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January 16, 2019
Question

Since QBO does not handle local tax filings, how do I get a W-2 for downloading in EFW2 format so I can independently upload it to the local tax processing site?

  • January 16, 2019
  • 4 replies
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Original commenter did not share additional details

4 replies

January 16, 2019

Hello there, christinelynn16,

Let's download your W-2 data and file it to the state agency.

There are states that QuickBooks supports W-2 filing. To verify if your state is included, I recommend checking out  the Payroll Tax Compliance article.

If your state is included, you can choose to have it filed electronically or have the signature-ready form to be printed, signed, and mailed to tax agency.

Since you want to independently upload the W-2 to the local tax site, you can view, print, or download the copy of the form by following the steps below:

  1. Go to the Taxes menu, then choose Payroll Tax.
  2. Select Annual forms under the Forms section.
  3. Locate, and click the W-2, Copies A & D hyperlink.
  4. Follow further instructions, and answer all necessary questions.
  5. Select View.
  6. Click the Print or Download icon.

You can also pull up the Tax and Wage Summary Report or the Payroll Details report for further reference in filing the W-2 form to the state agency.

Once you have all the needed resources, you're now all set to file/upload your W-2 form independently.

For additional information, you can go through these articles: 

Please don't hesitate to leave a comment if you have further concerns about filing W-2 form in QuickBooks. I'm just around if you need help.

January 18, 2019

While I appreciate the response, it wasn't terribly helpful.  I have already tried to download the PDF of the W2 forms and upload those and the Ohio RITA will not accept that format.  They specifically ask for a "EFW2 format" (which is created by the SSA -https://www.ssa.gov/employer/EFW2&EFW2C.htm).

 

As I mentioned in my original post since QBO does not support LOCAL tax filings, we have to file those independently (so no QBO cannot do that electronically as much as I would love that).  Hence my request - the Ohio local authority RITA wants the W2 data to be uploaded in EFW2 format.  I am assuming that since QBO does electronic filings with the federal government, it has the capability to create a EFW2.  I would like to be able to download that format NOT a PDF.

 

 

January 18, 2019

Hello there, @christinelynn16.

 

Thanks for getting back to us. Allow me to join this thread and help provide some insights about W2 form in QuickBooks Online (QBO). 

 

Intuit wants to make sure our customers are compliant with their state guidelines. However, in QBO, there's isn't an option to download the W2 data in EFW2 format. I can see how this feature would be helpful, you may want to submit this idea to our product developers so they'll be able to include this in their next product update. 

 

Here's how you can send feedback:

  1. Click the Gear Icon.
  2. Select Feedback
  3. Click Next and choose Feedback under Category option.
  4. Select Save

You may also check the articles provided by ReaM on her post above to learn more about W2 in QBO. 

 

Please know that you're always welcome to post if you have any other concerns. We're always here to help you out. Have a good one. 

February 20, 2020

Thanks for following on this thread, @SIX.

 

The functionality to file the W-2s using the EFW2 format is unavailable at this time. I suggest checking for a third-party application that integrates with QuickBooks and does the e-filing for you.

 

We treat all businesses fairly and know that each one has different needs, so I’m unable to recommend one. However, the Apps Center has all kinds of third-party software to choose from. 


Simply enter a keyword in the Find Applications field box or select the category in the Featured Applications section.

 

To get the payroll information, pull up the Summarize Payroll Data in Excel. Here’s how:

 

  1. In your QuickBooks company file, go to the Reports tab at the top and choose Employees & Payroll to select Summarize Payroll Data in Excel.  
  2. This will open a spreadsheet containing payroll information.

  3. You can either print or save it as a PDF file.
  4. Follow the instructions provided by the software.

For future reference, let me provide you this guide on how to electronically file tax forms. It also includes a list of states that require W-2 filing: E-file.

 

Let me know if you have any other concerns or questions about QuickBooks. I’ll jump right back in to answer them for you. Enjoy the rest of the day. 

February 21, 2020

Does QB generate an EFW2 file when we electronically file our W-2's with the Social Security Administration?  If so, is there any way to access that file so we can just forward it to our local tax office?  They have told me the SSA e-file would be fine as long as it is in the EFW2 format.  

JoesemM
February 21, 2020

Hi there, @SIX.

 

Thanks for posting again in the Community. Let me share ideas about the EFW2 file format in QuickBooks.

 

We can follow the steps provided by my colleague @MariaSoledadG  on how to create an Excel File W-2 format. This way, you'll be able to forward it to your local tax office.

 

For further guidance about the steps, you can click this article: E-file your state W-2s with Quickbooks Desktop Payroll Enhanced.

 

For future reference, I've provided these articles about W-2s that might help you: 

I'm just here to help with all your QuickBooks needs. Take care.

February 8, 2024

If QB can produce W2 file upload for the state, the locals are the exact same format, why is this so difficult.

 

Tamera Morris 

[email address removed]

February 5, 2025

Go to your W2REPORT and make a copy of it. Below is what I did. ## are personal numbers. 

RS39R0703SSN######Firstname                        Lastname                                  Adress      City            OHzipcode                                           

0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000     Ohio####                  3900000######0000000####0000######0C00000######000000#####              

                Wage^                 ^OH WH     ^Wage & “C”                             ^RITA WH

                                                                In place of the “E

                                                                Characters between the C and the end is 22

                                                                Characters before the C are 34

                                                                You must put the wages and withholding to fit

                                                                In those spaces. Don’t use decimals but do put

                                                                Zeros where the cents would be.

This person grossed 8640.00. Withheld state 96.00 and withheld Rita 194.56. I believe Intuit is removing those numbers for this post for some reason. 

Run it through the RITA tester app to be sure the wages and withholding match your books. 

Send Intuit a bill for doing Their Job!