Business FAQs - W-2 Reporting Requirements - Regional Income Tax Agency

Where can I find the specifications for EFW2?

Use RITA's W-2 Reporting Specs. RITA uses the same specifications as the Social Security Administration with modifications to certain positions and records. The Social Security Administration specification and can be found at their web site: http://www.ssa.gov/employer/EFW2&EFW2C.htm.

2. EFW2 Submissions

How can I submit my EFW2 file to RITA?

Login to MyAccount and select the Submit W-2s file option.

If you are submitting W-2s for multiple employers, refer to the Bulk Tax Filing Program page for instructions.

3. Total Wage and Withholding Differences

When submitting online, no errors are reported, but my total wages and withholdings are not what I expected. Why not?

The EFW2 file contains federal, state and local wage information. RITA reads the local information and must allow for files that have information for RITA or non-RITA member municipalities. For RITA to use the information on a RS record, it must have a valid state code (39), a valid RITA municipality code, and a valid Tax Type Code (“C” or “R”).

4. RITA Municipality Codes

What are the valid municipality codes?

The list of valid RITA municipality codes can be found on the Tax Rates Table.

5. Common EFW2 Errors

What are the most common errors found in an EFW2 file?

Wage or other currency field is left blank. These fields must be filled in with zeros.

Another common error is a record exceeding the maximum length requirement of 512 characters.

6. EFW2 Specification Changes

Are there any changes to the specifications?

Yes, starting in tax year 2016, Employer W-2 submission specifications changed as the result of changes to the Ohio Revised Code made by the Ohio General Assembly. Employers are now required to report, for each employee, every municipality for which tax was withheld or should have been withheld. Please visit W-2 Reporting Requirements for the most recent EFW2 specifications.