Do I need to file an amended return? Received corrected W-2 revising the Box 12 "W". Liability does NOT change as Form 8889 line 13 is zero no matter the "W" amount is.

[jmhayes23]

I only contribute to an HSA through my employer plan so form 8889 line 13 is always $0 for me.  I believe per the corrected W-2 I only need to amend if my tax liability increased.  Can anyone confirm?

[BMcCalpin · Accepted solution]

When the number with code W in box 12 changed, did the amount of Wages in boxes 1, 3, and 5 not change? The employer should have removed the amount with code W in box 12 from your Wages before printing your W-2.

You should contact your employer and confirm that they have the correct number for Wages in boxes 1, 3, and 5. If this needs to be changed also, then you definitely file an amended return.

However, it's possible that the employer printed the correct number for Wages but the incorrect number for the code W amount. If your AGI did not change and your income tax did not change, then don't file the amended return, but keep good records in case the IRS writes you a letter asking about the correct W-2.

[jmhayes23]

Nothing in any other box changed.  Just box 12a for Code W.  Wages are correct and matched my last pay stub details.  The employer did not include the employee contributions for the HSA and that was the reason for the correction.  Again, there is no deduction being taken for HSA contributions since all contributions were through the employer plan and thus have no further deduction on the 1040/8889 forms.  Line 13 on 8889 is always $0.00 because the contributions were through the employer based plan.  Based on the limited instructions on the back of the corrected W-2 and the little information I have found otherwise, as long as the income tax liability did not change there shouldn't be a need to file an amended return but I just wanted a second opinion to make myself feel better.  Thanks for your help!