CLS 6.2 (the update to the MS-DOS version of CLS) is nearing completion and is currently scheduled for release December 2^nd. This release includes the new 2011 W-2/W-3 and 1099/1098/1096 formats. The W-2 has been changed to remove Box 9 (EIC), and new column types (Q8, KE) have been added to PF 3 for reporting Employer Sponsored Health Coverage (required for 2012, optional for 2011) and Roth Contributions to Section 457(b) Plans. The W-3 form has been modified to remove EIC and Hire Act Wages and add Kind of Employer (options V, W, Y and Z in PF 1). 

Forms 1099-MISC and 1099-INT are basically unchanged, but forms 1099-DIV, 1099-A, 1099-B, 1099-C, 1099-R and 1096 all have alignment changes. CLS 6.2 also includes required changes to the federal 940, 941, 943 and 944 forms for the 2011 year-end. The 941 format for 2012 will be part of the March 2012 CLS 6.2 update.

With CLS, all W-2 and W-3 forms (including Copy A) may be printed on plain paper. Submittable 940, 941, 943 and 944 forms may also be printed on plain paper. For 1099, 1098 and 1096 forms, all copies except Copy A may be printed on plain-paper. Copy A must be fi led using “official” scannable forms (the IRS may impose a penalty for using non-scannable forms). 

State unemployment wage reports (continuation sheets) for Iowa, Maine, Nebraska, Utah and Washington have been revised; other states will be updated as needed. Most of the wage reports printed by CLS can be submitted on plain paper, but West Virginia and Wyoming require that you use pre-printed forms. Alabama, Massachusetts, Minnesota and New Jersey require electronic filing for all employers, so CLS prints only a file copy for these states.

The CLS 6.2 update is required if you plan to print submittable federal payroll tax forms on plain paper. Remember that your CLS 6.2 update also entitles you to download updates for payroll tax form changes during the first three quarters of 2012.

View the 2011 CLS Focus Newsletter

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