Understanding Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement

Form W-2 reports wages earned and taxes paid

• Gather all your W-2 statements from each job you worked during the year.
• Look in Box 1 of the W-2. This is your total wages. Using a calculator, add up the Box 1 amounts from every W2.
• Put the total figure on Form 1040 Line 7, Form 1040A Line 7, or Form 1040EZ Line 1.

What if I Haven't Received My W-2?

Sometimes, employers will charge a nominal fee for providing you with an additional copy of your W-2. This is to prevent situations where employees simply lose or forget where they put their Form W2.

Some Information on My W-2 is Wrong. How Do I Correct It?

Corrections. If your name, SSN, or address is incorrect, correct Copies B, C, and 2 and ask your employer to correct your employment record. Be sure to ask the employer to file Form W-2c, Corrected Wage and Tax Statement, with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to correct any name, SSN, or money amount error reported to the SSA on Form W-2. If your name and SSN are correct but are not the same as shown on your social security card, you should ask for a new card at any SSA office or call 1-800-772-1213.

What if My Employer Refuses to Give Me My Form W-2?

If your employer still refuses to give you Form W-2, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. The IRS advises that you should have the following information ready:

• The employer's name and complete address, including zip code, the employer’s identification number (if known), and telephone number,
• Your name and address, including zip code, Social Security number, and telephone number; and
• An estimate of the wages you earned, the federal income tax withheld, and the dates you began and ended employment. (From Missing Your Form W-2?)

What Do All Those Boxes and Codes on my Form W-2 Mean?

Table of Contents
Form W-2 Basics
Where to Send Copies of Your W-2, and Instructions for Boxes A-F
Form W-2 Boxes 1-10
Form W-2 Boxes 11-20
Form W-2 Box 12 Codes and Explanations

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