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New Member
posted Feb 8, 2021 1:39:23 PM

What should i do if box 15 (and state ID number) are empty?

Box 15 and the state ID number are empty on my W2.  When entering the information into TurboTax, the form says to leave blank if empty, which I did, but now I can't file my return.  It says I must fill in these boxes.  What should I do?

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Feb 8, 2021 2:17:11 PM

If the state has no State Income Tax, Box 15 should be left blank UNLESS there is an amount in Box 17. 

If Box 15, 16 and 17 are blank on your W2, leave them blank on the W2 input screen. 

If you you are still having issues, consider deleting the W2 and re-entering it by hand. 

 

If there IS an amount in Box 17, contact the employer since then an entry in Box 15 would be required. 

7 Replies
New Member
Feb 8, 2021 1:50:59 PM

Don't worry about anything the is empty 

New Member
Feb 8, 2021 1:56:07 PM

Right but how can I get my taxes filed without the info?  I’m stuck on that screen and both boxes have the red box around it. I need to fill these boxes before continuing.  

Expert Alumni
Feb 8, 2021 1:58:29 PM

Verify that boxes 15-20 are all empty.  If there are any values in any of these boxes TurboTax will generate errors.

Expert Alumni
Feb 8, 2021 2:17:11 PM

If the state has no State Income Tax, Box 15 should be left blank UNLESS there is an amount in Box 17. 

If Box 15, 16 and 17 are blank on your W2, leave them blank on the W2 input screen. 

If you you are still having issues, consider deleting the W2 and re-entering it by hand. 

 

If there IS an amount in Box 17, contact the employer since then an entry in Box 15 would be required. 

New Member
Feb 8, 2021 2:43:16 PM

There is an amount in box 17.  So I will call the employer and get their number.   Thank you!!!!!

Returning Member
Apr 11, 2022 12:01:14 AM

I am having similar problems trying to efile federal tax year 2021.  I worked outside the US and box 15 on W2 has "x8".   I left it blank.   The software wants to do a check for accuracy and keeps returning to box 15.  It does not like box15 left blank.  Turbotax gives me an option to "change filing method" but would preferably efile.  

 

Help!

Cynthia

Intuit Alumni
Apr 11, 2022 3:09:55 PM

You can also enter 0 in the box since it does not like the box to be blank. 

 

If you need further assistance, please click here to contact us by phone. @cynthia29