What goes in box 12 on W-2?

Asked by: Prof. Ethel Fahey III  |  Last update: December 28, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (33 votes)

W2 Box 12 uses codes A through HH to identify a general potpourri of miscellaneous forms of income that must be reported to the IRS. Some of these figures are taxable amounts that are also included in wages elsewhere on the W-2, while some represent non-taxable amounts for informational purposes only.

What is in box 12 on a W-2?

On the W-2 form, box 12 has a number of sub-categories ranging from A to HH. Long story short, the W-2 box 12 codes provide more information and determine if the amount is income for income tax reporting. However, if any amount is gross income, it's already included in W-2 Box 1.

What are the instructions for Box 12 on W-2?

Form W-2 Box 12 codes: instructions

There is a vertical line dividing each section of Box 12. The code goes on the left of the vertical line, and the dollar amount goes on the right of the line. For example, if your employee deferred a total of $1200.00 to their 401(k) plan, you would enter D | 1200.00 in Box 12.

What is the code DD in Box 12?

Health Insurance Cost on W-2 - Code DD

Many employers are required to report the cost of an employee's health care benefits in Box 12 of Form W-2, using Code DD to identify the amount. This amount is reported for informational purposes only and is NOT taxable.

Can I leave Box 12 empty?

If your box 12 on your w2 is blank, leave the Turbotax box 12 blank. Do not put zero or anything else in it, leave it totally blank.

Entering box 12 information on your W-2 - TurboTax Support Video

18 related questions found

How do I know what to put in box 12?

W2 Box 12 uses codes A through HH to identify a general potpourri of miscellaneous forms of income that must be reported to the IRS. Some of these figures are taxable amounts that are also included in wages elsewhere on the W-2, while some represent non-taxable amounts for informational purposes only.

Does Box 12 affect tax return?

Box 12 amounts with the code DD signify the total cost of what you and your employer paid for your employer-sponsored health coverage plan. Code DD amounts are for informational purposes only—they don't affect the numbers in your tax return.

Is Code D in Box 12 taxable?

Individuals (employees) do not have to report the cost of coverage under an employer-sponsored group health plan that may be shown on their Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, in Box 12, using Code DD.

What is the difference between DD and D in box 12?

Code DD is only information to you to tell you how much your employer spend for health coverage - you do nothing with it. Code D is the amount of salary deferrals to a 401(k) plan. You do nothing with than either other than enter it on the W-2 screen in box 12 just like it is on the paper W-2.

Why do I owe taxes this year?

A: There are many factors that could affect the amount of taxes you owe each year. Some are income related, such as you or your spouse getting a higher-paying job, starting a side business, or receiving an investment windfall. Others are related to major life events—such as getting married, having a child or retiring.

Which box on W-2 is taxable income?

Box 1: Box 1 reports your total taxable wages or salary for federal income tax purposes. The number includes your wages, salary, tips you reported, bonuses and other taxable compensation.

What if there is no code in box 12 of W-2?

If your W-2 has an amount in Box 12 but no code you will need to contact your employer and tell them that Box 12 does not have a code when it has a dollar amount. They will need to issue a corrected W-2 either to remove the amount or include a code for the amount.

Why is my tax return so low 2023?

The IRS warned back in November 2022 that “refunds may be smaller in 2023” for various reasons, including the lack of economic impact payments last year and the greater difficulty around deducting charitable contributions. The tax filing deadline fell on Apr.

What is line 12 on tax return?

Line 12 will sum the amounts from the Taxpayer's and Spouse's Form 2106. When adding Form 2106, be certain to select the correct one. Line 13 calculates from Form 8889, line 13, when Form 8889 is complete and line 13 contains a figure greater than zero.

What is Box 12 V on W-2?

Code V in box 12 of the W-2 indicates income from the exercise of non-statutory stock options. Per IRS General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3: "Code V—Income from the exercise of nonstatutory stock option(s).

How do I report deferred compensation on my taxes?

2 The payment of the deferred compensation will be reported on Form W-2 even if you are no longer an employee at the time. You are also taxed on the earnings you get on your deferrals when they are paid to you. The rate of return is fixed by the terms of the plan.

What is box 12 D vs AA?

Code D refers to contributions to a 401(k) plan. Code AA refers to contributions to a Roth 401(k) plan.

What is the difference between D and double DD?

Is D or DD cup bigger? There's no difference in the spacing between single and double letter sizes, a DD is one full size larger than D, just like E is one full size larger than DD.

Is Schedule D taxable?

Capital assets that you hold for more than one year and then sell are classified as long-term on Schedule D and Form 8949 if needed. The advantage to a net long-term gain is that generally these gains are taxed at a lower rate than short-term gains. The precise rate depends on the tax bracket you're in.

Does Box 12 Code W include employee contribution?

Employers must report all employer and employee Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions made through payroll as a single aggregated amount on the employee's form W-2 in Box 12 using code W.

Is Box 12 code DD required?

The aggregate value to employees of coverage must be reported in Box 12, Code DD of employees' Form W-2. The cost of health coverage is not taxable and the reporting is intended to provide employees information about health care costs.

What lowers your overall taxable income?

Key Takeaways. An effective way to reduce taxable income is to contribute to a retirement account through an employer-sponsored plan or an individual retirement account. Both health spending accounts and flexible spending accounts help reduce taxable income during the years in which contributions are made.

What counts against taxable income?

Generally, you must include in gross income everything you receive in payment for personal services. In addition to wages, salaries, commissions, fees, and tips, this includes other forms of compensation such as fringe benefits and stock options.