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New Member
posted Jun 4, 2019 2:32:54 PM

On my w2 all my number boxes are empty except for boxes 15,16 and 17. Do I have to file taxes in this case?

All my W-2's that I've received from the job I have currently have all the numbered boxes (ex. box 1, box 2, etc) blank except for my identification information and boxes 15,16,and 17. Do I have to file taxes?

0 12 4497
12 Replies
Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 2:32:55 PM

This sounds like all W-2's were issued to you by the same employer. So is the same Employer Identification Number (EIN) in box b on all W-2's? If so, then is the state code different in box 15 on each W-2?

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 2:32:56 PM

Yes, they are from the same employer, the EIN numbers are all the same as well as the state code in box 15.

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 2:32:58 PM
Alumni
Jun 4, 2019 2:32:59 PM

Doesn't one of the W2s have the other boxes 1-14 shown?

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 2:33:01 PM

No, all the W-2's look identical with only varying numbers in boxes 16 and 17. They all only have boxes d,c,b,a, e/f, 15, 16, and 17 filled. They're only difference is the year at the bottom and top of the form. @Lisa995

Alumni
Jun 4, 2019 2:33:02 PM

When multiple states are involved that's common, but typically ONE of those W2s will show all the other boxes filled in....if not the employer needs to be contacted...you cant just have state income and no federal income.

Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 2:33:02 PM

Wait.  The W2s have different YEARS listed?  

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 2:33:05 PM

Yeah, its like for the year of 2017, 2018. Hm, I will have to do so then. Thank you!! All of you were very helpful though so I thank you all! @Carl @VolvoGirl @Lisa995

Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 2:33:06 PM

Hey, check with the issuer. If you really do have a 2017 W-2, then that "has" to be reported on a 2017 tax return. You can't report a 2017 W-2 on a tax return for any other year. I strongly suspect your employer may have issued you the wrong year form for 2018. So check with your employer to confirm the validity of those W-2's for your 2018 taxes. If you report 2017 income on a 2018 return, you will have major issues with the IRS that can (and probably will) delay any refund you may be due.

Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 2:33:08 PM

If the EIN number is the same and you work in more than 1 state or city, sometimes they will give you another W2 with the extra state information on it and the top part the same or not filled in.  If this is the case, list one W-2 but include both state or local  taxes on it.  It will let you type in more than one line for boxes 15-20.  Don't add the boxes together.  Same for boxes 12 & 14 if there is no room on the first W2 they can give you another W2 with the extra boxes on it.  So list them all on 1 W2.  For box 12 just enter it in the next row or box.  It doesn't have to match the box 12c etc.

Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 2:33:10 PM

Basically, treat them all as one single W-2 with multiple states for boxes 15-17. The program will allow you to enter up to 10 states for boxes 15-17 in the W-2 entry screen. After you enter the 2nd state, then a third line will "magically" appear for the third state, and each state after that.

Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 2:33:11 PM

I also expect that more than likely you will be filing a state tax return for each of those states to. If/When you do that, it is important that you complete all non-resident state returns *FIRST* and save your resident state return for last. That way, the program can correctly account for taxes paid to other states that your resident state may have a reciprocal tax agreement with.