Exempt student employee, boxes 3 and 5 have wage in them, but should be zero

[Terry76546]

I am a student and I work for my school.  As I work in the accounting office, I am able to run my W2 early so I can review deductions, etc (we use D365 Finance - Payroll module).  I noticed I am seeing my wages entered in boxes 3 (SS Wages) and 5 (Medicare Wages) although I am exempt.  I checked last year and those boxes were empty.  Before I go to my IT dept about it, can someone confirm for me, as an exempt student, should my W2 boxes 3 and 5 be zero or show my wages?

[macuser_22]

Boxes 3 & 5 are not the SS & medicare tax which would be in boxes 4 & 6.   If boxes 4 & 6 are zero or blank then  you are exempt and the W-2 is correct.

[Terry76546]

Yes, boxes 4 and 6 are zero, my question is about boxes 3 and 5, the wages boxes.  If  I am exempt, should these be zero as well?

[macuser_22 · Accepted solution]

Maybe, but it doesn't really matter or effect your tax if nothing was withheld.  The IRS does not use boxes 3-6 at all unless too much was withheld and the Social Security administration only credits your account with the box 4 & 6 amounts.  Boxes 3 & 5 are only used if boxes 4 & 6 exceed the limits.