My W2 wages are really really high. How can I determine how much of that was considered "other compensation"?? I don't recall making that much this calendar year.

[ColeenD3]

You may be able to distinguish these amounts by looking at your paycheck stub. There is usually a break-out there.

Box 1 "Wages, tips, other compensation": This is federal, taxable income for payments in the calendar year. The amount is calculated as YTD earnings minus pretax retirement and pre-tax benefit deductions plus taxable benefits (i.e., certain educational benefits).

[SteamTrain]

...and define "really high".  $$ vs ~$$ expected

What is the total of all the box 1's, for each different employer you had vs. the total compensation you claim to see displayed?   i.e. if you edit each W-2, are you sure the actual boxes 1-thru-6 in the software are exactly as displayed on any W-2 you've entered?  And make sure you've only entered one W-2 for each different employer.

Certainly the total compensation on line 1 of the form 1040 can be higher than just the box1's of any W-2 forms you've entered...especially if you've received tips, you've received scholarship $$, or worked as Household Employee, or have also had some $$ in box 10 of a W-2, or received a 1099-R with a code 3 in box 7....and some other instances.  But if no other unusual income, then an unusually high number usually indi9cate a mistaken entry on the W-2 form(s)