W2 empty Box 1 - Can't e-file

[fmincon]

I was a part-year resident of NY and CA (in that order) under the same employer throughout 2019.  I received two W-2's from the employer:

1. A standard one for CA
2. Another one for NY, but with boxes 1-14 empty.  Only boxes 15-20 and A-E are filled in.  The control number (Box D) is different from the CA one.

 Because Box 1 is empty for the second W-2, there are two immediate issues:

1. I can't e-file
2. According to the software, "New York State requires most taxpayers to file electronically if they are using tax software to prepare their return."

What can I do in this situation?  Any help greatly appreciated.

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

If the EIN number is the same and you work in more than 1 state or city, sometimes they will give you another W2 with the extra state information on it and the top part the same or not filled in.  If this is the case, list one W-2 but include both state or local  taxes on it.  It will let you type in more than one line for boxes 15-20.  Don't add the boxes together.  

Same for boxes 12 & 14 if there is no room on the first W2 they can give you another W2 with the extra boxes on it.  So list them all on 1 W2.  For box 12 just enter it in the next row or box.  It doesn't have to match the box 12a-d etc.

[VolvoGirl]

Don't worry about the control number.  

W2 box d Control number is not needed.  See

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/forms/help/i-have-no-box-d-or-control-number-on-my-w-2/00/26469

[fmincon]

Thanks for the prompt reply.  I did that and noticed something peculiar - the Box 16 State Wage for the NY entry is the same as the Box 1 total wage.  In other words, if I add up the Box 16 State Wages for both NY and CA they are way more than Box 1.  I assume that in the state tax portion I will be set the correct proportions myself - should I inform my employer to fix the W-2?

[bozaya]

Thank you!

[ErnieS0]

No. Do not ask your employer to correct your W-2 if your New York wages equal your federal wages. NY requires employers to report total wages for the year as “New York wages.”

Part-year and non-residents will allocate those wages on the NY return.

The New York section will ask you whether all your income was earned in NY.

1. On “New York Income Allocation,” say No to Were all of your wages and/or your self-employment income earned in New York State?
2. Edit “Your W-2 on Your Form W-2 Summary”
3. Choose Allocate by Number or Days or Allocate by Percentage on “Allocate Wages to New York” (percentage is usually the easier calculation).

@fmincon