Hi, I have a blank box 1 on W2. Is it normal? I am a J1 scholar claiming a tax treaty.

[DaveF1006]

No, there should be an amount in Box 1. You would report this as income and then you would  back out whatever income amount is excluded through the tax treaty. Here is how it's done.

1. Go to federal>income and expenses>
2. Wages and Salaries>Wages and Salaries W2

After the income is reported:

1. Go to federal>income and expenses>
2. Less common income>Miscellaneous income>1099A 1099C
3. Go to Other Reportable Income. Here you will enter as a description "income excluded as part of XXX Tax treaty and then enter the income excluded as a negative number by putting a minus sign in front of the number.

I mention this because the W2 is reported also to the IRS so they will expect you to report it on your tax return. What I suggest to you is to ask your employer for a corrected W2 so you can properly report your tax return and exclude the treaty income exclusion that is allowed in the tax treaty.

Also let me ask, did you receive a 1042 S also as this could be used in lieu of W2 if it reports the same wages as the W2?

[weezepunk]

Thank you so much!

Yes, I did receive it, but I am stuck here on the W2 form, do you think I should skip it by saying I don't have it?

[DaveF1006]

To clarify, did you receive a 1042-S with an amounts recorded in box 2, 4, 5 or was there a tax withheld reported in Box 2  of the W2?

[weezepunk]

Yes, the income is written in box 2 of 1042-S!

[DaveF1006]

To clarify again, what amounts are reported on your W2 and what boxes?

@weezepunk

[weezepunk]

No amount on W2 in boxes 1-6

[DaveF1006]

Yes, report your 1042-S in the following manner with the amount reported in Box 2 of the 1042-S.

1. Open your return in TurboTax 
2. Click on Wages & Income 
3. Scroll down to All Income 
4. Scroll down to Less Common Income 
5. Scroll down to Miscellaneous Income, 1099-A, 1099-C 
6. Click start 
7. Scroll down to Other reportable income 
8. Answer yes 
9. Enter description and amount 

To report the US tax paid (if you paid tax):

1. With your return open
2. Click on Deductions & Credits
3. Scroll down to Estimates and Other Taxes Paid\
4. Click on Other Income Taxes
5. Scroll down Other Income Taxes paid in 2021
6. Click on Withholding not already entered on a W-2 or 1099

@weezepunk