My box 16 says "TOTAL STATE" what does that mean

[BillM223]

I assume that you are speaking about your W-2, right?

On the W-2, box 16 is used to report the wages for that state (see box 15) that the employer is reporting to the state. 

Normally, there is pre-printed text of "16. State wages, tips, etc.". Are you saying that there is something else in box 16 other than a dollar amount for your state wages? 

[GeoReb]

I have the same issue, as well.

[DianeW777]

When an employer lists 'Total State' in the state section of the W-2, it usually means this is the total amount for state wages, but other copies of the W-2 are supplied to show wages that apply to each state and the withholdings that apply to each state. In other words it would occur if you happen to work in more than one state for the same employer.  

• If this is the case then you need additional copies of W-2s to provide the break down for each state
• If this is not the case, and your state wages are routinely the same as the Box 1, federal wages you should use this amount.

NOTE:  Not all states have the same taxable wages as the federal taxable wages. For example, not all states allow you to defer, tax-free, the amounts put into 401(k)s, but some do.