topic What does the tax error code INCARCERATED_WAGES_ALL mean, and how do I fix it? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

What does the tax error code INCARCERATED_WAGES_ALL mean, and how do I fix it?

6140a975db8f — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:08:05 GMT

I HAVE been incarcerated from 2018-2022, but I worked a full year. I'm not sure how I can fix this error?

Re: What does the tax error code INCARCERATED_WAGES_ALL mean, and how do I fix it?

xmasbaby0 — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 18:40:18 GMT

What full year are you trying to prepare a tax return for? Are you using online to prepare a 2022 return? Are you still incarcerated or were you released during 2022. Please explain.

Re: What does the tax error code INCARCERATED_WAGES_ALL mean, and how do I fix it?

6140a975db8f — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 18:45:19 GMT

I'm trying to prepare a tax return for this past year. I am no longer incarcerated, out in January of 2022. I didn't receive wages so I'm not understanding what they are needing from me?

Also, would you happen to know if I could still file for the stimulus payments?

Re: What does the tax error code INCARCERATED_WAGES_ALL mean, and how do I fix it?

xmasbaby0 — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 18:49:00 GMT

Okay---if you did not receive any wages in 2022 what income are you entering on a tax return? If you have no taxable income there is not a reason for you to file a return. you say that you worked a full year--so what do you mean when you say you did not receive wages?

As for stimulus checks:

The first EIP --or stimulus check--- was issued in 2020 It was for $1200 for adults and $500 for a dependent under the age of 17. The IRS used information from either your 2019 or 2020 tax return to issue those checks so they could send them out in a hurry.

The 2nd EIP or stimulus was issued in late 2020 or early 2021 and was $600 for adults and $600 for dependents under age 17.

If you did not receive the 1st and/or 2nd stimulus check you can get it by filing a 2020 tax return and using the recovery rebate credit in Federal Review. It will end up on line 30 of a 2020 tax return and will be added to your refund (or reduce your tax due).

The 3rd EIP--or stimulus check-- was sent out in mid-March or later in 2021 and was for $1400 per person--adults and dependents no age limit.

If you did not get the 3rd EIP payment you can get it by filing a 2021 tax return and using the recovery rebate credit in Federal Review. The credit will go on line 30 of your Form 1040 and will add to your refund (or reduce your tax due).

Online preparation and e-filing for 2019 and 2020 and 2021 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2019, 2020 or 2021 you can purchase and download desktop software to do it, then print, sign, and mail the return(s)

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You may also want to explore purchasing the software from various retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, Sam’s, etc.

Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/state-taxes/help/how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue/00/25573

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s. Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses. Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

Note: The desktop software you need to prepare the prior year return must be installed/downloaded to a full PC or Mac. It cannot be used on a mobile device.

Re: What does the tax error code INCARCERATED_WAGES_ALL mean, and how do I fix it?

6140a975db8f — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 01:28:35 GMT

Okay. I worked January 2022 to January 2023... these are the W2s I am filing right now and that is the tax code error I am receiving. I just need to know how to fix it.

Thank you for the stimulus information!

Re: What does the tax error code INCARCERATED_WAGES_ALL mean, and how do I fix it?

DianeW777 — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 16:57:08 GMT

Let's try to fix your error by using the steps below.

Search (upper right) > type w2 > Click the Jump to ... link > Edit next to each of your W2s
Continue on each screen until you reach the one titled 'Let's check for uncommon situations'
Review to make sure you did not select 'Inmate or lived in a halfway house'

Pay received for work while an inmate is not considered earned income and does apply toward calculating the Earned Income Credit. If any income was received in this scenario, it needs to be reported.

Earned Income