Was told to leave boxes 13-15 blank fro form W2G but it still won't allow me to efile without box 13 filled. How do we fix this?

[KatrinaB]

Please follow the directions below to fix this issue.

If a state ID number is not printed on your paper W-2G, then you can use the "Payers' Federal Identification Number" number in its place. This is known as a Form format error, and should not result in a delay in processing your return. But make sure that you select the state you won the money in the drop-down box.

To edit your W-2 G form type "W2G"-no dashes. in the search bar at the top right of your program and select "Jump to W-2G".

As you enter of your Form W-2G s for your gambling winnings, the state section is coded to boxes 13.

Do not enter a zero if the box on your paper W2-G is blank.

• If there is a dollar amount in box 14 or 15: To e-file, you will need a state id number in box 13. Enter the same Federal ID number and select the State you won the money in
  

• If there is not a dollar amount in box 14 or 15: leave 13 through 15 blank.

[mjsaetta]

Related question:  the W-2G form I received has a 17 character field.  Turbotax allows 16 characters only.  The efile has been rejected for no match on this field. 

Am I supposed to use the Federal ID in this line?  I have tried 2x to send both federal and state, and been rejected 2 times.  I'm hoping to get an answer and spend the money for a 3rd upload attempt to be successful.  thank you.

[Vanessa A]

Yes, you would use the federal ID and make sure the state you select for the W2G is listed correctly. 

[mjsaetta]

FAIL.  Rejected after following the instructions above.  Isn't this getting ridiculous?  Another $50 down the drain.  I should have gone to a CPA to save money.  Please help if possible.  The W-2G Line 13 field in TurboTax is too small to fit the Virginia state Identification Number.  I'm out $200 and will need to spend another $50.  I sure hope tech support knows about this.  HELP HELP HELP HELP HELP HELP HELP

[mjsaetta]

Per Virginia Taxation:  

What do the two-digits in the Tax Account number mean?

Web Upload requires the full tax account number with the tax returns. Each business tax return has a Virginia TAX Account Number

• 2-digit code for the tax type of that return ( ex. 10 = Sales Tax, 12 = Use Tax, 30 = Withholding Tax, etc.), and
• 9-digit FEIN, and 
• the letter "F" to indicate FEIN, and 
• 3-digit code for the business location. 

Example = 10-123456789F-001 for a Sales Tax return

[AmyC]

Your 17 character field, if it has a dash or other character, leave it out. You only pay to efile once, you can try again multiple times for no additional fee.

 Who issued issued the 1099-G and what are the 17 characters? Your note above shows 2+9+1+3=15 characters for state business id without the dashes.

@mjsaetta

[mjsaetta]

Thanks for the info on the efile charges.

>30-824729970F-002< is the number. Leaving out the dashes, TurboTax rejected it as too long. I tried every combo and it was rejected. Thanks again 

[mjsaetta]

AmyC, thank you.  Fed Form submitted, and Accepted!  I reread the issues, and found something else.  The error message was vague, so I went over every item on the form.  I had a typo in the Fed ID that was rejecting, too.  I was able to enter the State (VA) code without dashes, and it is pending review, so it hasn't rejected yet.  I'll post next status when received.

[mamiamjo]

OK I live in Texas (no state income tax). My W-2G had no information in box 13, but listed my winnings in box 14.

Both of the following ways corrected my error, but I'm not sure which is the proper method...

Method 1

• Entered the Fed ID in box 13
• There is no selection for TX in the box 13 drop down, and couldnt type it in either. Fortunately I was able to correct this at the final review just before filing

Method 2

• Left Box 13 blank
• Left box 14 blank - looking at my PDF return from last year (downloaded from Turbo Tax) the form W-2G does not show any "State Winnings" for line 14, so since we do not have state income tax and from the way last year's turbo tax return is shown, I figured, I'd just leave it blank.

Both of these worked (yes I have more than one W-2G), but I'm not sure which is the best way to handle this situation. Any feedback?

[RaifH]

You should use Method 2. As long as no state or local income taxes are withheld, which would show up in Boxes 15 and 17, you are better off leaving all state information off your W-2G. 

Please keep in mind that if you do go out of state to gamble, you may be required to file an income tax return and pay taxes to the state in which the casino is located, even though Texas does not assess a tax on gambling winnings.  

@mamiamjo