tax128
The state wages (box 16) is often different from box 1 (federal wages) because NJ does not allow some of the exclusions that are allowed on the federal return. For example, NJ does not allow HSA contributions, most retirement plan contributions (except for a 401(k), and most Section 125 cafeteria plan exclusions.
Box 18 would have an entry if your employer withheld for a city tax in New Jersey - did that happen?
As for how it is possible for you to get different messages for different years, the error checks can be updated from year to year, depending on the need.
@tax128
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