On my W2 I have an item in Box 14 labeled AZ SDI. In the category drop-down, there are many other states' SDI's listed, but none for Arizona. How should I categorize it?

[ivan-b]

I'm continuously frustrated by TurboTax asking for "categories" on these and other items where no categories exist on the actual forms (in this case on the W-2 in box 14). Does it actually matter to the IRS or state tax agencies what categories I put? Are these actually entered on the tax forms I submit?

[ivan-b]

No idea why this got put in "retirement tax questions." I'm not retired and this is not about a retirement account.

[DavidD66]

Employers can put just about anything in box 14; it's a catch-all for items that don't have their own dedicated box on the W-2.

In TurboTax, enter the description from your W-2's box 14 on the first field in the row. Enter the dollar amount and select the correct tax category that goes with that description.

If none of the categories apply, scroll to the bottom of the list and choose Other–not on above list. Don’t worry. We'll figure out if it impacts your return or not. If we need more information, we'll ask you.

[fukturbtax666]

The problem, Mr. Tax Expert, is Ivan and many others don't know what these abbreviations in box 14 mean and there's no explanation given on the W-2, yet TurboTax insists on an explanation. There's no 14c or 14d or whatever box on our W-2 with an explanation for the abbreviation. We get an abbreviation, and a number. That's it. Simply saying you'll figure it out and if there's a problem you'll let us know is HORRIBLE because now we get to wait around for a letter from the IRS saying "You owe us money you tax evader!" Nobody wants the slightest open-ended anything with TurboTax or the government. Here is my brilliant suggestion for TurboTax: If it's not really important, Include a "THERE'S NO EXPLANATION" option so people don't think they're misfiling their taxes or waste time trying to figure out wth these abbreviations are, because I'm willing to bet this is just one of the many confusing frustrating oversights TurboTax makes. Oh and happy retirement Ivan XD

[JohnB5677]

Per the W-2 instructions: "Employers may use this box to report information such as state disability insurance taxes withheld, union dues, uniform payments, health insurance premiums deducted, nontaxable income, educational assistance payments, or a member of the clergy's parsonage allowance and utilities.

In most cases, the information that your employer lists in Box 14 of your W-2 does not affect your income tax return. In fact, for many Box 14 entries, the IRS does not even provide a place for it to get reported on your return forms.

See page 22 Box-14 Other  General Instructions for Forms W-2