Can box 1 be different from box 16 on your W2?

Forum|Forum|4 years ago
March 5, 2022
1 reply
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I received my W2 and it is left blank, but I have amount in box 16. I only worked couple of days, so I understand that the amount is very small. All the boxes are also left blank, except for box 14. I have CA-SDI 6.45 on box 14. Would I have to file this?

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Best answer by LeonardS

No, you should not just skip filing the W-2 with only Boxes 14 & 16 having any data in them.

An SDI of $6.45 on a W-2 would indicate that your employer paid you $537.50.

The SDI withholding rate for 2021 is 1.20 percent. 537.50 x 1.2% = 6.45

Box 16 on Form W-2 is for state wages if you had state wages reported there should also be wages reported in Box 1

You should check with your employer that issued you the W-2 and verify why there is SDI, and state wages in Box 16 but not any wages in Box 1.

@MaryK1101

MaryK4

Level 15

No you do not have to file if your only W2 entry is Box 16- the federal and state have minimum filing amounts for the tax withholdings, but the state disability fund starts at dollar one so even if you switch employers you will have paid into the fund.

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GY6Author

Level 2

Thank you so much for your reply @MaryK4 ! What do you mean by paid into the funds? And if I have multiple W2 for the year, should I just file the rest, without this one?