W-2 with Amount in Box 16 But Box 1 is Empty

[orson55]

Sorry this is complicated, I'd appreciate any help you can give.  We received 3 different w-2s from the same company for the same work.  The checks were for residuals earned from acting work done in CA five years ago.

CA w-2:   shows state tax on the TOTAL amount earned in the checks.  There is nothing in box 1, only box 16 &17.    

NV w-2:   is for our state of residency, where we have received ALL of the checks.  It shows half the total amount of the CA w-2 in box 16 for NV, and boxes 1-6 show taxes withheld on the TOTAL amount.  

IL w-2 : was from a few checks that were sent to a former address in an error by the company.  The amount in box 16 is the other half of the CA w-2 total (the CA total was seemingly split between the NV and IL w-2s), and it shows IL in box 15. There is nothing in any other boxes on the IL w-2, including box 1.  We did not live in IL during the time of the work, nor have we had residency there in the past 2 years. The checks were accidentally sent there and later forwarded to us by USPS.  

I've tried multiple times to find contact info for the company that issued the w-2, but can't find any info other than a PO Box.  I don't know how to handle a w-2 for a state that is both non-resident and not the state the income was made in (IL) and has no info other than in box 15 & 16.

How would you proceed?  

Thank you!

[KarenM90 · Accepted solution]

From what you are saying I am assuming that one of the W2's from this employer has boxes 1-6 completed and the totals in those boxes are correct regarding total wages received from all "jobs" performed for this employer.  If this is the case, you can go ahead and complete your Federal return information in TurboTax.

If that is a correct statement, then you can enter all this information for the various states on the same screen in TurboTax (once corrected).  Please see this Help Article for more details:  Multiple W2's from Same Employer

If the amount of California wages is incorrect (only a portion of the wages reported were actually earned in California) this will need to be corrected.  (See suggested steps below)

For Nevada, if taxes were withheld from your wages, this will need to be corrected since there is no personal income tax in Nevada and taxes should not have been withheld. (See suggested steps below)

For Illinois, if you never lived, or worked at any time, during 2019 in Illinois, for this employer, then this W2 is incorrect also. (See suggested steps below)

Step 1:  If the above referenced W2's are incorrect, you will need to first contact that employer and request a corrected W2.  If you have no phone numbers and no contact information other than what is on the W2 as the employer's address, send a certified letter to that address.

Step 2:  Once you have proof (certified letter) that you have made an effort to contact the employer you can call the IRS and ask for help in getting these errors corrected.  Call 1-800-829-1040.  Be sure you have your incorrect W2 in front of you when you call.

Step 3:  You can file your return in Turbo Tax using Form 4852.  (Don't do this until you have completed Steps 1 & 2.   

From the IRS Instructions for Form 4852,  Purpose of form. Form 4852 serves as a substitute for Forms W-2, W-2c, and 1099-R and is completed by you or your representatives when (a) your employer or payer doesn’t issue you a Form W-2 or Form 1099-R or (b) an employer or payer has issued an incorrect Form W-2 or Form 1099-R. Attach this form to the back of your income tax return before any supporting forms or schedules. You should always attempt to get your Form W-2, Form W-2c, or Form 1099-R from your employer or payer before contacting the IRS or filing Form 4852.