TurboTax is not letting me E-file because box 16 for my VT wages is blank. Here's the deal, I live in Vermont, but work in NJ. All my wages were earned in NJ. But, I still need a W2 that represents taxes held for each state.
For whatever reason, my employer withheld ~$300 for VT state income tax, but box 16 (state wages) is blank, and that's causing TurboTax to throw and error and tells me I need to file by mail.
For my NJ w2, I see that nearly $1500 was withheld for state taxes, and my box 16 is $60,000, which is what I was paid in 2019 by my employer. Can I manually enter an amount in box 16 for VT even if it's blank on my w2? My HR dept told me to turn to ADP, our payroll company, but their support points me back to my HR department... it's an endless cycle.
Anyway, some guidance from someone who's been in my position before would be greatly appreciated. Maybe I should just enter $60,000 in box 16 for VT to match (though I didn't make that income in the state).
Help!
I think your best bet is to file VT on paper.
You don't want to change the Vermont wages on your W-2 because that would indicate that they are taxable in Vermont.
You should file your Vermont return to get the $300 back that your employer should not have withheld.
I have not been in your position, but I have had clients that were in your position, and this is the best solution. And this way, your VT return will be accurate.