Coburn, Bennet take aim at paper W-2 forms

Sen. Tom Coburn is pushing a new measure that would force more employers to file W-2 forms electronically, the latest bipartisan effort from the Oklahoma Republican to reduce reliance on paper within the government.

Coburn is teaming up with Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) on this bill, which the two senators say would save taxpayers more than $11 million a year.

As it stands, only employers submitting more than 250 W-2 forms to the Social Security Administration have to do so electronically, though all companies are encouraged to do so. Coburn and Bennet’s legislation would require all employers to do so, though it would allow a hardship exemption for those employing five or less people. 

“Requiring the SSA to process hard copy W2 forms is outdated and is costing taxpayers millions of dollars each year.  When most Americans are using the Internet to do business, failing to modernize this arcane system is irresponsible. This bill is a win-win for the SSA and small businesses across America,” Coburn said in a statement. 

According to the senators’ news release, about one out of every six forms the Social Security Administration processes is by paper, which is more expensive than dealing with them electronically.

Coburn has also introduced measures to reduce printing of the Congressional Record with Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) and one to stop the automatic printing of bills for congressional offices with Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.)

The House has already unanimously passed a version of that latter measure and a bill that would reduce the Pentagon’s spending on printing.