healthcare worker bonus reporting difficulties

[garyspiewak51]

I followed the suggestions with regard to the W2 and adjusting the NY income entries, but the TurboTax program is still indicating that (1) I am ineligible for e-filing, and (2) I am required to e-file.  [The ineligibility is based on a description of the W2 box 14 category that is not accurate.]  How do I get around this?  Can I e-file or must I file by mail?

[DMarkM1]

Would you provide more clarifying information?  What is showing in box 14 on your W2?  Someone may be able to suggest a category. 

[garyspiewak51]

Box 14 reads as follows: 

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14 Other

22.80 SDI

1500.00 HWB

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The SDI is not a problem.  The HWB has already been identified as Health worker bonus which is non-taxable by NY.  The dropdown in TurboTax, however, does not provide that option and the only option that describes the item is "other...." which kicks off the "non-eligible for e-filing" sequence. 

[KrisD15 · Accepted solution]

Box 14 on your W-2 is used by your payroll department, it is not regulated by the IRS.

At times, Box 14 might list a tax paid by the employee. The tax might be relevant to that person's state return, but usually the people that are subject to these odd taxes are aware of the fact that they pay this tax and include it when they enter their W-2.

Taxable income is not listed in Box 14, or if it is, it is also listed in Box 1 on the same W-2.  (Therefore if it isn't entered, it doesn't affect your income)

If you are getting an error for the HWB entry, just don't list it. 

IRS link for W-2