Hablamos Español
Search
Close this search box.

Is Workers’ Compensation Reported on a W2?

Is Workers’ Comp reported on a W2?

For most people, workers’ compensation benefits are not taxable, so their workers’ compensation lawyer will not get reported on a W2 form. In other words, you will not receive a W2 for workers’ compensation benefits after an on-the-job accident.Admittedly, this can get confusing, especially if you pursued a personal injury claim in addition to workers’ compensation coverage. In a situation like this, you could benefit from consulting a workers’ compensation lawyer. They can walk you through the claims process and explain your obligations come tax season.

Workers’ Compensation Could Be Taxable in These Situations

You might have to disclose workers’ comp benefits on your taxes if they reduce your Social Security benefits. If you get Social Security benefits and the amount of those benefits got offset because of your workers’ compensation payments, IRS Publication 525 – Taxable and Nontaxable Income says that the offset amount might be taxable. The justification is that the offset portion would’ve been taxable as social security but not as workers’ compensation. Another exception is when the injured worker receives industrial disability leave (IDL) benefits instead of temporary disability (TD) benefits and chooses to supplement their IDL benefits if they have sufficient leave credits. In that situation, the supplemental amount is taxable and will be reported on the employee’s W2, according to the California Department of Human Resources Workers’ Compensation.

The Workers’ Compensation Program in California

According to Workers’ Compensation in California: A Guidebook for Injured Workers, workers’ compensation offers benefits to employees who get hurt on the job. If your job caused psychological injuries because of stress, you might qualify for benefits, such as:

Medical Treatment

If you got sick or hurt at work, your employer can pay for your necessary medical care. This benefit can get covered by workers’ compensation insurance or through your employer’s self-insurance. The healthcare provider should direct-bill your boss or their insurance provider, not you.Most states forbid injured workers from going to their personal physician for medical treatment of a work-related injury, but California provides an exception to this general rule. You are allowed to go to your regular doctor or medical group if you predesignated that healthcare provider in writing before getting sick or hurt on the job.

Temporary Disability Benefits

Temporary disability benefits (TD) can replace a portion of an injured worker’s regular paychecks when they are unable to work following an on-the-job injury or illness. TD is what most people worry about when they ask questions about the taxability of benefits.

Usually, your TD benefits are two-thirds of your gross income, not your take-home paycheck. Your TD weekly check should be a portion of your pre-tax wages. There are minimum and maximum weekly payments. Usually, your TD benefits are exempt from federal, state, and local income taxes.

The claims administrator must explain to you in writing:

  • How they calculated your TD payments
  • Why they may change a TD payment amount
  • Why you will no longer receive TD benefits
  • The justification for any nonpayment of or delays in the payment of your TD benefits

You should also receive a list of all TD benefits the claims administrator paid to you when your TD benefits end.

Permanent Disability Benefits

If the worker reaches maximum medical improvement and still has some residual impairments, they could receive benefits for permanent disability. California law calls this condition “permanent and stationary.” The amount of this benefit depends on the worker’s previous earnings, the disability rating they receive from the doctor, and several other factors.

Ratings between one and 99 percent are permanent partial disability ratings. It is rare to have a permanent total disability, which would require a rating of 100 percent. Permanent disability benefits can be appropriate when the injured worker’s treating physician says that the worker will always have work limitations or will never recover 100 percent from their job-related injury or illness.

Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits

This benefit can help to pay for vocational rehabilitation services like additional education or retraining if you do not go back to work for your boss, they do not offer you a new job, and you qualify for permanent disability benefits.

Death Benefits

When a worker dies from a work-related illness or injury, the surviving spouse, children, and other qualifying dependents might receive death benefits.

How to Qualify for Workers’ Compensation in California

You must work for an employer who participates in the state workers’ compensation insurance program or self-insures. Your illness or injury must be job-related and have happened while performing your job duties.Part-time and temporary workers can be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Even some independent contractors can qualify for benefits if they get hurt on the job. Fault is irrelevant in the workers’ compensation program, so your boss cannot deny you benefits if your injury was caused by your negligence. Also, your employer is not allowed to fire you or retaliate for seeking workers’ compensation benefits.

You Have Legal Options if Your Workers’ Comp Claim Gets Complicated

The California workers’ compensation program can be confusing, leading to frequent questions about whether benefits are taxable. Common issues include:

  • Refusal to consider an injury or illness as work-related
  • Incorrect calculation of weekly benefits checks
  • Improper delays in sending the worker weekly benefits checks
  • Stopping the payment of weekly benefits checks without appropriate justification
  • Failure to pay for the initial work absence when the worker qualifies for that income replacement

Sometimes, issues regarding deadlines can crop up and prevent claimants from getting the compensation they need. If you have issues securing workers’ compensation benefits, you could partner with a lawyer on your case. They can review your accident, injuries, and right to damages. They can also manage all relevant communications and hold the liable insurer to its obligations.

Consult Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today

KJT Law Group can discuss any issues that threaten your case’s success. During your complimentary case review, we can share whether your benefits are reported on a W2 and what that means. To connect with our firm, contact us at (818) 507-8525.

We Will Fight For You

Contact our firm to get started.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
=
Checkboxes