inserting information in the W2 envelope

[nazarowski]

Does anyone out there ala CPA or payroll expert have information as to whether there is a problem with having a company that does the payroll-W2 forms for other businesses, inserting into the W2 envelope an insert advising the employee that is receiving the W2 that the employee can have their tax returns prepared by the Co. that did the W2. If you have specific info as far as Accounting principals or problems I would appreciate it.

[Deleted]

I don't think there is a conflict of interest for a w-2 preparer to insert advertising into a W-2 envelope.

I am a nonpracticing CPA

[MN-Investor]

If I were the company paying you to perform this service, I would be royally ticked at you for doing that. As far as the employee knows, the W-2 is being sent by the company itself. Including advertising within the envelope would be perceived as being sent from, and endorsed by, the company. I can't imagine any company looking favorably at that!

[commentator]

I have not yet been able to locate anything on non-tax enclosures with a mailed W-2. However, there are significant restrictions on what may be included with a 1099. Advertisements or other solicitations are NOT on the acceptable list for 1099s.

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 6, 2011 12:36:21 GMT -5 MN-Investor said:

If I were the company paying you to perform this service, I would be royally ticked at you for doing that. As far as the employee knows, the W-2 is being sent by the company itself. Including advertising within the envelope would be perceived as being sent from, and endorsed by, the company. I can't imagine any company looking favorably at that!

I would feel exactly the same way. I would personally feel it is unethical.

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

It seems ... tacky. And I would suspect it may be barred by some states ethics' rules governing CPAs.