Major changes in w2

Forum|Forum|4 months ago
February 19, 2026
1 reply
2 views

I received my W2 from my employer and I noticed that there is a 14000 (less) dollar difference from the previous year. Nothing income wise has changed for me other than a 500 dollar raise. No one can seem to tell me why the change is so drastic. Im looking for any information that would help me understand. I didnt change anything from the year prior. I also pay into teacher retirement and the amount on my W2 is not the total amount that I paid. My employer doesn't seem concerned, but I am.

Not A Product Question

VolvoGirl

Level 15

What boxes are different? $500 a month could make a big difference.

Mispaw88Author

Level 2

All of them are different, but for example my box 1 in 2024 was 45000 ish and this year it is 31000 ish. My 500 dollar raise was for the year.

xmasbaby0

Level 15

That is a huge box 1 difference and is certainly a reason for another conversation with your employer. Do not file your tax return using that W-2 until you get that sorted out with the employer.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**