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New Member
posted Jun 1, 2019 4:03:21 AM

On My W2 Both Boxes 3 and 5 are blank. No known pretax deductions. Will this affect my ability to file with this W2? Do I have to wait for a Corrected Form now?

I just got my W2's and went to enter them in to file but found that box 3 and 5 were Left Blank. I dont know if this will affect my ability to File with this W2 or if I have to Request and wait for a Corrected W2 that includes this.  As far as I know I have not had any pretax deductions(I opted out of the Aflak that was offered, no other benefits offered. I did have a garnishment for a few months but I am 100% sure those were post tax). I compared to previous years W2's with other companies and that is the only discrepancy I find.

0 3 10172
3 Replies
Level 15
Jun 1, 2019 4:03:23 AM

You need to contact your employer and find out why Boxes 3 and 5 are blank.  This is for Social Security and Medicare taxes.  

Do not file with the W-2 until you get an explanation or a corrected W-2 from them.  This does impact the filing of a correct return. 

Returning Member
May 14, 2021 2:41:33 PM

I am in the same boat currently.  My W2 has boxes 1, 2, 4, 6 with entries but 3 and 5 are blank.

I emailed my previous employer, they said they would get back to me with an adjusted W2.  But we are a few days before the filing date.

Is it an issue if I put in 0 for either of the boxes so I can e-file?

Expert Alumni
May 16, 2021 11:17:35 AM

The missing information is your social security and Medicare wages. They don't normally affect your income tax, so you may be OK to leave them blank or enter the box 1 amount for them. You want to get that corrected with your employer though, as the social security system will use their copy of your W-2 to record your wage income which could affect your social security benefits one day.