I was in work release. I got a w2 from the job I was at. Do I claim it normal. I really didn't make all the money it says I did. State got 55 percent of it. Please help!

[boudreax]

Work release and w2 that I didn't not make all that money. State takes 55 percent of it.

[Vanessa · Accepted solution]

Yes, you will enter your W2 exactly as it appears unless there is an error in the wages paid.  In that case you would need to contact the employer to have a corrected W2 issued. The amount the state took does not affect the amount that would appear in box 1 of your W2. 

[boudreax]

But do you get some kind of tax break for it? I made quiet a bit of money in the last year by myself.

[Vanessa]

Did the state take out money for room and board while in work release?  Was any part of it fines?  There wouldn't be a tax break for fine payments or room and board while in work release.  Room and board would be similar to rent.  There is no federal deduction for rent.  I would suggest going through and answering all the questions in deductions and credits to see if you qualify for any of them.  But, anything the state would have taken for fines or room and board would not be deductible.