Gain the knowledge to identify critical planning steps, apply best practices to standard and alternate W-2 reporting.
This presentation delivers actionable, step-by-step guidance to help payroll, HR, and tax professionals excel at W-2 processing throughout the year-end cycle. Participants will gain practical techniques for project-based planning, validating key data and documentation, and effectively managing both standard and M&A-driven reporting scenarios. The agenda’s structured flow fosters a deep understanding of audit triggers, correction methodologies, and strategies to limit penalty exposure and avoid costly compliance mistakes.
Learning Objectives
- You will be able to identify each phase of the W-2 lifecycle.
- You will be able to review a project-driven approach to W-2 preparation.
- You will be able to discuss how to manage W-2 error correction.
- You will be able to explain challenges posed by modern employment practices.
Agenda
- Overview of Form W-2 Compliance Framework, Key Deadlines, and Role in Both Federal and State/Local Systems
- Pre-Year-End Planning
- Readiness for Unique Payment Types and Fringe Benefits
- MandA Transaction Planning: Wage Reporting Implications
- SSA and IRS Transmissions, State/Local Requirements, Employee Delivery
- Form W-2 Correction Triggers, Safe Harbor Limits, and W-2C/W-3C Process
- Handling of Related Filings (Forms 941, State Returns)
- Information Return Penalty Calculations and Mitigation (6721/6722)
- Current Risk Areas and Proactive Strategies
Speakers
Nikos Arhos
Alvarez & Marsal Tax, LLC
- Senior Director and US Employment Tax Services Leader, Alvarez & Marsal Tax, LLC
- Practices in all aspects of payroll and employment tax compliance, including payroll transformation, M&A due diligence, federal and state audit defense, equity compensation tax planning, workforce restructuring, and state compliance
- Frequent guest speaker for the Chicago Bar Association, PayrollOrg, The Chicago Tax Club, Tax Executives Institute (TEI), and other organizations
- Contributing editor of Principles of Payroll Administration (Thomson Reuters); author and publication contributor on payroll tax obligations in M&A transactions, corporate restructuring, remote workforce compliance, fringe benefit taxation, and multi-state withholding challenges
- Member of the Illinois Bar; Chicago Bar Association; PayrollOrg
- J.D. Degree, and LL.M. Degree in Taxation, University of Illinois Chicago School of Law
Riley Dinh
Alvarez & Marsal
- Manager in the compensation and benefits practice at Alvarez & Marsal Tax, LLC
- Practice emphasizes all aspects of executive compensation and employee benefits
- Helps companies tackle how to effectively and efficiently pay, incentivize, and retain their employees
- Works with companies to design and benchmark annual bonus and long-term incentive compensation programs, all while considering the applicable tax, accounting, and other regulatory ramifications
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in Texas
- LL.M. Degree, International and Comparative, SMU Dedman School of Law; M.S. Degree in accounting, SMU Cox School of Business; B.B.A. in accounting, SMU Cox School of Business
Who Should Attend
This live webinar is designed for human resource and payroll professionals, benefits professionals, controllers, CFOs, accountants, business owners and managers, bookkeepers, and personnel managers.
