How do I read a W-2?

1. Box A: Your Social Security number, which the IRS uses to identify you.
2. Box B: The employer identification number, or EIN, which the IRS uses to identify your employer.
3. Box C: Your employer’s name, address and ZIP code.
4. Box D:
5. Box E: Your legal name.
6. Box F: Your address and ZIP code.

Are Box 1/3 and 5 the same on W2?

Question: Why doesn’t Box 1 match Box 3 and Box 5? Answer: Box 3 and Box 5 include your tax-deferred retirement contributions, Box 1 does not.

Where can I get W2 forms?

To order official IRS information returns such as Forms W-2 and W-3, which include a scannable Copy A for filing, go to IRS’ Online Ordering for Information Returns and Employer Returns page, or visit and click on Employer and Information returns.

How is W2 line 3 calculated?

Box 3 shows your total wages subject to the Social Security tax. This figure is calculated before any payroll deductions which means that the amount in box 3 could be higher than the number reported in box 1, as in my example.

Is Box 1 on a W-2 gross or net?

The amount in Box 1 will generally be the “YTD Gross” under the Summary section of your final earnings statement, minus any pre-tax deductions such as health/dental/vision insurance, flexible spending accounts and retirement and tax deferred savings plans, etc.

Why is Box 5 more than box 1 on my W-2?

First, an explanation of the boxes: Box 1 reports your total taxable wages or salary for federal income tax purposes. Box 5 reports the amount of wages subject to the Medicare Tax. There is no maximum wage base for Medicare, so the amount showing in Box 5 may be larger than the amount showing in Box 1.

What number goes in box 1 on W-2?

Box 1 “Wages, tips, other compensation”: This is federal, taxable income for payments in the calendar year. The amount is calculated as YTD earnings minus pre- tax retirement and pre-tax benefit deductions plus taxable benefits (i.e., certain educational benefits).

Can a W-2 be handwritten?

You might wonder, “Can a W-2 be handwritten?” No, it cannot. It is unacceptable to send handwritten W-2 forms to employees and the SSA. You should print your Forms W-2 instead.

Where does form 1125-e go on a W-2?

The only place it appears in tax reporting documents is with code AA in box 12 of the officer’s or other employee’s W-2. I did not mean to suggest that Form 1125-E would be required when the entity has less than $500,000 in total receipts.

Where can I Find my 2016 W-2 form?

2016 Form W-2 Attention: You may file Forms W-2 and W-3 electronically on the SSA’s Employer W-2 Filing Instructions and Information web page, which is also accessible at You can create fill-in versions of Forms W-2 and W-3 for filing with SSA.

How does my W2 reflect my employer contribution?

$ 18,000 – is the Employer contribution (elective deferral). How would my W2 reflect above contribution apart from entry on 12 D.? 1. What should be the amount on Box 1 2. What should be the amounts on Box 3 and 5 3. What should be the amount on Box 12 D 4. Line 17 is for the profit sharing plans etc… so should It show $12000? 5.

Who is responsible for issuing Form W-2, Wage and tax statement?

Form W-2 & 1042-S & 1095-C Process University Payroll & Benefits (UPB) is responsible for issuing Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. According to Federal Treasury Regulation §31.6051-1, Form W-2 must be furnished, meaning properly addressed and postmarked, by January 31 st, unless it falls on a weekend, then it would be the next business day.