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New Member
posted Feb 18, 2026 5:04:59 PM

Major changes in w2

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.

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3 Replies
Level 15
Feb 18, 2026 5:07:27 PM

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

New Member
Feb 18, 2026 5:11:57 PM

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. 

Level 15
Feb 18, 2026 5:49:00 PM

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.