Filing a tax return is always a struggle for most individuals who are working for others. But it doesn’t mean that the job is easier for those who are self-employed or running a business. Filling Form 1099 to filing for all tax credits and reliefs is equally a struggle for everyone.
However, employed people have a bit more struggling journey as they also have to get different forms from their employers. Form W-2 is the most important Form as it is required for reporting the withholding taxes, wages, etc.
Every employer has to mail copies of Form W-2 to the employees working under him. It’s an easier and more convenient task for small companies as they can easily manage to prepare and send out the forms.
However, the larger MNCs have to make a lot of efforts to make sure that the Form W-2s are sent on time. Therefore, the IRS has required companies to file the Form W-2 before the yearly deadlines electronically.
The supermarket founded by Bernard Kroger in 1883 is considered one of the biggest supermarkets in America. The company has around 2723 grocery retail stores that work in 35 states of America.
With more than 465,000 employees, you can imagine what a struggle it would be to manage the HR-related issues. Though a large organization, Kroger has to ensure that all employees get the W-2s on time.
In this article, we will discuss how to get a W-2 form from Kroger as a current or previous employee. So let’s get into it.
What is Form W-2?
Form W-2, Wages, and Tax Statement is a mandatory requirement by the IRS for employers working in the jurisdiction of the United States. Any business or employer carrying out business in the US who pays salary(cash or non-cash) to an employee against the services must file the W-2. The lower limit for salary paid is $600 or more per year.
The formal definition of W-2 can be as follows:
“It’s the Form filed by an employer to report the withholding taxes, annual wages, and other contributions from the paychecks of the employee. W-2 has to be filed for every tax year and is distributed in different parts, each reporting a specific aspect of the pay stub. It contains information of withheld taxes, state taxes, medicare & social security taxes, employees’ gross wages, etc.”
Every employer is bound to file W-2 by the IRS; this measure is mandatory to ensure accurate reporting of withheld taxes and contributions. Besides the information on wages and withheld taxes, the Form W-2 also contains information like deferred compensation, contributions, tip income, dependent care benefits, etc.
When Does Kroger Issues Form W-2?
IRS has made a mandatory requirement for employers to furnish the W-2s of the employees to the Social Security Administration. Besides, an employer must send three copies of W-2 (for Federal return, local/state return, and record-keeping) to the employee to whom W-2 belongs.
This requirement applies to all businesses registered and operational in the jurisdiction of the United States. Therefore, the rules also apply to the supermarket Kroger.
Regarding the deadlines or when the company issues Form W-2, the dates vary for SSA submission and copies of employees.
The companies have time to submit the W-2 to the Social Security Administration before the 31st of January. The employers can file electronically or by mail, but the department should receive it by the 31st of January.
In the case of employees, the deadline to mail the Form W-2 is the same: the 31st of January. However, the employees might receive copies of W-2 in their mailbox by the mid of February. If these dates do not receive the W-2 Form, employees should contact the HR department to inquire about the status of W-2.
Can You Get Your Kroger W-2 Online?
Yes, as Kroger is a supermarket with more than 465000 employees, sending out the W-2 forms by mail is impossible. Therefore, the company provides the option for the employees to give consent for receiving W-2 through electronic methods.
In most cases, you can download Kroger’s W-2 Form from the online portal. Besides, you also have the option to receive your W-2 by mail for your own satisfaction. In the later sections, we will discuss how to get online access to your W-2.
How To Get Your Form W-2 As A Current Employee of Kroger?
As a current company employee, you can opt to receive your W-2 electronically or by mail. The Form W-2s are uploaded and sent on the portal before the 31st of January every year for electronic receiving.
When you have opted to receive your W-2 Form manually, it is also mailed to you until the 31st of January. However, it can take up to 2 weeks until the Form appears in your mailbox.
If you haven’t received your W-2 until the mid of February, it’s time to contact the company and ask about the status of W-2.
Make sure that the contact details, email addresses, etc., reported to the company are correct and up to date. You can call on the corporate office and inquire about your W-2 receiving delays, corrections, etc.
How To Get Your Form W-2 As A Former Kroger Employee?
As a former employee at Kroger, you can also get access to your previous or current tax year W-2 from Kroger.
How?
Although, it’s not possible to access your forms using the online portal available to the current employees. But it is possible that you can log on to the My Life at Kroger website to access the previous year’s W-2s. You will have to sign up on the website and log in by generating a user ID and password.
Alternatively, you can also visit the store where you worked and request the information. Send them the email address, and they will send your W-2 after formal processing.
How To Get Online Access To Kroger’s W-2s?
However, if you want quick access to your Form W-2, you can get access to it from the website My Tax Form. You will require the login information, and the procedure is as follows:
Step 1: Visit www.mytaxform.com
Step 2: You will require an employer code that is 10575 for Kroger; enter your SSN (Social Security number), initial PIN, and log in to your account.
Step 3: You will be asked some security questions to prevent any unauthorized access. Also, provide your email, contact information, etc. Doing this will change your initial pin, and now you will create a new PIN.
Note: Step 3 is only for first-time users. Otherwise, you will just log in to your account.
Step 4: Go to the dashboard, confirm your identity by answering security questions, and OTP via phone call/message. Once approved, go to the My Account menu and select Receive Forms Online as your default delivery option.
Step 5: Final step to receive your Form W-2. Carefully read W-2 Consent and mark I understand and accept the terms for consenting for online tax form deliver and hit Accept and Continue. Enter the email address at which you want to receive your W-2 Form.
What To Do If Kroger Cannot Give Me My W-2?
If you’re not able to get your Form W-2 from Kroger, there are three options for you. Two are the same as we have already discussed. Firstly you should request your W-2 Form in a written application. If not, inquire the payroll department to inquire about the form W-2. You can go for the third option if your Form has not reached you until the closing date is near.
The third option is to file form 4852, an automatic extension to the time for filing a return. You will get another six months to file your tax return without a problem. Meanwhile, you can make sure that your Form W-2 is with you.
Conclusion
We have discussed everything about getting your Form W-2 from Kroger. You can get your W-2 by the methods we have shared, whether you’re a current or former company employee.
If you have any other questions as well, do let us know!
