MA W2 E-File Requirements & EFW2 Text Format |Mass Tax Connect Upload

Massachusetts W2 Electronic Filing Common Questions and Answers

Does Massachusetts mandate filing W-2s electronically?

As a Massachusetts employer you are only required to file electronically when you have 50 or more W2 forms. You will need to check with the state annually, since this threshold is subject to change.

What is the name of the publication that defines Massachusetts W2 E-Filing format and details?

Refer to "MassTax Connect Form W-2 Electronic Filing Specifications".

What software can I use to generate Massachusetts W2 E-File submissions?

You can use our W2 Mate software to create W2 E-File submissions that comply with Massachusetts requirements. To learn more about W2 Mate and download a demo you can visit

https://www.realtaxtools.com/W2-Mate.html

Can I mail my W2 E-File submission on a CD or other formats of magnetic media to Massachusetts?

Massachusetts no longer accepts magnetic media submissions by " inch tape, 3480 cartridge, CD-ROM, diskette or by email submissions.

Does Massachusetts follow the EFW2 format defined by the SSA?

Yes, Massachusetts follows the "Specifications for Filing Forms W-2 (EFW2)" as defined by the SSA, but the state also has its own special requirements.

How can I submit the Massachusetts DOR-EFW2 (W2 E-File) Withholding file attachment to Massachusetts?

You will need to attach and upload an electronic file through Massachusetts Department of Revenue, MassTaxConnect web-based application https://mtc.dor.state.ma.us/mtc/. Once logged in to MTC locate and click, 'submit reports"/go/ financial reporting/W2/W2 file upload/ select file

Do you need to include the RV (State Total) record as part of the Massachusetts W2 E-File Submission?

The RV record is not utilized by Department of Revenue and should be excluded from the submission.

Do you need to include the RS (State Wage) records as part of the Massachusetts W2 E-File Submission?

Yes, this record is mandatory and has to be included.

Does Massachusetts have a special file naming convention for W2 E-File submissions?

No, the state does not have any special requirements; however it's a good idea to have the company name included in the file name and to have .txt as the file extension.

Is the Massachusetts W2 Electronic Filing submission attachment an ASCII text file?

Yes, the submission is a text file that follows the specifications of both the SSA EFW2 format and the Massachusetts requirements defined by "MassTax Connect Form W-2 Electronic Filing Specifications".

Does Massachusetts have any requirements for money fields?

Money fields must contain only numbers. No punctuation. Include both dollars and cents with the decimal point assumed (example: $89.70 = 000008970).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.

Does Massachusetts have any requirements for Social Security Number (SSN)?

Use the number shown on the original/replacement SSN card. If there is no SSN available for the employee, enter zeros (0) in positions 10 - 18 of the RS Record.

How do I contact Massachusetts with questions about my W2 E-File submission?

Call (800) 392-6089

The Iowa W2 forms electronic filing format follows the specifications outlined in MassTax Connect Form W-2 Electronic Filing Specifications and follows the layout of the SSA EFW2 fields with the RS

The electronic filing engine available inside our W2 Mate® software gives Massachusetts employers and tax professionals the ability to e-File W2s with both the state of Massachusetts and the Social Security Administration’s (SSA). To learn more about W2 Mate visit https://www.realtaxtools.com/W2-Mate.html , email sales@realtaxtools.com or call 1-800-507-1992.