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New Member
posted Apr 17, 2023 2:32:35 PM

If i have a W-2 from a lawsuit and it has no state ID number, what do i do?

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9 Replies
Level 5
Apr 17, 2023 2:42:27 PM

Assuming there's no state tax withheld, I would simply leave all the State boxes blank.  TurboTax should default the federal wages for state.  In fact, TT specifically says, 

State taxes (Boxes 15-17) - Leave blank if empty on your form.

Expert Alumni
Apr 17, 2023 2:52:00 PM

Do nothing in the state fields on your W-2.  TurboTax will carry your income to your state return and many state returns begin with the federal adjusted gross income.  You can check your state information about lawsuit income, but since it's a W-2 it may be taxable.

New Member
Apr 17, 2023 3:03:54 PM

It has both federal and state taxes taken out

Level 5
Apr 17, 2023 3:11:16 PM

Then I would suggest you contact your employer and ask them for the State employer Tax ID number and a corrected W-2.  Some states use the federal employer tax ID number for state purposes.  So you may try that.  If you provide which state you're in, perhaps some folks here can tell you whether your state uses the same FEIN.  I'm in Calif, Calif has its unique employer State ID number from the state's Employment Development Department.  Good luck!

Expert Alumni
Apr 17, 2023 3:15:15 PM

If you have no state ID number on your W-2 form, but state taxes were taken out, use the federal tax ID (from box b) in box 15.

New Member
Apr 17, 2023 3:24:22 PM

It is not an employer, it is from a lawsuit.  There is a phone number on it which i called and was asked for a passcode.  I haven't the slightest clue what it could be or how to find it.  i am in Pennsylvania.

Level 7
Apr 17, 2023 3:56:45 PM

You can enter your income as "Other Reportable Income. Here are the steps.

 

  1. Open TurboTax.
  2. "Pick up where I left off."
  3. Federal > Wages & Income.
  4. Scroll to Miscellaneous Income, 1099-A, 1099-C > Edit or Add.

 

 

 

    5.  "Other income not already reported on W-2 or Form 1099" > Start or Revisit.

 

 

 

   6.  On the screen "Other Wages Received" select "Yes" > Continue.

 

      7.  On the screen, "Any Other Earned Income" select "Yes" > Continue.

 

      8.  On the next screen, select "Other" > Continue

 

 

 

    9.  On the screen below, enter the description and the amount.

 

 

    10.  Done.

Level 5
Apr 17, 2023 4:19:58 PM

If you really can't locate the PA employer tax ID number, I would use the federal employer ID number and see if your tax return will be accepted, assuming you are e-filing your PA tax return.  If PA rejects your e-file, then I would simply paper file it and attach a copy of the W-2 form.

 

I would not enter the W-2 income as "Other income".  I assume this is some sort of a W/C lawsuit.  Good luck!

Expert Alumni
Apr 17, 2023 4:36:02 PM

You need to contact the issuer of the W2 to find out what the state ID is.  Since the issuer withheld state income tax, it is required to have a state ID to identify the account the taxes were reported to.  You should not file your return until you have this information.

 

@mcco869433