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Level 2
March 13, 2026
Question

Inputting 1042-S information when W-2 reflects exemption

  • March 13, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 6 views

If you are filing a resident alien tax form (not nonresident) and your W-2 already reflects the compensation exemption of $2000 from the US-Korea Tax Treaty (Article 21(1)), then should you still go through the entering "Miscellaneous Income" and then entering a negative amount method that I have seen on other posts (entering information on 1042-S)? I don't think it was clear whether that applied to situations where your wage on your W-2 already reflects the exemption. Thank you. 

1 reply

DaveF1006
Level 15
March 13, 2026

No, if your W2 includes the exemption amount, you will not go through the "Miscellaneous Income" negative entry process. 

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Level 2
March 13, 2026

Thank you for your quick response! Then, should you try to include the information on the 1042-S in some other way on your tax form, such as adding it in a different section or printing and mailing it with your tax form, or do you just keep the 1042-S for your reference but not do anything with it? Is it because your employer sends your 1042-S along with your W-2 to the IRS anyway? Thank you again. 

DaveF1006
Level 15
March 18, 2026

Yes, keep the 1042-S along with your copy W2 for your reference. You don't need to report it since it is essentially a "duplicate" of your W2.

 

Be sure to print your return and keep it as a copy along with your W2 and 1042-S. IRS recommends you keep these for 3-7 years in case if needed. 

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