topic I cant file my taxes because it keeps telling me to fix box 12 even though everything matches my W-2 anyone know why? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

I cant file my taxes because it keeps telling me to fix box 12 even though everything matches my W-2 anyone know why?

2a71cfe87437 — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:05:19 GMT

Re: I cant file my taxes because it keeps telling me to fix box 12 even though everything matches...

JamesG1 — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:42:42 GMT

An amount is required for the W-2 box 12 code. Has an amount been entered?

What code was selected in box 12 of the W-2? Certain code effective different portions of the Federal 1040 tax return.

Re: I cant file my taxes because it keeps telling me to fix box 12 even though everything matches...

2a71cfe87437 — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:48:26 GMT

It’s code S.

Re: I cant file my taxes because it keeps telling me to fix box 12 even though everything matches...

MinhT1 — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:52:15 GMT

On January 8, 2024, the IRS released a notice describing many changes required to implement the Secure Act 2.0.

If you try to enter Code S for Box 12 of your W-2, you may see this message: "We're updating how SEP and simple plan contributions are reported on the tax return based on new guidance from the IRS."

Section 601 of the Secure Act 2.0 refers specifically to Simple and SEP Roth IRAs. Code S in box 12 defines how to handle a SIMPLE plan.

TurboTax is currently working on the issue. Please check back later after January 31, 2024.

Re: I cant file my taxes because it keeps telling me to fix box 12 even though everything matches...

2a71cfe87437 — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 15:40:23 GMT

I’m still having the problem with box 12 it’s just telling me box 12 code S should not be greater than the value in box 12 with code s for this w-2 even tho it’s not

Re: I cant file my taxes because it keeps telling me to fix box 12 even though everything matches...

CatinaT1 — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 17:42:17 GMT

This will be resolved in the update sent out on February 7, 2024.

Re: I cant file my taxes because it keeps telling me to fix box 12 even though everything matches...

2a71cfe87437 — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 01:42:07 GMT

I'm still having this problem

Re: I cant file my taxes because it keeps telling me to fix box 12 even though everything matches my W-2 anyone know why?

cpro989 — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 04:10:33 GMT

New Update was released hopefully the update worked for you. It didn't for me:

This. This is what I have going on. . . uninstalled & reinstalled 3 times including a few times with the superpatch. I have been all set, paid, and WAITING for over a week for box 12 fix. . . . . and now Update Error.

"I got an update this morning and thought finally I would be able to efile. I paid for efiling. When I click Transmit Returns Now, I get the following error message: "FAILED_VALIDATION. There is an update available for your version of TurboTax. Before you can file electronically, you'll need to get this update. To do this, go to the Online menu and select Check for Updates." And.... Of course, there is no update available. I just spent an hour with support. I've uninstalled and reinstalled. I've run the manual superpatch. They had me try uninstalling by deleting TurboTax folders to make sure nothing was left behind during an uninstall. Nothing worked. Finally I was told I guess I need to wait for the next update which was supposedly coming February 10. This is all very frustrating"

Re: I cant file my taxes because it keeps telling me to fix box 12 even though everything matches...

CatinaT1 — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 14:10:28 GMT

Try closing TurboTax, clear your Cache and Cookies if you are using TurboTax Online, and reopen TurboTax. You can also try a different browser.

Also, make sure you have ran all updates.

If you are using TurboTax Desktop, check for updates under the Online Tab.

Re: I cant file my taxes because it keeps telling me to fix box 12 even though everything matches...

2a71cfe87437 — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 17:08:31 GMT

It’s telling me that the value for box 12 code s shouldn’t be greater than the value of box 12 with code s when it’s not

Re: I cant file my taxes because it keeps telling me to fix box 12 even though everything matches...

MonikaK1 — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 01:15:46 GMT

Another Expert has found that, when you remove the cents on the screen Tell us more about your retirement contributions, there is no longer an error message.

Also, removing the cents in the box on the screen Check this Entry, and on the line Box 12 S: on the Check this Entry screen stopped the error message.

Finally, the error is removed if you simply re-type the exact number, including the cents, in either of those places.

The amount from Box 1 of your W-2 is reported as a round number, and the removal of the cents amount on the screens referenced would not affect the accuracy of your tax return.

See this discussion for more information.