What is the primary function of the W-2 form?

The W-2 form serves an important function in the context of employment and tax reporting. Its primary purpose is to provide a comprehensive record of an employee's annual wages and the taxes withheld from those wages. By combining both the reporting of income to the IRS and the details of withholdings, the W-2 ensures that employees have the necessary information for accurately filing their income tax returns.

When employees receive a W-2, it reflects all the income they've earned throughout the year and shows exactly how much has been withheld for federal, state, and, in some cases, local taxes. This dual reporting is crucial for the IRS to verify that the correct amount of tax has been withheld and submitted on behalf of the employee, while also allowing employees to gauge their tax liabilities and any potential refunds when filing their taxes.

The other options, while they touch on related topics, do not encompass the full function of the W-2. They either focus on only one aspect of the W-2’s utility or refer to information that the W-2 does not provide, thus highlighting why the answer combines both elements, emphasizing the complete purpose of the form.