First you cannot file the return before you have the actual W-2 in hand so if you are just entering in some info now to see how the return looks like so far then boxes 3 thru 6 on the W-2 are immaterial.
CAN I USE MY PAY STUB TO PREPARE MY TAX RETURN?
Please do not try to use your pay stub to prepare your tax return. It will not match the W-2 that you will get from your employer in just a few short weeks. Your employer has until the end of January to give you your W-2. By waiting for your W-2 you will be able to file accurately. If you try to guess what goes in the W-2 “boxes” and mess up your return, you will need to amend. It takes about 6 - 9 months to amend a tax return. The IRS will not be accepting returns until the end of January — so you can wait for your W-2. If you are hoping to get a quick tax refund by filing early, using your pay stub might have the opposite result. Your tax return will not match the W-2 reported to the IRS by your employer; this may result in rejection of your return — or if accepted, could actually delay your refund for months. And, if you are hoping to get EIC or the child tax credit, your refund will not be released until late February anyhow due to the PATH act. It is much wiser to wait for your W-2 and file correctly.
And….remember….ALL of your W-2’s must go on the SAME tax return.
