Connecticut State Department of Revenue Services

Upcoming CT DRS webinar: Select to register for the upcoming Withholding Forms W-2 and 1099 Annual Filing Webinar on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

Frequently Asked Questions on Electronic Filing Informational Returns

Information returns include Form CT-W3 and Form W-2 or  Form CT-1096 and Forms 1099-R,1099-MISC and W-2G

  1. What is the electronic filing requirement for information returns?

    2. Forms W-2, 1099-MISC, 1099-R, 1099-K and W-2G are required to be filed electronically with DRS. These forms can be transmitted electronically using the DRS myconneCT, online portal. For more information see Electronically filing Form W-2, Forms 1099-R, 1099-MISC, and W-2G. If you are submitting 24 or fewer Forms W-2, 1099-MISC, 1099-R, 1099-K or W-2G you are encouraged to file electronically, but may file paper forms.

  2. How do I request an extension of time to file information returns?

    3. To request an extension of time to file, you must submit Form CT-8809, Request for Extension of Time to File Information Returns (For Forms W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-K and 1099-MISC) on or before January 31. DRS will notify you only if your request is denied.

  3. What are my options for submitting W2s/1099s on myconneCT?

    4. There are three options for submitting W2/1099 information on myconneCT:

    • Key and Send (Manual Entry)

      • This option is best for employers that do not have the ability to generate IRS 1220 FIRE format file from their accounting package.

      DRS Standardized SSA EFW2 or IRS 1220 FIRE Format

      For employers with an accounting package with payroll modules that can generate this file format.

      Refer to IP 2020 (12) for 1099s file layouts and formats

      Refer to IP 2020 (13) for W2s file layouts and formats

    • Pre-defined Comma Separated Value (csv)

      • Submit a file upload using a pre-defined comma separated value (csv) file format.

  4. What are the advantages of submitting W2s/1099s through myconneCT?

    5. If you choose to upload a file or key in, you don't have to rely on the mail or carrier to deliver the information to DRS.

    You will be given a printable confirmation when your submission is complete, so you can feel confident that DRS has received your information.

    The information you enter is encrypted and secure, unlike mail or carrier.

  5. Will I be penalized if I don’t file my information returns electronically?

    6. Yes, you are required to file all information returns electronically and will be treated as having failed to file if you file paper forms. A penalty of $5 per form (up to a total of $2,000 per calendar year) will be imposed on employers or payers who fail to file the required information returns electronically with DRS.

    However, if you are submitting 24 or fewer Forms W-2, 1099-MISC, 1099-K, 1099-R or W-2G you are encouraged to file electronically but may file paper forms.

  6. I can’t comply with the electronic filing requirements this year. How do I request a waiver from filing information returns electronically?

    7. DRS may waive the electronic reporting requirement if an employer or payer can show hardship. You must complete and submit Form CT-8508, Request for Waiver from Filing Information Returns Electronically, to DRS at least 30 days before the due date of the information return.

    DRS will notify you only if the request is denied. If a waiver is granted, the information returns must be submitted on a CD rather than paper. DRS does not accept magnetic media including cartridges or cassettes.

    If the waiver request is approved, payers filing W-2, 1099-R, 1099-MISC, 1099-K and W-2G must submit them with Form CT-4804, Transmittal of Information Returns Reported on CD, by January 31.

    If the waiver request is approved, employers must submit Forms W-2/1099 with Form CT-6559, Submitter Report for Form W-2 CD Filing, by January 31.

  7. Can I file Form CT-8508, Request for a Waiver from Filing Information Returns Electronically, on myconneCT?

    8. No, Form CT-8508 can only be filed on paper.

  8. Do I need a username and password to submit W2s/1099s on myconneCT?

    9. Yes. If you do not already have a myconneCT account, create one at www.portal.ct.gov/drs to begin submitting W2/1099 information online.

  9. After I submit W2s/1099s on myconneCT, can I cancel a submission or make changes?

    10. You can delete and resubmit a new, corrected file as long as the submission is in a pending status on the day the original file was submitted.

  10. Can I use the same myconneCT account to submit W2/1099 information for multiple businesses?

    11. Yes, you can submit W2s/1099s for more than one business using the same myconneCT account. If you are uploading a file, the file itself can contain information for more than one business.

  11. Can I simply attach a file of my W-2 or 1099 forms to an email and send it to you?

    12. No, DRS requires that you use one of the three electronic filing methods described on our webpage: Electronically filing Form W-2, Forms 1099-R, 1099-MISC, 1099-K and W-2G. The instructions on that page will explain the methods and the file types that are acceptable.

  12. How do I upload a W2/1099 file to myconneCT?

    13. Please review the step by step instructions on our web page. Electronically filing Form W-2, Forms 1099-R, 1099-MISC, 1099-K, and W-2G

  13. How do I know if I have completed W2/1099 submission?

    14. You will receive a confirmation when you complete your submission.  

  14. Can I upload W2/1099 information using Dynamic Web Import (DWI) text file?

    15. No. The only upload formats supported are pre-defined Comma Separated Value (.csv) and EFW2 text (.txt) files.

  15. I need assistance creating my file using software that I purchased.

    16. DRS cannot assist you to create your files using purchased software. Contact your software company. You can review the file format requirements at our web page. Electronically filing Form W-2, Forms 1099-R, 1099-MISC, and W-2G. If you have any questions about using myconneCT, please contact us at 860-297-4973 or email us at ct.efile@ct.gov

  16. How can I report changes on previously filed electronic submission of information returns?

    17. To report changes, or amend a previously filed information return, you may use the myconneCT online portal.

  17. Is myconneCT online portal secure?

    18. Yes. All information between your browser and myconneCT is encrypted and processed securely.

  18. Can I submit the same EFW2/1220 FIRE format file on myconneCT that I submitted to the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Services?

    19. Yes, if the records are included and formatted according to EFW2/1220 FIRE format requirements. The file uploaded must be a txt file. Follow the instructions on Electronically filing Form W-2, Forms 1099-R, 1099-MISC, 1099-K and W-2G.

  19. Will I be able to print copies of W2s from myconneCT to provide employees?

    20. No. Individual W2s/1099 cannot be printed using myconneCT.

  20. Can I send a CD if myconneCT rejects my file?

    21. If you send in a CD, it will go through the exact same validation used on myconneCT. If your file is failing on myconneCT, it will fail when passed through the CD validation as well.

    You should work to correct errors identified in the validation process. myconneCT is the preferred method for submitting W2/1099 information.

  21. Who do I Contact if I have questions on W2s/1099s?

    22. You may call the DRS, Electronic filing at 860-297-4973 or email us at ct.efile@ct.gov