Tax Planning: U.S.

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How to Read Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement

Knowing how to read a Form W2 can help you understand your salary, and also help you get a head-start when preparing your taxes. You will need to report all wages you earned from your job or jobs during the year. Your employers are required to provide you with Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. Form W-2 must be mailed out or hand-delivered to you no later than January 31st.
Understanding Form W-2
You will need to report all wages you earned from your job or jobs during the year. Your employers are required to provide you with Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. Form W-2 must be mailed out or hand-delivered to you no later than January 31st.
Where to Send Copies of Your W-2, and Instructions for Boxes A-F
Where to send various copies of your Form W-2.
Boxes 1 through 10 of IRS Form W-2
How to Read Form W-2 boxes 1-10. Includes information about wages and tax withholding.
Boxes 11 through 20 of IRS Form W-2
How to read boxes 11-20 of Form W-2. Includes retirement plan contributions, state income taxes, and other information.
Codes for Form W-2 Box 12
There are several types of compensation and benefits that can be reported in Box 12. Box 12 will report a single letter or double letter code followed by a dollar amount. Here are all the codes for Box 12.

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Tax Planning: U.S.

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