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Returning Member
posted Feb 23, 2023 6:08:20 PM

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

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.

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18 Replies
Expert Alumni
Feb 23, 2023 6:26:40 PM

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. 

 

 

Level 15
Feb 23, 2023 6:27:49 PM

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

Returning Member
Feb 23, 2023 6:31:14 PM

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

 

Level 15
Feb 23, 2023 6:34:14 PM

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

Returning Member
Feb 23, 2023 6:48:58 PM

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

 

Level 15
Feb 23, 2023 6:51:45 PM

And what happens when you simply leave it blank?

Returning Member
Feb 23, 2023 6:55:56 PM

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

 

Level 15
Feb 23, 2023 7:01:02 PM

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.

 

Returning Member
Feb 23, 2023 7:01:54 PM

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

Level 15
Feb 23, 2023 7:02:54 PM

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

 

Level 15
Feb 23, 2023 7:02:55 PM

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

Returning Member
Feb 23, 2023 7:06:12 PM

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

 

Level 15
Feb 23, 2023 7:11:38 PM


@fierycook343 wrote:

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

 


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

 

Returning Member
Feb 23, 2023 7:12:59 PM

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

Level 15
Feb 23, 2023 7:16:49 PM

You won't get in trouble. The IRS doesn't even look at box 16. Box 16 is only for the state. And you're not filing a state tax return because Tennessee has no state income tax. So no one cares what's in box 16. Your employer shouldn't have put anything there.

 

Returning Member
Feb 23, 2023 7:22:54 PM

My employer was the government, why would they get anything right.

Level 2
Mar 23, 2023 9:42:08 AM

Did you ever leave box 15 and 16 empty I'm having the same issue

Expert Alumni
Mar 23, 2023 9:56:01 AM

If you are in a state without state income tax, you can leave boxes 15- 20 blank.  If you already entered something, you can delete the W-2 and re-enter it.

 

You can delete the W-2 by going to the income summary screen and clicking the trash can next to the W2.  Then click Add a W-2.  I am not sure if you manually entered or imported it, but if you imported, then try to enter it manually.  Just do not enter anything from boxes 15 on.