topic IRS E-Filing W-2 with Blank Box #1 in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

IRS E-Filing W-2 with Blank Box #1

tax_filer_11 — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:07:17 GMT

Hello,

For context, I uploaded two W-2s (one for each state) from the same employer to quickly pre-fill in the information. As I was preparing to e-file my taxes, I got a message from TurboTax that the IRS does not accept W-2s with a blank box #1. One of those W-2s that I uploaded to TurboTax contains a blank box #1. To avoid mailing in my tax return as I would prefer e-filing, can I delete the W-2 with the blank box #1 and fill in the income for the W-2 manually, thus avoiding filing by mail and removing the W-2 with a blank box #1?

Thank you!

Re: IRS E-Filing W-2 with Blank Box #1

MaryK4 — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 20:43:17 GMT

Yes, you can delete the uploaded W-2s and enter manually with the combined information, essentially adding the state to consolidate the W-2 information so that you can efile.

Re: IRS E-Filing W-2 with Blank Box #1

tax_filer_11 — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 20:55:13 GMT

Thank you for your response. To confirm, instead of having two manually entered W2s, I would just consolidate the information provided in both W-2s by listing the two states and associated information in boxes 15-17 under a single W2 entry? This will allow one manual W2 entry in TurboTax instead of manually entering both W2s provided by my employer.

Re: IRS E-Filing W-2 with Blank Box #1

MaryK4 — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 21:11:13 GMT

Yes, you will want to make sure none of the information is doubled, just add the state information.

Re: IRS E-Filing W-2 with Blank Box #1

tax_filer_11 — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 21:16:31 GMT

Thank you for the help

Re: IRS E-Filing W-2 with Blank Box #1

mblanco59 — Sat, 25 Mar 2023 18:53:41 GMT

I have a W-2 from my former employer. Box 1 is zero. Box 12a lists the amount my former employer contributed to my HSA. I have no other W-2. Is there a way I can still efile?

Re: IRS E-Filing W-2 with Blank Box #1

MarilynG1 — Sat, 25 Mar 2023 19:35:26 GMT

If you have no income to report, you may not need to file a tax return. Here's more info on Filing Requirements.

Since the HSA Contribution your employer made for you doesn't affect your tax return, save the W-2 with $0 in Box 1 for your records.

You can still use the HSA amount for Medical Expenses, though. Contact your employer (or the plan administrator) for details.

@mblanco59

Re: IRS E-Filing W-2 with Blank Box #1

mblanco59 — Sat, 25 Mar 2023 19:44:05 GMT

Thanks, Marilyn. I could have given a bit more information, but don't know if it changes anything. I've got W-2 income from a different employer for part time work. I've got several 1099's for pensions. Six figure taxable income. But my former employer contributes to my HSA, so I've got a W-2 with zero in box 1 and a dollar figure in box 12 (code W). I definitely am required to file a return. But that darn W-2 with zero in box 1 is preventing me from e-filing. I've read where some suggest entering $1 in Turbo Tax for Box 1 but I don't want that to trigger action due to my return not matching the actual W-2. As a result, I've also read where some say it's ok to do this (add the $1 in box 1 in Turbo Tax) and others say to not do it for the reason I mentioned above. Am trying to find a dependable answer.

Re: IRS E-Filing W-2 with Blank Box #1

DMarkM1 — Sat, 25 Mar 2023 20:34:11 GMT

If there is nothing else on the W2 do not enter the form W2. Technically since you were not an employee this probably should have been reported on form 1099-MISC not a W2. So you are going to enter as an HSA contribution made on your behalf.

Go to the "Deductions and Credits" section and scroll down to the "Medical" topic and use the "HSA... contributions" topic to enter the contribution amount. TurboTax will ask if you made contributions to an HSA. Answer "Yes" and you will arrive at page that asks for the contribution amounts and should show zero for the W2 box 12 amount. You will enter the amount from box 12 coded W along with any contributions you personally made in the box that says "Contributions you personally made or others made for you."