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Level 2
February 13, 2026
Question

Overtime Deduction: Software issue

  • February 13, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 0 views

I've just completed my taxes. When I entered my W2 and continued through to "check for other situations" I checked the overtime box because I got a statement from my employer with a qualified overtime amount but turbo tax say's I'm not qualified for the deduction somehow. 

 

I read through the articles and each one give directions on how to enter qualified overtime pay but they also say that when you hit continue at the bottom of the other situations page, the software is supposed to ask you questions to determine if you qualify but, I hit continue and am immediately taken to a page where it say's that I'm NOT qualifed for the deduction. It say's "We've checked, you're not qualified" and it then it says "

This deduction is only available if your Social Security number is valid for employment.
Those with ITINs or SSNs not valid for employment are not eligible to deduct their tips or overtime.
Let's keep going to check for other tax savings." 
 
Well, I was born in the country with a valid SSN, my employer is the government, I am an hourly employee, and have been using TurboTax for decades now.  So what is the problem?  Has anyone gotten any follow-up questions to determine if you qualify for this deduction using TT?

2 replies

DoninGA
Level 15
Level 15
February 13, 2026

Click on My Info on the left side of the online program screen.  Edit your personal information.  On the screen with your Social Security, make sure box labeled Not valid for employment is NOT checked.  If it is checked then uncheck the box and continue.

mamaseraAuthor
Level 2
February 13, 2026

Yes! That worked!! Thank you. I don't even know why, or even how, that box was checked?

AmyC
Level 15
February 13, 2026

Make sure not valid for employment is not checked- easy mistake. If not, go back into the personal section and delete your social. You may a stuck piece of data hidden in there that you can't see. Re-enter and try again.

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mamaseraAuthor
Level 2
February 13, 2026

Thank you so much!  I don't know how that box got checked. I wonder if that had any bearing on any of my previous years tax filings.