How do you know which state is the associated state when you have multiple states on a W-2?

please clarify your question by providing additional details. you left out important info such as the states involved. where your principal residence was during 2022 or did you change states of residency during the year,  

The term "associated state" usually involves local income tax withholding in box 19 of your W-2. The name of the taxing jurisdiction (city, count or school district) is in box 20.  The associate state is the state that city etc. is located in.