I have a w2 from "the guardian life insurance company of America, inc. when ever I input the d control number. It wont go through. Am I supposed to add it the claim?

[AndreaC]

Sounds like you're trying to import your W2. That box d control number is used for the import functionality. Because that's not working, I suggest just typing the W2 in yourself, without the import.

[kinsamelia]

when I try to type it in manually, it still says its invalid. any ideas?

[JamesG1]

The control number (box d) is invalid?  Can you enter the W-2 without the control number?

The entire W-2 is invalid?  Or the EIN (box b) is invalid?

[Whytyis]

i am having the same problem.  I was out for surgery and recd the w-2.  i put in the ein#, when putting in the control number, which you have to, it is saying not valid.  I am typing it in exactly the way it is printed on the w-2 and still invalid.. what do i do next? do i have to report it if it still gives me problems?  i called in and the person helping me didnt understand what i was saying and said i was doing it wrong.

[JamesG1]

I would input the W-2 by hand and not download it.  Do not enter the information in Control number box d of the W-2. 

This number does not need to be included in your tax return. 

Please see this TurboTax Help.

@Whytyis 

[Whytyis]

But when I leave it blank it says it has to be entered, that’s a little confusing.. and I did input the info myself. I will try again but what happens if it doesn’t take?

[TeresaM]

The control number on some Form W-2s allows for a direct import into TurboTax but not all companies who issue W-2s have that capability. It will not impact processing at the IRS.
You can definitely enter the information directly into the form and it will match what the company reported to the IRS.

[Whytyis]

I have had 2 people tell me I can leave box d blank and it will not let me proceed with out..I don’t know how to get past it

[AmyC]

You have to delete the form. I can see it was imported. Follow these steps:

1. Delete the form, see How do I view and delete forms in TTO?
2. Choose to add a W2
3. Enter the EIN or Federal ID, continue
4.  Select to type it in manually
5. Enter the required information, not the control number
6. The control number now shows optional and is no longer required.
7. Continue entering your form.

@Whytyis 

[nsteph]

I had the same problem with the 2024 version of TurboTax online.  TTO indicated that I could import my W-2 from Guardian Life Insurance, but when I typed in the control number provided in box D (exactly as it appeared), it would not go through.

This is the error that appeared under the box:

Make sure this info exactly matches what's in box D, including spaces

I tried to get my W-2 another way, but Guardian did not provide a digital W-2 for me to upload, and my iPhone would not cooperate with the "snap a photo" process (despite being relatively new and updated to the latest iOS version).  So I went back and entered my W-2 manually, opting not to enter the control number in box D.  Everything seemed to go through that time!

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the discussion, but especially @cnb088 and @Whytyis for asking the questions and @AmyC for the most comprehensive answer.