My wife's W-2 is wrong because she put exempt on her W-4. Her W-2 is blank for boxes 1 & 2, but has correct amounts for Soc. Sec. and Medicare. What do I do to file?

[johnnyjack]

I just need to make sure I document the income, do I just put the right numbers in the filing form even though they wont match the W-2?

[johnnyjack · Accepted solution]

I asked her employer for a corrected W-2. Leaving Box 1 empty is the wrong way to deal with an exemption claim on a W-4.  See this link for information on getting a corrected W-2.

https://www.irs.gov/help-resources/tools-faqs/faqs-for-individuals/frequently-asked-tax-questions-an...

Also, the W-4 was submitted in 2015, which means that for 2016, in the absence of a more current W-4, the exemption lapses and the employee should have the taxes withheld as if they were single with no exceptions.

By clicking on "I did not receive a W-2 from my employer" after entering all the info for my wife I can get TurboTax to file a form 4852, which is referenced in the link above, and be able to e-file.  However; I am unsure if that raises an audit risk either for myself or for the employer, so I will wait a few days to see if they will correct her W-2.

[fanfare]

Claiming exemption does not mean you had no federal wages. Your W-2 sounds to be incorrect.

Ask her employer for a corrected W-2.

If you do not receive one by Feb 15th, the deadline, contact the IRS. You will need your estimated wage  and employer information available on the call.

[NewGuy]

You can use the W-2 to file, you will end up with a larger tax bill since she didn't have any taxes withheld during the year.  She should correct her W-4 for the current year.

[johnnyjack]

Thank you for your reply.  I am glad to know that I can use it.  Now I only have one question.  What do I do to file?

[fanfare]

What about her 401k, if any? health care premiums, if any. You don't have that info.

[SteamTrain]

Seems like there should be something in box 1...unless ALL of the $$ went into some pretax contribution (like a 401k).....other than the SS and medicare that is.   or maybe it was all Combat pay

...but box 1 is rarely empty....maybe 1 out of 10,000