This change is part of a larger effort to embrace technology to better serve taxpayers and update departmental operations. The department gains many efficiencies in processing by shifting from paper to electronic records.
In prior years, the department received a large number of W-2 records via fax and on compact discs. It takes significant information technology resources to manually transfer these records into the department’s computer systems. In addition, if an employer submits paper W-2s, the department must use an entirely manual process to key the taxpayer’s information into its systems. This slows processing times and increases the potential for error.
The move toward more electronic filing also helps the department increase the security of taxpayer data and safeguard against tax refund fraud. The change is also in line with other electronic filing requirements the department has implemented for other returns and informational statements.
If you have any questions regarding the electronic filing, please visit the Department’s website at www.revenue.pa.gov.