How do I know what code to use for box 12?

[traciep915]

My W-2 form says "See Instrs. (instructions) for Box 12" in box 12.  On the back, it lists and explains all the different codes.  I have no idea which one I'm supposed to use or why the employer didn't fill in box 12 themselves.  This W-2 is for a summer program that was held at the school I teach at, but run by a different organization (hence the separate W-2).  I only worked there for about 15 hours one week to fill in for someone.  Wages only amounted to 564.00.  What code should I use?

[TomK]

You do NOT have to enter any code for box 12 on this W-2.  Enter information into TurboTax from any box that does have something in it, but you can just leave box 12 BLANK.  Your employer is responsible to enter such information on the W-2.

[deepthinker08]

But, I've asked my employer and she has no clue that she went through someone to file her tax. She told me to reach out to a manager that she would know and again she's not sure and told me to email our company like Help services and they told me that 2024 tax form is from another company or something like that. So basically, they have no clue either, they told me also to follow what my tax form says when my form literally says for Box12 see instructions below,  I did multiple times and it still doesn't make sense. Do I determine the codes or is it my employer? I'm over here getting the run around when 2023 tax form was so easy and simple to follow and filed, I file myself and it was great but now it's confusing with that whole box 12 thing.

[ThomasM125]

Box 12 on your W-2 form should have a code and an amount. If it doesn't have an amount, then you don't need to enter anything there. If there is an amount, you may be able to look at your paystubs to determine what the amount represents and choose the appropriate code. Otherwise, you will have to look at the various codes for box 12 that you reference and see if any of them apply to you.