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Level 2
February 28, 2026
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W2 box b (EIN) mismatch between electronic and paper copy

  • February 28, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 225 views

Hi!

 

I have a question on my 2025 W2 and looking for some guidance.

 

I receive both electronic (within my employer's HR system) and paper copy (via postal mail) of my annual W2 tax form for every tax year and the information between both version would always match. However, on the 2025 W2, I see some discrepancies. See below.

 

1. The EIN # (Box b) between electronic and paper copy is not same. The first 2 digits align, but the 7 digits after the hyphen is different.
2. The Employer info (Box c) is identical for most part, except that on the paper copy, just under the Employer Name there is an additional line (AGENT FOR: <<Employer Name>>).

 

All other information (Box 1 thru Box 20) between the 2025 W2 electronic and paper copy is identical.

 

Just to add. I checked prior year W2's and the EIN # on the 2025 W2 is identical with what was shown on prior year's W2.

 

Is this an issue? What EIN should I input in TurboTax while entering W2 info - the EIN on the electronic version?

 

Thank you!

    Best answer by JohnB5677

    I would suggest contacting your employer, or payroll department.  Have them confirm if there was a change to the EIN.

     

    In the absence of any other information, use the number from last year.

    If your return is rejected because of the EIN, use the other number.

    2 replies

    JohnB5677
    JohnB5677Answer
    Level 15
    March 1, 2026

    I would suggest contacting your employer, or payroll department.  Have them confirm if there was a change to the EIN.

     

    In the absence of any other information, use the number from last year.

    If your return is rejected because of the EIN, use the other number.

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    SK469Author
    Level 2
    March 4, 2026

    Thanks!