Multi employers - individual returns off both W2's is smaller than my combined?

[DawnC0 · Accepted solution]

This is completely normal and correct.  You can't do individual returns for each W-2 you receive.  You get only one standard deduction per year.  When you enter your first W-2, your standard deduction is included and offsets some of your wages.  When you enter the second W-2, you do not get another standard deduction.  This income gets added to your first W-2 and you still only get the one standard deduction.  

If you get five W-2s or only one, it does not matter.  They all have to be entered together on one return with one standard (or itemized) deduction.  There is no such thing as a W-2 tax return.  There is only an ''income'' tax return.  Your income is the total of your W-2s.