Out of state employer, should box 16 on W-2 be empty?

[Anonymous]

I live in Florida but my employer is in California. Box 16 includes a number that is lower than my total wages. Should this box be filled or is there an error on my W-2?

[RobertG · Accepted solution]

If you live and work in Florida, you would not normally have State wages from California. (Box 16)

If Box 15 has a State and State ID number, you should contact your employer and ask why they did that.  It may be a mistake.

[Anonymous]

Thanks!

[ReginaM · Accepted solution]

Yes, your W-2 should have Box 16 filed out as these are wages from the State where your employer's business is located.    You would need to file a State of California, non-resident return if you have a filing requirement or in order to get a refund of your taxes that you paid to the State of California.  

Per the State of California generally, you must file an income tax return if you’re a resident, part-year resident, or nonresident and:

• Are required to file a federal return
• Receive income from a source in California
• Have income above a certain amount