What tax form do employers issue to report each employee's annual earnings and tax contributions?

Employers issue the W-2 form to report each employee's annual earnings and tax contributions. This form provides detailed information about an employee's total wages for the year, as well as the amount of federal, state, and other taxes withheld from their paycheck. The W-2 is essential for employees when they file their individual income tax returns, as it helps them accurately declare their income and calculate any tax owed or refund due.

The other forms serve different purposes. For instance, the W-4 is used by employees to indicate their tax withholding preferences to their employer, not to report earnings. The 1099 form is used primarily for reporting income earned by independent contractors or freelancers rather than traditional employees. The 1040 is an individual income tax return form that taxpayers use to report their income to the IRS, but it does not specifically pertain to employer reporting of earnings.