3 key things to know about the W-2 form

3 key things to know about the W-2 form

Form W-2, or the Wage and Tax Statement, is an important document that reports the employee’s income and withheld tax to the IRS. These reports are then sent to the employees every January from employers who pay an individual at least $600 annually. The W-2 is crucial in helping one file their tax returns correctly, as it enlists contributions, insurance, benefits, and many other essential components. Read on to learn more about this form.

Reading the W-2
The form has several components that one needs to fill in correctly. Here’s a simple breakdown:

  1. Box 1 – Total taxable wages, including tips, prizes, and other compensation.
  2. Box 2 – Federal income taxes the employer withholds from one’s pay.
  3. Box 3 – Total wages subject to Social Security tax.
  4. Box 4 – Total Social Security tax withheld from pay.
  5. Box 5 – Wages that are subject to Medicare tax.
  6. Box 6 – Total Medicare tax withheld from pay.
  7. Box 7 – Tips reported to the employer.
  8. Box 8 – Total amount of other tips allocated by the employer.
  9. Box 9 – This box is no longer in use.
  10. Box 10 – Amount of dependent care benefits paid by the employer.
  11. Box 11 – Total amount of money distributed during the year from the employee’s deferred compensation plan.
  12. Box 12 – Here, the employer can provide more detailed information about all the pay reported in Box 1.
  13. Box 13 – This section indicates whether the earnings are subject to Social Security, Medicare taxes, etc.
  14. Box 14 – Any other reports and details that do not fit anywhere else are added here.
  15. Box 15 – Employer’s state and tax identification numbers.
  16. Box 16 – Amount of taxable wages for state tax purposes.
  17. Box 17 – Total amount of state income taxes withheld during the year.
  18. Box 18 and 19 – Any other state income taxes and withholding
  19. Box 20 – Name of the local, city, or other state tax reported in Box 18 and 19.

Due Date
Employers are expected to furnish W-2 forms to the employees and the IRS on or before January 31. Failing to do so may result in penalties.

Copies
The employer is expected to make multiple copies of the W-2 form, of which three are sent to the employee. Copy B is used to report federal income tax, Copy 2 is used to report state, city, and other local income tax, and Copy C is used for maintaining personal records.

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6 errors that affect the operation of a power plant

The operation of a power station is a complex task that requires experience, precision, and knowledge. These places are designed to produce electricity and distribute power to a huge population for residential, industrial, and institutional usage. However, operating power stations involves significant risks and challenges that can affect their efficiency, safety, and reliability. It is, therefore, crucial to be aware of the possible errors when operating a power station and devise strategies to avoid them. Neglecting safety protocols Overlooking safety procedures and protocols is perhaps the most critical error that can be made when operating a power station. These places have a high hazard risk with the need for strict safety requirements that are in place to avoid accidents and injuries. Safety practices can include simple acts like wearing the proper gear, avoiding shortcuts, and ensuring the plant is ventilated. When operating a power plant, it is equally important to be trained in hazard identification, first aid, and emergency response procedures. Skipping maintenance Power stations are complex setups that need to undergo regular maintenance for proper functioning. This includes cleaning, replacing, and lubricating machine parts. In addition to that, undergoing regular inspections ensures that the power station can take care of potential problems in a timely manner. This includes the inspection and maintenance of turbines, boilers, and generators. The failure to do so can result in a power outage, system failure, and damage to the system. Ignoring environmental standards One of the common errors that can be made when operating a power station is by ignoring environmental standards and regulations. Power plants significantly contribute to pollution levels, thereby impacting public health and the environment. It is, therefore, important that power stations meet all the regulations that have been set by the state and federal authorities along with the local ones. Regulations might include hazardous waste disposal, wastewater discharge limits, and emission limits. It is the duty of the plant operator to implement measures that help reduce their environmental footprint. Underestimating teamwork Underestimating the power of communication and teamwork is another area where errors can be made when operating a power station. Successfully running a power station requires the combined efforts of trained engineers, professionals, operators, technicians, and managers. To ensure everyone is working in synchronization, it is important to maintain communication. Encouraging teamwork and ensuring everyone is aware of their roles is the sure way to start building a well-oiled teamed. Ignoring cybersecurity Since power plants are vulnerable to cyber attacks, they stand the risk of their security, safety, and reliability being compromised. Cyberattacks on a power plant can include risks like hacking the plant’s computer system, stealing confidential information, and more. To prevent such malicious incidents, robust power plant cybersecurity measures need to be implemented. Antivirus software, firewalls, and data encryption need to be taken care of. In addition, make sure regular cybersecurity training and vulnerability assessment are a part of the employee training process. Neglecting energy efficiency Energy efficiency is a critical factor in the operation of a power plant since it consumes a huge amount of resources and energy. Measures to ensure energy efficiency include optimizing processes, advanced control systems, and implementation of energy-saving technology. Opportunities to reduce wastage can be identified by consistently monitoring the station’s energy consumption patterns.

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4 things to know before buying a walk-in bathtub

Made for higher safety and comfort, walk-in bathtubs have a watertight door and seat. These let the bather step into the bathtub over a low threshold. Thus, the design is quite accessible compared to conventional bathtubs since walk-in bathtubs make entering and exiting easier and more secure. They are perfect for people of every age and level of mobility. So, for those looking for a walk-in bathtub, here are a few things to know before purchasing one. Size of the tub There are plenty of shapes and sizes available for walk-in bathtubs. While most models feature a higher wall and thus appear bigger than conventional bathtubs, they can still fit in wherever the older bathtub was. So, there is no need to do any costly reconfiguration of the bathroom. However, always measure the older tub so that the newer walk-in tub is of the same dimensions. Options for door The door is one of the most crucial parts of any walk-in bathtub. One can simply walk into the bathtub with the door instead of climbing over it. This is what makes the bathtub safer and more secure. Based on the kind of walk-in bathtub one is considering, the door may open outward or into the bathtub. The type of door will depend on where the bathtub will be placed and who will be using it. This is because an outward-opening door requires more space. Also, this type of door is more suitable for those who use a wheelchair or require more room to get into the bathtub. Type of tub Most common types of walk-in bathtubs are similar to conventional bathtubs, except with a door. Aside from these, manufacturers also offer many options based on height, width, and extra features. For example, some walk-in bathtubs may have advanced features such as therapeutic jets and bubble massage jets. These are often useful to alleviate pain and discomfort in muscles and joints. Knowing one’s requirements can help determine the type of walk-in bathtub needed. Safety and accessibility features Walk-in tubs are primarily installed for their safety and accessibility features. While the low threshold and door are common safety features, it is important to check whether any additional features are also offered. These may include built-in grab bars, non-slip flooring, and secure seating.

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A fitness tracker will be on many Black Friday shopping lists this year. While it is on November 25, multiple deals are expected to pop up from early September to late October. Whatever your fitness mantra, high-tech fitness trackers can help you achieve your goals. And getting them at a discounted price is the cherry on the cake! Let’s check out some amazing Black Friday fitness tracker deals for the year 2022. Fitbit Versa 3 Continuous heart-rate monitoring, SpO2, support for NFC payments, a microphone for taking phone calls, and Google/Alexa assistance are some of the many incredible features offered by this tracker. Plus, unlike its previous variants, Versa 3 provides a built-in GPS for navigation. During the sale season, you might also find it priced under $200. Fitbit Charge 5 Fitbit Charge 5 delivers many upgrades to cater to your needs. Many online platforms offer it for under $150 for a limited period. Its features, like the bright OLED screen, electrodermal activity sensors, contactless payments, notifications, sleep tracking, heart monitoring, and timers, make it one of the most highly dependable fitness trackers. Garmin FENIX 7 Series A week’s worth of battery, topographical maps, touch screen, military-grade standard, up to 10 ATM water resistance, insightful training guides and programs, solar charging, and astonishing real-time stamina feature are the traits that make the 7 series an absolute hit.
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