooks Desktop and Online After Filing
Even after you’ve submitted W-2 forms to the IRS, there may be times when you need to reprint W-2 forms in QuickBooks — for example, if an employee misplaces their copy or you need to retain an additional set for audit purposes.
QuickBooks makes it easy to access and reprint previously filed W-2 forms, whether you’re using QuickBooks Desktop or QuickBooks Online. Here’s how:
Reprinting W-2 Forms in QuickBooks Desktop
Open the Payroll Center Go to Employees > Payroll Center from the top menu.
Access W-2 Filing Options In the File Forms tab, select Annual Form W-2/W-3 – Wage and Tax Statement/Transmittal.
Choose the Employee and Year Click Create Form, then select the appropriate employee and the tax year for which you need to reprint the form.
Print the W-2 Form Choose Print and follow the prompts.
If you’re reprinting for IRS or government use, make sure to use official W-2 paper to maintain compliance.
Reprinting W-2 Forms in QuickBooks Online
Navigate to Payroll Tax Settings Go to Taxes in the left menu, then select Payroll Tax.
Access Annual Filings Click on Filings, then select Annual Forms.
Find the W-2 Form Look for W-2, Copies B, C & 2 and select the relevant year.
Select the Employee and Reprint Choose the employee’s name, then download and print the W-2 form directly from the PDF viewer.
Employee copies (Copies B, C, and 2) can be printed on plain paper. Government copies (like Copy A) must be printed on IRS-approved forms if being resubmitted.
Which Paper Type Should You Use to Print W-2 Forms in QuickBooks?
After setting up your W-2 forms for printing in QuickBooks Desktop or Online, it’s important to choose the right paper type and format to ensure accuracy and compliance. QuickBooks supports multiple options like blank paper, pre-printed forms, and perforated paper, depending on your filing requirements.
Below is a breakdown of how to choose and prepare your paper format before printing W-2 forms in QuickBooks.
Choose the Correct W-2 Paper Format
QuickBooks allows you to print W-2s using the following types of paper:
Blank paper
Pre-Printed W-2 Forms – These come with red ink and pre-filled fields, making them a great choice if you use an inkjet or laser printer that doesn’t support special formatting.
Blank Perforated W-2 Forms – These allow QuickBooks to print all details, including form fields, but require a printer that supports proper alignment.
Tip: Always verify compatibility with your printer before printing large batches.
Printing Copies Based on Recipient
Here’s how W-2 copies are structured based on whom you’re printing for:
For Employers
Copy D – 2 per page (retain for your records)
Include employer instructions (if not printed)
For Government Agencies
Copy A – 2 per page (submit to SSA)
Copy 1 – 2 per page (state or local tax department)
For Employees (Blank or Perforated Paper)
Copies B, 2, and C – 3 or 4 per page depending on format
Filing instructions are required if not printed directly
For Employees (Pre-Printed Forms)
Copy B – Federal tax return
Copy C – Employee’s copy
Copy 2 – State/local tax return
Print 2 per page for each; include instructions if not on form
Export and Print Your Forms
If you’re using pre-printed forms, run a print alignment test.
Click Print PDF in QuickBooks.
Open the form in your PDF viewer and use the Print function.
Verify output and alignment before final submission.
Check compatibility with your printer and QuickBooks version.
Consider using QuickBooks Payroll for e-filing to avoid printing hassles
How to Prepare W-2 Forms for Employees in QuickBooks (Desktop & online)
Preparing W-2 forms in QuickBooks is crucial for year-end payroll compliance, ensuring accurate reporting of wages and withholdings to both employees and the IRS. Here’s how to do it in both QuickBooks Online and Desktop:
In QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT)
Open Payroll Center Navigate to Employees > Payroll Tax Forms & W-2s > Process Payroll Forms.
Select W-2 Form Pick the correct tax year and your company’s EIN.
Verify Employee Info Confirm all employee wages, withholdings, and tax IDs are accurate.
Print & File
Print employee copies (Copy B, C, 2)
Submit IRS/SSA copies via paper or e-file (Copy A)
Retain employer copies (Copy D)
Tip: Use the QuickBooks Payroll Compliance Checklist to avoid common filing errors.
In QuickBooks Online (QBO)
Access Payroll Tax Center Go to Taxes > Payroll Tax > Filings.
Locate W-2 Forms Click Annual Forms, then select W-2, Copies A & D.
Review Employee Details Ensure names, Social Security Numbers, and wage data are correct.
Download, Print & Distribute Choose the filing year, preview the form, and print/distribute copies for:
Employees (Copy B)
IRS (Copy A)
Employer records (Copy D)
Note: Ensure your payroll subscription is active and all tax payments/filings are up-to-date before generating W-2s.
How to Generate and Review W2 Forms In QuickBooks Desktop and Online?
Generating and reviewing W-2 forms in QuickBooks is a critical year-end payroll task. These forms summarize each employee’s annual wages and tax withholdings, and must be submitted to the IRS and provided to employees by January 31st.
Below is a step-by-step guide for accurately generating and reviewing W-2 forms in QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online, ensuring full compliance with federal reporting requirements.
For QuickBooks Desktop:
1. Open QuickBooks Desktop:
On your computer, launch the QuickBooks Desktop option and click on the Employees tab.
2. Select Payroll Center:
Select Payroll Center and then File Forms.
3. Generate W-2 Forms:
In the Forms Center, navigate down to the W-2s selection and click on the Create Form link.
4. Review Employee Information:
The list of employees will appear on QuickBooks Desktop. Make sure their details (such as wages, taxes paid off, addresses, etc.) are correct.
5. Select Employees:
To create W-2 forms, choose one or more than one employee from your company.
6. Preview & Print W-2 Forms:
When you are ready to check all the details of the document, go to Preview/Print.
After reviewing W-2 forms, you can have them printed out directly or simply save them as PDF files.
7. Distribute the Forms:
Copy them and give them to your employees. So they can fill out and submit the forms.
For QuickBooks Online:
1. Log into QuickBooks Online:
Log in to your QuickBooks Online account and open the Taxes section on the left sidebar.
2. Go to Payroll Tax Center:
Choose Payroll Tax from the Taxes section and enter the Filings option.
3. Generate W-2 Forms:
Locate the W-2 section in the filings tab.
You should see an option labeled Prepare W-2s. Click this to start creating the forms.
4. Select the Tax Year:
Select the correct tax year for the W-2 forms you wish to produce (those should usually correspond to the prior calendar year).
5. Review Employee Information:
QuickBooks will prefill the W-2 form with the option details from the employees’ payroll details.
Look at the employees’ names, addresses, wages, and any amount of tax that has been withheld.
6. Review & Edit Employee Details:
Check to make sure that the data inserted (for example, Social Security numbers, addresses, and wages) are all correct.
If there are any errors or lack of data, you can rectify them within the respective employee’s profile.
7. Download/Print W-2 Forms:
After you have checked the W-2 forms, QuickBooks will allow you to download or print the form directly.
8. Distribute to Employees:
After that, print the W-2 forms for your employees; you can provide them by mail or by email.
Understanding the W-2 Form Before Printing in QuickBooks Desktop & Online
A W-2 tax form, also known as the Wage and Tax Statement, is a legal document that provides an employee’s annual earnings and the amounts of federal income tax, Social Security or Medicare tax, or both that have been withheld from the employee’s pay.
The employer must report this information to the employee and the Internal Revenue Service by January 31 through the W-2 form for tax filing purposes.
If you’re using QuickBooks Desktop or Online, this process becomes more streamlined. QuickBooks automatically generates the W-2 forms based on your payroll data, calculates taxes, and formats them to meet IRS guidelines, making them ready for accurate and compliant printing.
Understanding the W-2 form’s role ensures you’re better prepared to select the correct format, choose the right paper type, and print the forms properly in QuickBooks.
Why is It Important to Attach a W-2 Tax Form?
The W-2 tax form is used to guarantee that the tax laws are being followed and to facilitate tax filing. Employers must complete W-2 forms, which QuickBooks makes easier and more efficient.
Here’s why attaching a W-2 form is critical:
Income Reporting: The W-2 provides information on annual wages, tips, and salary figures, so employees should provide the right figures to the IRS.
Tax Withholding Verification: This includes taxes paid on a regular basis from employee checks, which assists the IRS in checking tax payment accuracy.
Tax Filing Accuracy: Transmitting W-2 helps in eradicating mistakes and [also] helps in avoiding some issues that may lead to audits.
Claiming Refunds and Credits: The W-2 guarantees the right claims, which are crucial in determining the EITC and the Child Tax Credit, among other things.
IRS Verification: This is done to ensure that anyone who has submitted fake W-2 details together with their tax returns is exposed.
Compliance: Compliance with local tax laws is exhibited, and we do not incur fines for inaccurate reporting.
Audit Support: This serves as a record in case of an audit by the Internal Revenue Service to improve the confirmation of income and taxes.
How to Align W-2 Forms Before Printing in QuickBooks
Before printing W-2 forms in QuickBooks desktop or online, it’s essential to ensure they align correctly to avoid misprints. Follow these steps to adjust alignment:
For QuickBooks Desktop:
Open QuickBooks Desktop and go to Employees > Payroll Tax Forms & W-2s > Process Payroll Forms.
Select Annual Form W-2/W-3 – Wage and Tax Statement and click Create Form.
Choose the correct year and click Print Forms.
Select Align and use the grid to make necessary adjustments.
Print a test page and verify alignment. If needed, repeat the adjustment process.
For QuickBooks Online:
Go to Taxes > Payroll Tax > Filings.
Click Annual Forms > W-2s, then select the tax year.
Choose Print Test Page and check alignment.
Adjust the settings using the alignment tool if necessary.
Print another test page until properly aligned, then proceed with final printing.
How to Download W-2 Forms in QuickBooks Desktop and Online
Whether you’re preparing for tax season or responding to an employee request, downloading W-2 forms in QuickBooks ensures you have accurate, ready-to-print records for your business and team. Here’s how to securely access and download W-2s using QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online Payroll.
For QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Users
Launch QuickBooks Desktop Open your company file and go to Employees > Payroll Center.
Open Annual W-2 Forms Click the File Forms tab, then select Annual Form W-2/W-3 – Wage and Tax Statement.
Select Employee and Tax Year Click Create Form, choose the desired tax year and employee(s).
Download or Save as PDF Choose Print for Employees or Save as PDF to download the W-2 to your device.
Tip: Make sure your Adobe Reader is updated to avoid issues during download or printing.
For QuickBooks Online Payroll Users
Sign In to Your Account Log in to QuickBooks Online using your admin credentials.
Go to the Payroll Tax Center From the left menu, click Taxes, then select Payroll Tax.
Access W-2 Filings Under Filings, navigate to Annual Forms and locate the W-2, Copies B, C & 2 for the appropriate year.
View or Download the W-2 Form Click View to preview or Download to save the form to your device. You can then print or email the copy as needed.
QuickBooks Online allows you to download employee copies directly in PDF format—no special software needed.
Bottom-Line!
Printing W-2 forms in QuickBooks Desktop and Online doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right preparation, tools, and understanding of IRS requirements, you can handle everything—from first-time prints to reprints and downloads accurately and confidently.
By following these best practices, you ensure both regulatory compliance and employee trust while reducing errors and last-minute stress. Whether you’re printing on blank paper or pre-printed forms, QuickBooks simplifies the process you just need to know where to look and how to prepare.
Hopefully, the information given above will be useful to you. But if you are still facing any kind of issues with your software and need professional assistance regarding accounting, bookkeeping & accounting software-related issues, then feel free to get in touch with us at +1-802-778-9005, or you can mail us at support@ebetterbooks.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How do you align W-2 forms in QuickBooks Desktop?
QuickBooks Desktop includes a print alignment feature under the W-2 setup. You can adjust vertical and horizontal spacing before final printing to ensure the data fits properly on preprinted or perforated paper.
Q2. Can I print W-2 forms in QuickBooks using Adobe Reader?
Yes. After generating the form, QuickBooks exports it as a PDF. Open it in Adobe Reader (latest version recommended) to preview and print without format issues.
Q3. Can I print W-2s from QuickBooks without a payroll subscription?
You can print archived employee copies in some cases, but to generate new or official W-2s, an active QuickBooks Payroll subscription is required.
Q4. Can I print W-2s from QuickBooks on plain paper?
Yes, employee copies (B, C, and 2) can be printed on plain paper. However, IRS copies (like Copy A) typically require official preprinted or perforated forms for compliance.
Q5. How do I print a previous year’s W-2 in QuickBooks Online?
To print a previous year’s W-2 in QuickBooks Online, go to Taxes > Payroll Tax > Filings, then choose the tax year under Annual Forms. You can download and print the W-2 for any employee from there.
Q6. How do I create W-2 forms in QuickBooks Desktop?
To create W-2 forms in QuickBooks Desktop, navigate to Payroll Center > File Forms, then select Annual Form W-2/W-3. Choose the tax year and employee(s), then generate the W-2 for printing.
Q7. How do I find W-2s in QuickBooks Desktop?
Finding your employees’ W-2 forms in QuickBooks Desktop is simple. Follow these steps:
Option 1: Using Payroll Tax Center
Go to Taxes, then select Payroll Tax.
Click Filings and then Resources.
Select W-2s.
Under Employee W-2s, click Manage W-2s for the current year.
Click View, then print the W-2s as needed.
Option 2: Using Payroll Center
Go to Employees, then click Payroll Center.
Select the File Forms tab.
Click View/Print Forms & W-2s.
Enter your payroll PIN, then click OK.
Select the W-2s you need.
By following these steps, you can quickly access and print employee W-2s in QuickBooks Desktop.
Q8. How do I email W-2 forms from QuickBooks Desktop?
W-2s can be emailed as PDFs after saving or exporting them from the form generation window. Ensure you’re not emailing sensitive IRS copies without proper encryption. Follow these steps:
Check Payroll Subscription – Ensure you have Payroll Enhanced or Assisted.
Update Employee Emails – Go to Employees > Employee Center, edit the employee’s info, and enter their email.
Process W-2 Forms – Navigate to Employees > Payroll Tax Forms & W-2s > Process Payroll Forms, select the correct year, and review details.
Email the Forms – Click Print/E-file, choose Email W-2s to Employees, and follow the prompts.
Confirm Delivery – Ask employees to check their inbox and spam folders.
Q9. When Does QuickBooks Send Out W2?
QuickBooks Online Payroll offers options for delivering W-2 forms to your employees, depending on whether your automated taxes and forms setting is on or off. Here’s how it works:
For Employees Using QuickBooks Workforce: Employees can choose to opt-out of receiving a mailed copy of their W-2 through QuickBooks Workforce. They can do this until January 3.
If Automated Taxes and Forms Are Turned On: QuickBooks will automatically print and mail W-2s to employees who opted for a mailed copy. These W-2s will be sent to their home addresses via USPS starting January 16 through January 31.
If Automated Taxes and Forms Are Turned Off: You are responsible for printing and mailing the W-2s yourself. Be sure to postmark the W-2s by January 31 to meet the IRS deadline.
Q10. What should I do if my W-2 form isn’t printing correctly in QuickBooks?
Check your print alignment settings, ensure the correct paper type is selected, and verify Adobe Reader is updated. Misaligned forms often result from outdated settings or mismatched paper formats.
Q11. Can I preview a W-2 form before printing in QuickBooks?
Yes, QuickBooks allows you to preview W-2s as a PDF before printing. Use the “Print Preview” or “View” option in the form window to confirm formatting, alignment, and data accuracy.
Q12. Can I print multiple W-2s at once in QuickBooks Desktop or Online?
Yes. Both versions let you batch print W-2s for all employees. In Desktop, use the Payroll Center’s Annual Forms section. In Online, go to Filings > Annual Forms and select multiple employees.
Q13. What is the best paper size and layout for printing W-2s from QuickBooks?
Use 8.5” x 11” standard-size paper. Choose IRS-approved 4-up perforated paper for employee copies, or preprinted 2-per-page forms for government submissions.
Q14. How do I reprint W-2s for terminated employees in QuickBooks?
In both Desktop and Online, you can reprint W-2s for former employees by selecting their profile under the applicable tax year in your W-2 filing section, even if they’re marked inactive.