Waiver for E-File of W2s and 1099s

As discussed in several prior posts, most recently on November 7, 2023, the threshold for the e-file mandate for Forms W2 and 1099 has been lowered to 10, effective for forms to be filed for the 2023 tax year, beginning on or after January 1, 2024.

An entity that is required to e-file Forms W-2 and 1099 can request an automatic waiver from the requirement for one year only, by filing Form 8508, Application for a Waiver from Electronic Filing of Information Returns.

The instructions for the form indicate that the IRS will automatically grant the waiver if this is the first time that an entity has requested the waiver. The instructions also indicate that submitting the form by fax is the preferred method for filing.

This may be a useful tool as the January 31, 2024 due date for submitting Forms W-2 and 1099 approaches.