W2G entry very slow

[miller1099]

 I have several W2G’s to load. Each one taking over 20 minutes.  You click on the first box then have to wait several seconds before you can enter any data, then allows the next box to be entered, then locks up again when you click the next box.  I have cleared cache and even did Windows clean up.  All updates are current.  Even tried to unplug from Internet to see if it was sending data.  Any one else with this problem?

[LindseyLO]

So that you can get further assistance please reach out to Customer Support by clicking here. 

[vckinder]

This is the absolutely worst thing in this program software this year for the taxable year 2021.   Having the same problem entering the W2G's - They take forever at least 15 minutes on each one.   You can fall asleep waiting for the next screen to come up.   Turbotax has changed something somewhere as this has never been this awful before.  However, when you call in to customer service, they are clueless how to resolve the problem.   They tell you clear cache, cookies, uninstall Turbotax, reinstall Turbotax, the server is too busy, try later, your computer must be slow, or your internet must be slow.   It's one big mess trying to get these enter.   With the number that I have to enter, it will take a minimum of 8 hours to enter something so simple as a W2G.    TURBOTAX - WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO THIS PROGRAM.   This is the same computer I have ran Turbotax on for several years and NEVER had these problems and nothing on this end has changed.   Turbotax needs to get a PATCH TO FIX THIS PROBLEM!!! 

[vckinder]

Just finished another W2G entry - this one took 25 minutes to enter.   Get the blue circle after every tab field and shows "not responding."   It almost seems like the Turbotax server - the more tax returns getting processed, the slower and worse this is getting.   TURBOTAX - PLEASE FIX THIS PROBLEM SO THESE W2G entries can be entered in something shorter than anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes.

[miller1099]

My problem is not resolved.  I attempted to contact support on Friday, but was on hold longer than I had time to wait.  This issue is clearly a program problem.  I'm not going to uninstall Turbo Tax again, or clear the cache, or upgrade my computer.  I get that you want to call support and I will continue to try, but I don't have hours to wait on hold.  How about someone there just install Turbo Tax deluxe and try entering W2G?  

[Critter-3]

First you do not need to enter all the gambling forms one by one ... you can skip that completely and simply enter the total amount won for the year ... simply say you  did not get any W-2g forms.  This is only lying to the program not the IRS since all they ever get from you is a total anyway.  They get all the W-2g info from the issuer since they also get a copy of those forms.  Entering in all the forms in the TT program is for your benefit only but if you have the ability to add them up yourself then please do so and quit pulling out your hair. 

[vckinder]

When I have had a CPA firm do the tax return not using Turbotax, the forms are all done separately, and they are each listed in the "Government" file copy that goes to the IRS. - not just a total as above stated in the comment

[miller1099]

I appreciate the information on not needing to enter W2G, but I prefer to enter them for my own record.  I've done it for the past several years using Turbo Tax with no problems.  The fact is this program is not working as expected.  If they cannot fix the issue, then I think it's time to research new vendor for my taxes.

[miller1099]

So I'm on the phone with a support person now for 45 minutes.  Seems when you call support you don't actually get someone who can help you but a person who acts as a go between you and the person you need.  I guess my answer is to choose another vendor.  Very frustrating when you have used a service for so long and they can no longer support you.

[vckinder]

I must agree - if they cannot fix this program, time to look for another tax preparation vendor.   I have used Turbotax for 25 years and never encountered such a problem like this entering W2G's.    They need to load the Turbotax program and see how fast they can enter W2G's on the Turbotax side.    Last one I entered took 25 minutes to get it to go through - totally unreasonable entry time.

[miller1099]

I've had issues with Turbo Tax in the past and had pretty good results with support.  Totally unprepared for this tax season.  I really don't understand the concept of their model.  When I first posted this issue, they got back and said call support so we can better help you.  Well, I called support and it was not any better.  The rep I got was nothing more than a go between.  I don't need someone on the phone waiting with me.  Very odd to me.  I've never experienced that when calling a support line for any company.  I'm guessing they are short staffed as so many other companies are now.  

[miller1099]

I've done a little bit of research on whether you can enter all your winnings in lump sums or if you have to enter the W2G.  I've found conflicting answers not only turbo tax community pages but also on other vendors as well.

Read here:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/do-i-have-to-enter-72-different-w2-g-also-how-do-...

and here:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/can-i-report-more-than-one-w2g-from-the-[product ...

[miller1099]

I've done a little bit of research on whether you can enter all your winnings in lump sums or if you have to enter the W2G.  I've found conflicting answers not only turbo tax community pages but also on other vendors as well.  I'm looking for an answer from one of the Turbo Tax Experts.  Some say you can do it, but it will cause the IRS to question your return.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/can-i-report-more-than-one-w2g-from-the-[product ...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/do-i-have-to-enter-72-different-w2-g-also-how-do-...

The IRS publishes e-file requirements for each tax year. According to their list of acceptable forms at My link, W-2G is limited to 30 copies.

Don't try to "combine" forms--matching information returns is what the IRS does best of all. And you may have noticed they are paying a LOT of attention to e-file requirements and preparer services lately.

While you can electronically file the return by consolidating similar winnings as explained below, doing so may result in the IRS contacting you for the supporting information since the consolidated information transmitted to the IRS will not match exactly the IRS copies they have already received (the total will match, but not the other information on the forms).

[DianeW777]

It's a convenience to enter each individual form that you have.  The IRS does (or will) have their copies of the W-2Gs for everyone because the payer is required to supply them to the IRS as well as the individuals. It usually takes quite some time before the IRS matches the actual documents with the tax return they belong to.

You can enter your total gambling winnings and keep all of your documents with your tax return so that you have the required information should you need to verify your entries down the road. In the software you would have to say 'No' to the question: Did you receive a W-2G?

You are preparing your own tax return and TurboTax is trying to help you in the most effective and efficient way.  Be prepared with your gambling losses and keep those records with your return as well.

Gambling losses are allowed to the extent of the winnings and only if you can itemize deductions.  You are not allowed to 'net' your winnings by reducing them by the losses.

@miller1099

[Critter-3]

The simplest answer to this question is to just LOOK at the Sch 1 line 8b ... this is the ONLY info the IRS is sent when you efile  no matter how many W-2G forms you enter in the program.   Entering in all those forms are for YOUR use only  so if you can add up all the winnings yourself then you can simply make ONE entry in the program ... just skip the W-2G entry screen by saying NO and on the next screen you can enter just the total. 

The IRS computer adds up all the winnings from the W-2G forms they also get from the issuers  and will be looking for that amount to be on line 8b.   This is just the brass tacks of the situation.   Now if you want to enter all those individual forms because you need the program to do the math for you then go right ahead and waste all that time if that will make you happy but it is not required.   30 years in the business and I have never entered in a W-2G form UNLESS  it had fed/state withholding on it ... that is the only time entering it in any tax program makes sense and even then you can still just make one W-2G entry with the combined totals.