typo on surname of w2

[user17715609875]

I had a typo on the first letter of my surname when I filed a w2 for my nanny. Do I need to file a W2c to correct the typo. If so, will my nanny have to file a 1040x even though nothing will change for her?

[TomK2023]

Yes, you should file a corrected W-2c to spell your surname correctly.

The IRS and Social Security Administration (SSA) use the Employer Identification Number (EIN) and the Name to match records (this "mismatch" may result in automated notices later).

File Form W-2c (Corrected Wage and Tax Statement) and Form W-3c (the transmittal form that acts as a cover sheet for the W-2c).

You only need to fill out the identifying information and the "Employer Name" section (since wages & withholding are correct, leave the "Previous Amount" and "Correct Amount" columns for those boxes blank or enter zeros as instructed.).

No, your nanny does not need to file an amended return (1040-X).

An amened return is required when there is a change to the tax liability.. since her wages and withholdings are exactly the same, she does not need to amend.

Make sure to give her a copy of the W-2c for her records. If the IRS ever questioned why her W-2 had a typo, she has the "receipt" showing it was corrected.

1. Open your return.
2. In the Federal section where you entered your Nanny's info, Look for the W-2/W-3 or Household Employee section.
3. Many versions of TurboTax allow you to "Prepare W-2c" if you’ve already finished the originals.

If not, you may need to go to the IRS.gov website, search for "Form W-2c," and use their fillable PDF.

IRS: About Form W-2 C, Corrected Wage and Tax Statements

[user17715609875]

Thank you for your reply. As you suggested, I attempted to correct the typo, but unlike correcting the employee name, the form does not have the necessary fields to show a correction. I contacted social security business services and the agent confirmed that there isn't a way to correct the employer's name with a W2c.