Third W-2 error for State of Rhode Island employees

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The newest W2 error is affecting thousands of state college employees, marking the latest issue in a series of tax form problems this year.

With the tax filing deadline approaching, about 3,200 employees at Rhode Island’s public colleges and universities have been told they will receive corrected W-2 forms.

Latest mistake tied to retirement contributions

According to an email sent to staff at state colleges, retirement contributions were placed in the wrong section of the form.

As a result, employees are being reissued updated documents.

State officials said the error does not prevent workers from filing their taxes.

Third W-2 issue in recent months

This is now the third W-2-related problem reported this year.

In February, roughly 22,000 state employees received forms that incorrectly listed their employer as “State of Rhode Island Umbrella Company.”

Shortly after, corrected forms created another concern.

Some employees reported that their Social Security numbers were visible through the envelopes used in the mailing.

State officials said affected employees would receive free credit monitoring, but that has yet to be provided.

Leadership change followed earlier issue

The second mailing issue led to the resignation of Jonathan Womer, who stepped down at the request of Dan McKee.

Problems linked to Workday rollout

State leaders say the ongoing errors are tied to the rollout of a new payroll and human resources system.

Rhode Island spent about $95 million to replace its old system with the Workday platform.

Officials say the transition has caused issues with payroll, deductions and tax documents.

State acknowledges challenges

Governor McKee said the problems have been frustrating but emphasized that the system is expected to improve over time.