What primary document is used to have employees report their wages for tax purposes?

The primary document used for employees to report their wages for tax purposes is Form W-2. This form is issued by employers to employees and provides a record of the employee's annual wages as well as the amount of taxes withheld throughout the year. A W-2 form is crucial for employees when they file their personal income tax return, as it summarizes the income earned and deductions applied.

The other options serve different purposes. Form 1099 is typically used for independent contractors and freelancers rather than employees, reporting non-employee compensation. Form 1040 is the individual income tax return form that taxpayers complete to report their overall income, including wages, but it is not a document employees use to report wages to their employer or the IRS. Form W-4 is the document employees fill out to indicate their tax withholding preferences to their employer but does not report wage earnings.