The Oregon W2 form is an essential document for payroll processing, aligning with the Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines while incorporating specific Oregon requirements for the RS and RV records as per OAR 150-316-0359. All employers and payroll service providers in Oregon are mandated to submit W-2 information electronically, adhering to the specifications for filing forms W-2 electronically (EFW2), with a deadline of January 31 of the following year. ORS 316.202 outlines penalties for failing to file, incorrect filings, or knowingly submitting false or misleading information returns.
In the ever-evolving landscape of payroll and taxation, understanding the intricacies of state-specific requirements is crucial for employers and payroll service providers alike. The Oregon W2 form is a prime example of such complexities, adhering closely to the Social Security Administration (SSA)'s guidelines while incorporating unique elements for reporting within the state. This form is essential for the accurate and timely reporting of wage and tax statements, with stringent electronic filing specifications that must be met to ensure compliance. Oregon-specific requirements, particularly for the RS and RV records, highlight the state's commitment to detailed reporting, including the unique necessity of reporting on statewide transit tax obligations. With a filing deadline of January 31 of the following year, the pressure is on for all entities responsible for filing these forms to do so correctly and efficiently. Penalties for non-compliance, such as failing to file, inaccuracies, or incomplete filings, underscore the importance of adhering to these guidelines. Electronic filing, with explicit instructions on record format and layout, along with secure transmission protocols, further exemplifies Oregon's move towards streamlined, efficient processes. However, it's not just about meeting deadlines and following formats; understanding the specific reporting requirements, such as the Statewide Transit Tax, is essential for accurate payroll processing and taxation. This detailed approach to W2 filing in Oregon reflects a broader trend towards precision in payroll and tax reporting, underscoring the necessity for employers and their service providers to stay abreast of state-specific guidelines and requirements.
W-2 File Specifications
The state of Oregon follows the Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines for the filing of W-2 wage and tax statements, with Oregon-specific requirements for the RS and RV records (OAR 150-316-0359).
All employers and payroll service providers are required to file W-2 information electronically in a manner consistent with the electronic filing specifications outlined by the SSA. All W-2s must be filed by January 31 of the following year.
ORS 316.202 allows the department to assess penalties for failing to file an information return or filing an incorrect or incomplete information return and knowingly failing to file an information return or knowingly filing an incomplete, false or misleading information return.
Electronic records that do not conform to the specifications defined in these instructions will not be accepted.
Record format and record layout specifications
Transmitters are required to use the format listed beginning on page 2 of this document for RS and RV records. For all other record specifications, please follow the information in the SSA booklet, Specifications for Filing Forms W2 Electronically (EFW2). Additional information is available at www.ssa.gov/employer/pub.htm. Information regarding electronically filing W-2s with Oregon is available at our website, www.oregon.gov/dor/business.
State of Oregon required format
RA
Submitter Record
Required
RE
Employer Record
RW
Employee Wage Record
RO
Optional
RS
State Record
Required (please see following pages)
RT
Total Record
RU
RV
State Total Record
RF
Final Record
Oregon does not accept withholding information on magnetic media or in other formats. File size is limited to 150MB and the file must be in .txt format only. The transmission is encrypted so the file itself need not be.
October 2020
1
For technical questions concerning electronic filing, email us at iwire.dor@oregon.gov. You can also reference the frequently asked questions and troubleshooting guide posted on our website at www.oregon.gov/dor/business.
Important information
All money fields follow SSA record specification rules:
•Must contain only numbers.
•No punctuation.
•No signed amounts (high order signed or low order signed).
Include both dollars and cents with the decimal point assumed (example: $59.60 = 00000005960). Do
not round to the nearest dollar (example: $5,500.99 = 00000550099).
•Right-justify and zero-fill to the left.
•Any money field that has no amount to be reported must be filled with zeros, not blanks.
Statewide Transit Tax (STT) Reporting Requirements
If your business had employees who performed work in Oregon or had Oregon resident employees who performed work outside of Oregon during the year, you must report statewide transit tax information. That information should be reported on your RS record in character positions 348-369 and the RV record in character positions 40-69. These fields should be formatted like every other dollar-value field in the file.
RS record information
•Positions 348-358: Taxable wages for the Statewide Transit Tax .
•Positions 359-369: Amount withheld for the Statewide Transit Tax.
RV record information
•Positions 40-54: Total amount of taxable wages for the transit tax.
•Positions 55-69: Total amount of Statewide Transit Tax withheld.
NOTE: RECORD LENGTH FOR THE OREGON AND SSA RS RECORD IS 512 BYTES. ALL FIELDS ARE REQUIRED AND CAN BE BLANK OR ZERO-FILLED. The transmitter is required to send the federal records sent to the SSA for Oregon employees: RA, RE, RW, RO (optional), RS, RT, RU (optional), RV, and RF. The RS record must be for Oregon wages only.
RS Record Layout – State of Oregon, Department of Revenue
2
Field
Name
Position Length
Social
Employee
Record
Middle
State Code
Blank
Security
First
Identifier
Name or
Number (SSN)
Initial
1-2
3-4
5-9
10-18
19-33
34-48
5
9
15
Suffix
Location
Delivery
City
State
Last Name
Address
Abbreviation
49-68
69-72
73-94
95-116
117-138
139-140
20
4
22
ZIP Code
Foreign
Country
Postal
Extension
State/Province
Code
141-145
146-149
150-154
155-177
178-192
193-194
23
Date First
Employed
195-196
197-202
203-213
214-224
225-
227-234
226
6
11
8
Date of
Employer
Taxable
Separation
Withholding
Wages
Account #
235-242
243-247
248-267
268-273
274-275
276-286
State Tax
Statewide
Wages for
Transit Tax
Withheld
287-297
298-347
348-358
359-369
370-512
50
143
3
RS Position
Field Name
Length
Specifications
Record Identifier
Constant RS
Enter appropriate postal NUMERIC code. (See
Appendix F is SSA Pub 42- 007).
Enter “41” for the Oregon postal numeric
code.
Blank Fill
Enter the employee’s SSN as shown on the
original/replacement SSN card issued by the SSA.
Social Security Number
SSN must be nine digits. Do not drop the leading
zeroes. Ex: SSN 00123-4567 is reported as
001234567.
If no SSN available, enter zeros.
Enter the employee’s first name as shown on the SSN
Employee First Name
card.
Left-justify and fill with blanks.
Employee’s Middle Name
If applicable, enter the employee’s middle name or
initial as shown on the SSN card.
or Initial
Enter the employee’s last name as shown on the SSN
Employee’s Last Name
If applicable, enter the employee’s alphabetical suffix.
For example, SR, JR.
If not suffix, fill with blanks.
Enter the employee’s location address (attention, suite,
Location Address
room number, etc.).
Delivery Address
Enter the employee’s delivery address. Left-justify and
fill with blanks.
Enter the employee’s city.
Enter the employee’s State or
State Abbreviation
Commonwealth/Territory. Use the postal
abbreviation. (See Appendix F in SSA Pub 42-007)
Zip Code
Enter the employee’s zip code.
For foreign address, fill with blanks.
Enter the employee’s four-digit extension of the zip
Zip Code Extension
If not applicable, fill with blanks.
Fill with blanks.
If applicable, enter the employee’s foreign
Foreign State/Province
state/providence.
If applicable, enter the employee’s foreign postal code.
Foreign Postal Code
If one of the following applies, fill with blanks:
-
One of the 50 states of the USA
District of Columbia
Military Post Office (MPO)
American Samoa
Country Code
Guam
Northern Mariana Islands
Puerto Rico
Virgin Islands
Otherwise, enter the employee’s applicable country
code. (Appendix G in SSA Pub 42-007)
195-226
32
Date First Employed
Month, Day, 4-digit Year (MMDDYYYY) or fill with
zeroes if not applicable.
Date of Separation
State Employer Account
Oregon Withholding Account Number for the
Number (BIN)
Employer.
Enter the appropriate postal numeric code. (See
Appendix F in SSA Pub 42-007).
State Taxable Wages
Right-justify and zero-fill.
Applies to income tax reporting.
State Income Tax
State Taxable Wages for
Statewide Transit Tax
RV Record Layout – State of Oregon, Department of Revenue
Number
State Taxable
State Income
of RS
Tax Withheld
for Statewide Transit
Wages (Total)
Records
(Total)
Tax (Total)
Position
3-9
10-24
25-39
40-54
7
Withheld (Total)
55-69
70-512
443
RV Position
Constant RV
Number of RS Records
Total number of RS records since the last
RE record.
Total amount of State Wages reported in
all RS records since the last RE record.
Total amount of State Withholding reported
in all RS records since the last RE record.
Total amount of State Wages for Statewide
Transit Tax reported in all RS records since
the last RE record.
Total amount of Statewide Transit Tax
reported in all RS records since the last RE
record.
Successfully completing the Oregon W2 form is a critical step for employers and payroll service providers in ensuring compliance with state tax reporting requirements. Addressing this process meticulously aids in the accurate reporting of employee wages and tax withholdings to the state of Oregon, aligning with the regulations defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the specific additions required by the Oregon Department of Revenue. By following the listed instructions carefully, one can navigate the complexities of the form, thereby avoiding potential pitfalls such as penalties for incorrect, incomplete, or delayed submissions.
Once the steps above have been meticulously followed and the submission confirmed, the process of completion regards due diligence in maintaining records and preparation for the subsequent fiscal period's reporting. Staying informed about any changes to the requirements or deadlines by regularly consulting the Oregon Department of Revenue website ensures ongoing compliance and efficient tax reporting practices.
The Oregon W2 form is a document that employers and payroll service providers must file for each of their employees. It reports the employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck. Oregon follows the Social Security Administration's guidelines for filing but requires Oregon-specific RS and RV records.
All employers and payroll service providers with employees or contractors in Oregon must file W2 information electronically. This requirement ensures that employee wage and tax statements are accurately reported to the state government.
The deadline for filing the Oregon W2 form is January 31st of the year following the reporting year. Timely submission of this form is crucial to avoid penalties.
Yes, the Oregon Department of Revenue may assess penalties for failing to file an information return, filing an incorrect or incomplete information return, and knowingly failing to file or knowingly filing an incomplete, false, or misleading information return.
Yes, all W2 forms must be filed electronically in a manner consistent with the electronic filing specifications outlined by the Social Security Administration. Oregon does not accept withholding information on magnetic media or other formats.
For electronic filing, the file must be in .txt format only and is limited to a file size of 150MB. Additionally, the transmission of this file is encrypted for security purposes.
For businesses with employees who performed work in Oregon or Oregon residents who worked outside of Oregon, statewide transit tax information is required. This includes reporting taxable wages for the Statewide Transit Tax and the amount withheld for this tax on the RS and RV records.
The state of Oregon requires specific formats for different records within the W2:
For technical assistance with the electronic filing of W2 forms, employers and service providers can contact the Oregon Department of Revenue at iwire.dor@oregon.gov. Additionally, a FAQ and troubleshooting guide is available on the department’s website.
Electronic records that do not conform to the specified instructions will be rejected. It is essential to ensure that all files are complete and accurate before submission to avoid penalties and the need to resubmit.
When it comes to filling out the Oregon W2 form, a few common mistakes can happen. Being aware of these can help ensure the information is accurate and submitted on time. Here's what to keep an eye out for:
By paying careful attention to these details, you can help ensure that your Oregon W2 submissions are accepted and processed efficiently.
When managing payroll and tax obligations in Oregon, it's important to be aware of and correctly utilize several forms and documents that are typically used in conjunction with the Oregon W2 form. These forms ensure compliance with state tax laws, facilitate the accurate reporting of employee earnings and taxes withheld, and support employers in aligning with federal reporting requirements. Effective management of these documents ensures businesses remain compliant with regulatory obligations, streamline their payroll processes, and avoid potential penalties.
Understanding and utilizing these forms in conjunction with the Oregon W2 ensures businesses meet their state and federal reporting obligations thoroughly. Each document serves a specific purpose, from adjusting withholdings to detailed reporting of wages and taxes, making them critical tools for employers in maintaining compliance and supporting their employees' understanding of their earnings and tax contributions. By familiarizing themselves with these documents, businesses can facilitate smoother payroll operations and stay aligned with Oregon's regulatory requirements.
The Oregon W-2 form is akin to the Federal W-2 form, used nationally to report wages paid to employees and the taxes withheld from them. Just as the Oregon W-2 captures state-specific tax information, the Federal W-2 form collects the wages an employee earns from their employer and the federal and state taxes withheld, helping the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ensure that individuals and employers comply with federal tax obligations. Both forms share the objective of providing clear records of an employee's earnings and tax contributions over the fiscal year.
Similar to the 1099 forms, which are used for independent contractors, the Oregon W-2 form reports income and taxes withheld but focuses on traditional employment relationships. While 1099 forms cater to non-employee compensation, marking them distinct in their application, they similarly serve the purpose of reporting to the government the amount of earned income and corresponding taxes paid. Both types of documents are crucial for tax reporting purposes, with each tailored to different types of work arrangements.
The Oregon W-2 form and Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax forms both aim to assist in tax collection and reporting for the government. UI tax forms are used by employers to report wages paid to employees, similar to the W-2, but specifically for the purpose of calculating unemployment taxes owed by the employer. While the W-2 focuses more broadly on wage reporting for income tax purposes, both sets of forms are necessary for compliance with respective tax laws.
State-specific New Hire Reporting forms, another similar document type, help track newly hired employees to enforce child support obligations. While serving a different primary purpose from the W-2, which is tax reporting, new hire forms complement the W-2 by ensuring all employment within a state is accounted for. This assists states in locating parents who owe child support, thereby indirectly supporting tax and social welfare efforts.
The W-4 form, associated intimately with employment processes, is another document closely linked to the Oregon W-2. The W-4 allows employees to determine the amount of federal taxes withheld from their pay, which directly influences the information reported on the W-2 form. Essentially, the W-4 precedes the W-2 in the employment tax cycle, acting as an anticipatory document that guides the withholding amounts later reported on the W-2.
Another related document is the Quarterly Federal Tax Return form, or Form 941, used by employers to report income taxes, Social Security tax, or Medicare tax withheld from employees' paychecks. The relation to the Oregon W-2 lies in the periodic reporting of withheld taxes - whereas the W-2 is an annual summary, the Form 941 provides quarterly updates, offering a more immediate look at tax obligations throughout the year.
Similar in part to the Oregon W-2 form, State Income Tax Return forms require information on an individual's income and tax liability within the specific state. While the Oregon W-2 assists by providing the necessary income details for employees working in Oregon, state income tax return forms use this information to determine the tax owed or refund due to the taxpayer. Both documents are integral to the state tax filing process.
The Payroll Tax Deposit forms, which employers use to submit withheld income and payroll taxes regularly, perform a complementary function to the Oregon W-2 form. These deposit forms act throughout the year to ensure timely collection of payroll taxes, setting the stage for the annualized reporting that the W-2 form completes. Though the frequency and specific use of these documents differ, they collectively ensure accurate payroll tax reporting and compliance.
Last, the Oregon Transit Tax Return forms, designed for reporting statewide transit tax withholding, share a similarity with the W-2's state-specific reporting requirements. Both forms deal with Oregon-specific tax obligations, focusing on ensuring that employers accurately report and submit taxes that fund state resources and services. Whereas the statewide transit tax return focuses on a particular tax aspect, the Oregon W-2 provides a broader report on employee earnings and withholdings.
When preparing the Oregon W-2 form, it's important to adhere to guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance with state requirements. Below are four things you should do and four things you shouldn't do when filling out this form.
Things You Should Do:
Things You Shouldn't Do:
When it comes to processing W-2 forms in Oregon, there's a fair share of confusion and misconceptions floating around. Let's debunk some of the most common myths to ensure clarity and compliance.
Electronic filing is optional. Many believe they can choose between electronic and paper when submitting W-2 forms to Oregon. However, Oregon mandates electronic filing for all W-2s, aligning with the SSA's guidelines but adding state-specific requirements.
Any file format is acceptable. Contrary to this belief, Oregon strictly requires a .txt format for electronic W-2 submissions. Ensuring files meet this requirement is crucial for successful submission.
Magnetic media is an acceptable filing method. Oregon does not accept W-2 information on magnetic media or any formats other than the specified .txt electronic file, debunking the notion that older submission methods are still viable.
The file size isn't limited. Oregon sets a specific limit for the electronic W-2 file size at 150MB. This parameter is essential for a successful transmission.
All fields must contain information. The instructions allow for certain fields to be blank or zero-filled if there is no information to report, countering the misconception that every field must have data.
Decimal points should be used in money fields. In reality, Oregon follows SSA rules specifying that money fields contain only numbers, with decimal points assumed but not included, and values right-justified and zero-filled to the left.
Round up to the nearest dollar. Contrary to this practice, Oregon requires reporting exact amounts in money fields, without rounding to the nearest dollar.
Statewide Transit Tax reporting is optional. If your business had employees working in Oregon or Oregon residents working elsewhere, reporting Statewide Transit Tax is mandatory, not optional.
All records are required for every business. While most records are mandatory, the RO and RU records are listed as optional in the guidelines, indicating not all records are required for every employer.
Security measures for transmitting files are optional. The transmission must be encrypted according to Oregon's specifications, ensuring that all data submitted is secure and protected.
Understanding these nuances about the Oregon W-2 filing requirements can help employers and payroll service providers avoid penalties and ensure their submissions are complete and compliant.
When it comes to filling out and using the Oregon W2 form, there are several key takeaways that employers and payroll service providers should keep in mind. The W2 form is critical for ensuring employees' earnings and tax withholdings are accurately reported to both the state and federal governments. Here are six essential points to consider:
Understanding these key points can significantly streamline the process of filing Oregon W2 forms, ensuring compliance with state regulations while effectively managing employee tax information.
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