DawnC
Expert Alumni

Retirement tax questions

It doesn't matter about the control number; you do not need it.  Not sure what you mean when you reference 'Retirement' but if you are still having issues, please give some more details.  

 

Control Number (box D) is used by many payroll departments to uniquely identify a W-2 in their system. If your W-2 doesn't have one, it's no big deal. You can simply leave it blank.

 

If you get errors when attempting to e-file with an empty box D, just enter any number in this format: 5 digits, space, 5 digits (for example, 12345 67890). The IRS doesn't care what's in box D because its use by payroll departments is optional.

 

On the other hand, if you're trying to import your W-2 and you are asked for a Control Box D, and you don’t have one, select Skip import and manually enter your W-2. You won't be able to import using the 5 digit + space + 5 digit solution for e-filing.

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"