Employees have until Jan. 14 to go paperless for their W-2 forms

Auburn University employees who have not consented to receiving their 2020 tax documents electronically must do so by Thursday, Jan. 14, to ensure that they meet the deadline. This simple process allows employees to “go paperless” and access their online Form W-2 (wage and tax statement) through AU Access, and then submit it with their tax return. More than 6,700 employees of Auburn University and AUM have already consented to this option.

Benefits of Accessing Form W-2 Electronically

• Employees have earlier access to their Form W-2, which is in an IRS-approved, PDF format.

• There is no possibility for a lost, stolen, delayed or misplaced Form W-2 in the mail.

• Employees can access their Form W-2 at home, at their accountant’s office or anywhere else.

• Access is secure; the forms can only be accessed with an employee's AU credentials.

• Going paperless promotes sustainability by reducing paper and is a cost savings (forms, printing and postage expense) for Auburn University.

• If an employee needs a paper form, they can print multiple copies at their convenience.

• Prior years’ forms are also available.

For instructions, go to auburn.edu/hr/payroll/ssb_w-2.html. 

IMPORTANT: If an employee has previously consented to receiving their documents electronically, they do not have to consent again for Tax Year 2020.

Paper Copies of Form W-2

If an employee wants to receive a paper copy, they can continue to receive a copy in the mail. However, they must review and/or update their mailing address in Self-Service Banner by Jan. 14 to ensure it is sent to the correct mailing address. Auburn University Human Resources will mail this form to each employee’s mailing addresses as recorded in Banner. Please note that employees will still be able to access their Form W-2 electronically via AU Access.

IMPORTANT: The IRS reports that thousands of Americans have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams. Scammers use the regular mail, telephone or email to set up individuals, businesses, payroll and tax professionals. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. Additional information on how to recognize the telltale signs of a scam is available online at https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scams-consumer-alerts.

Form 1095-C

Form 1095-C, which will be mailed to employees in the next few weeks, includes information about the group health coverage offered to an employee through Auburn University.

Form 1095-C contains information necessary to complete tax filings and includes three parts:

1. Basic information about the employee and Auburn University.

2. Details about the type of health coverage that was offered.

3. Confirmation of the health care coverage maintained by an employee throughout the year. The box will be checked for each month that the employee and/or each dependent were enrolled in health coverage for at least one day of that month.

This form will be mailed to the employee’s mailing address as listed in Self-Service Banner, separately from the Form W-2. An example form is available online.

For more information any of these forms, please contact Auburn University Human Resources at 334-844-4145 or email payroll@auburn.edu.