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posted Jun 7, 2019 4:02:56 PM

Boxes 1 and 2 are empty on W2 (tax exempt)

Last year I started with one job and was tax except (low income, student, one job) etc. I ended up with two other jobs in the year that were taxed so I have two filled out W2's and one from the first job that does not have boxes 1 and 2 filled out. Should I leave them blank when doing my tax return?

0 1 4774
1 Replies
Intuit Alumni
Jun 7, 2019 4:02:58 PM

Normally, you should enter the W-2, exactly how you see it.  However, you should verify with your employer and get a corrected W-2. 

If you made any money, claiming tax-exempt or not, the amount should be reported in box 1, 3, and 5.  If you underreport your income, you will likely have issues with the IRS.  It is normal for some W-2s not to have any entry in box 2, but not in box 1.

You can claim exempt on your w-4 for withholding exemptions from wages (which only effects the amount paid in, not your actual tax liability).  Being truly tax-exempt is reserved for 'Employees of Foreign Governments / International Organizations' and a few other very small groups of individuals.