Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
New Member
posted Mar 24, 2025 2:31:31 PM

Could you help me understand why the total from my W-2 and the expenses I entered doesn’t match the total income shown in the 'Explain My Taxes' section?

I've entered two separate W-2s, but the combined amount from Box 1 is different from what's shown under 'Explain My Taxes' → Total Income. The total income there is approximately $2,300 higher.

0 3 883
3 Replies
Expert Alumni
Mar 24, 2025 2:51:39 PM

If you'd like, we can look at your return and see exactly what you see to  help come to a resolution. The return will be scrubbed and won't include any of your personal details.

 

If you're using TurboTax Online:

Once you're logged in to your account,

- on the left hand panel, click on Tax Tools and then choose Tools

- on the pop up window, select Share my file with Agent

- you'll see a message saying you'll give us a copy of your tax return. Your personal information will be changed so we can't see any private information.

- click okay and you'll get another message with a token

 

If you're using TurboTax Desktop:

  • Click on Online in the top menu of TurboTax Desktop for Windows
  • Select 'Send Tax File to Agent'
  • Write down or send an image of your token number and state then place in this issue.
  • We can then review your exact scenario for a solution

 

Please reply to this message with your token so that we can further assist you. Let us know all other states that are included on the return.

New Member
Apr 7, 2025 8:30:13 PM

My token number is 1302181. Thank you for your help. 

Expert Alumni
Apr 7, 2025 9:22:01 PM

The Explain My Taxes section is Box 1 plus $5K from Box 10 of your W-2, less the loss on Schedule E (2,655).    

 

$5k of the $6600 in Box 10 is taxable on your tax return.   That amount is not included in box 1, but TurboTax adds it back to taxable income until you enter the qualified expenses paid for with the amount in Box 10.   To enter your dependent care benefits, see How do I get to the Child and Dependent Care Credit in TurboTax?   

 

What is the Child and Dependent Care Credit?