Why is My W-2 has box 2- Federal Income Tax withheld empty?Why, if federal taxes we're deducted from every paystub? Could it be an error?

[pbjs4rrvgnatmtbs]

Why is My W-2 has box 2- Federal Income Tax withheld empty?I find it strange since federal taxes we're deducted from every paystub? Could it be an error in the W-2?
This is the first time ever this happens.

[ToddL]

Were there amounts in Boxes 3 and 5?

[pbjs4rrvgnatmtbs]

Box 3 and 5 have amounts, but different than Box 1. Box 2 is the only one empty and I was deducted from every paycheck.

[ToddL · Accepted solution]

If your employer withheld federal income tax from your paychecks but did not report those taxes in Box 2 of your Form W-2,  you need to contact the company and get an explanation for discrepancy.

(If the amount that should have been reported in Box 2 of the 2016 Form W-2 is large, you should also consider writing the company to dispute the validity of the W-2. Send the letter with proof of mailing and proof of delivery.)

Unless the matter is explained and resolved to your satisfaction (Corrected Form W-2?), you should not report that W-2 on your tax return. Instead, report the information (including the Box 2 fed tax withheld) on Form 4852 (see attached  screenshot). If and when the IRS contacts you for an explanation of why you did not report it as issued, you can provide them with whatever information you have that proves it was an invalid W-2.