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Level 2
posted Feb 26, 2025 9:43:27 AM

missing locality name, box 20. need help to finish filing taxes

Missing locality name, box 20. Box 18 is filled but box 19 is empty. This is from a sperate W2 i received corresponding to a settlement from a lawsuit involving my employer. It's literally chump change but turbotax won't let me finish e-filing unless i fill out box 20. I wouldn't necessary say it falls under my employer because the "employer name" listed on this W2 is the name "defendant V employer", following by the address and zipcode in MN, but i live and work in CA the whole time and never MN. It came attach with a check. There's no contact information besides 2 phone number that's only intended to be used for change of address or contacting them after check void date. I haven't call any number and turbotax won't let me leave it empty as it's also empty on the hard copy. I can't just contact my employer for the info since this isn't your typical employer w2 form. I'm at a lost. What do? Enter "not applicable" in box 20, or file my federal tax through mail and attach that w2 along with it?

1 5 2693
1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Feb 26, 2025 5:13:40 PM

As it turns out, the IRS is not concerned about boxes 15-20 on the W-2, because these are only for states and localities.

 

If there is no entry in box 19, you may safely delete boxes 18 and 20. Sometimes tax software automatically prints things like box 18 even though there is no need.

5 Replies
Expert Alumni
Feb 26, 2025 9:49:08 AM

To clarify, is the number in Box 18 the same amount as in Box 1 on that W-2?

If you leave Box 18 empty, doe the TurboTax program have any other issues with this W-2? 

Level 2
Feb 26, 2025 9:57:42 AM

Yes. Box 18 match the number in box 1. If i leave box 18 empty like you mentioned, everything turns out okay and turbotax would let me file. So what do?

 

Expert Alumni
Feb 26, 2025 10:41:39 AM

Delete the amount in Box 18 so that you can e-file the return.

Level 2
Feb 26, 2025 5:06:43 PM

Would it be okay to just delete box 18 and file like that? I don't want to have make amends down the road because it clearly state that the information is being furnished to the IRS on the document. Or is it okay to just leave box 18 and put none in box 20?

Expert Alumni
Feb 26, 2025 5:13:40 PM

As it turns out, the IRS is not concerned about boxes 15-20 on the W-2, because these are only for states and localities.

 

If there is no entry in box 19, you may safely delete boxes 18 and 20. Sometimes tax software automatically prints things like box 18 even though there is no need.