Why does the system keep asking me to update box 15 on my state return when I live in Tennessee?

[fierycook343]

I am entering my Military W2 and box 15 has me down for TN, where  I live, but the system keeps asking me to input my state for box 15.

[MarilynG1]

Box 15 on your W-2 should have a two-letter State ID (such as TN for Tennessee).

If you have no amounts in Boxes 16-19 you can leave all Boxes 15-19 blank.

If you do have amounts in Boxes 16-19, see if entering TN in Box 15 resolves your issue.

Make sure you indicated you are Military in the MY INFO section. 

Here's more info on Form W-2.

Thank you for your service. 

[xmasbaby0]

Several  states do not have a state income tax.  So these states will not show up in certain drop down lists.   Leave boxes 15, 16, and 17 blank when you enter a W-2 for these states.

Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming

[fierycook343]

That is the thing It is a drop down menu and Tennessee isn't on there so I can't select it.

[xmasbaby0]

You cannot select TN because TN does not have a state income tax.  It is not on the menu.

[fierycook343]

I know it's not on the menu, but the system is still asking for me to put down a state...

[xmasbaby0]

And what happens when you simply leave it blank?

[fierycook343]

It says in red "Needs info" under box 15 and the employers state id number.

[rjs]

It's asking you to enter the state because there is an amount in box 16 or 17. But there shouldn't be anything in those boxes for a state that has no income tax. As xmasbaby0 said earlier, leave boxes 15, 16, and 17 all empty. Empty, not zero. Delete the employer's state ID, too.

[fierycook343]

But that's the thing there is an amount in box 16

[rjs]

Delete the amount in box 16. You don't need it. Leave boxes 15, 16, and 17 empty.

[VolvoGirl]

TN does not have an income tax.  Leave boxes 15,16, & 17 BLANK, empty, no spaces.   

[fierycook343]

So even if my W2 has an amount for box 16, just leave box 16 blank when filing?

[rjs]

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@fierycook343 wrote:

So even if my W2 has an amount for box 16, just leave box 16 blank when filing?

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Yes, leave box 16 blank. Three people have now told you to leave boxes 15, 16, and 17 blank. Just do it.

[fierycook343]

Ok jeez relax, sorry i am worried about filing my taxes wrong and possibly getting in trouble.