What happens if you don't have box D on your W-2?

Asked by: Mr. Maximilian Schamberger  |  Last update: September 30, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (16 votes)

A Control Number (box D) is used by many payroll departments to uniquely identify a W-2 in their system. If your W-2 doesn't have one, it's no big deal. If you get errors when attempting to e-file with an empty box D, just enter any number in this format: 5 digits, space, 5 digits (for example, 12345 67890).

What if there is no box D on my W-2?

Box d: A control number is an internal number that can be used by an employer. Do not worry if box d is blank. It simply means your employer does not use control numbers.

What happens if box 2 is empty on W-2?

If Box 2 on your Form W-2 is empty, it means that federal taxes were not withheld from your paychecks.

What is box code D on W-2?

code D for 401(k) elective deferrals incorrectly included 403(b), 457, or non-qualified amounts. code E for 403(b) contributions but did not have a 403(b) plan.

What happens if I don't declare a W-2?

If you forget to file a W2, you will still receive a return. However, if your tax filing error will cause you to owe additional tax, you must file an amendment and pay the tax owed by April 15. If you don't do this, you risk being charged late penalties and fees.

‼️If you didn’t have anything in Box 2 of your W2, then this is for you‼️

17 related questions found

What is the penalty for incorrect W-2?

Generally, the penalty for an incorrect Form 1099 or Form W-2 filed with the IRS is $100 and the penalty for an incorrect information statement provided to the applicable taxpayer is another $100. In each case, there is maximum penalty of $1.5 million per year (for a total maximum penalty of $3 million).

Can I skip a W-2 and file it next year?

To file your taxes without a W-2, you need to gather your final pay stub or any documentation indicating your total wages and tax withholdings for the year. If you don't receive a W-2, you can fill out Form 4852, available on the IRS website, as a substitute for the W-2.

What does D stand for on W-2?

D – Elective deferral under a Section 401(k) cash or arrangement plan. This includes a SIMPLE 401(k) arrangement. You may be able to claim the Saver's Credit, Form 1040 Schedule 3, line 4.

Is box 12 dd required?

The Affordable Care Act requires employers to report the cost of coverage under an employer-sponsored group health plan on an employee's Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, in Box 12, using Code DD.

How long does an employer have to correct W-2?

Employers are required to correct errors on Forms W-2 as quickly as possible. The penalty for filing an incorrect W-2 with the SSA increases over time. To avoid penalties, a Form W-2c is generally required within 30 days of becoming aware of an error.

Can I still get a refund if no federal taxes were withheld?

It's possible. If you do not have any federal tax withheld from your paycheck, your tax credits and deductions could still be greater than any taxes you owe. This would result in you being eligible for a refund. Remember – you must file a tax return to claim your refund.

What is a box D control number?

Box d: Control number.

It is an optional field and may be left blank. Note that this number is used to upload your tax information into tax preparation software. This number does not appear on the Workday version of the W-2 but is shown on the ADP version of the W-2.

How do I know if my W-2 is correct?

There are three easy steps to make sure your W-2 is correct:
  1. Check the spelling of your name. No nicknames here — you'll want to ensure your full name is spelled out.
  2. Verify that your social security number is listed correctly.
  3. Double-check that your taxable wages are correct.

What qualifies as a statutory employee?

A statutory employee is defined by the law as an employee who works for a business, but the employer is not required to withhold taxes from their earnings. However, the employer is required to withhold Medicare and Social Security tax from their wages.

Do I have to report box 12 d on my 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.

Why is box D empty on my W-2?

A Control Number (box D) is used by many payroll departments to uniquely identify a W-2 in their system. If your W-2 doesn't have one, it's no big deal. If you get errors when attempting to e-file with an empty box D, just enter any number in this format: 5 digits, space, 5 digits (for example, 12345 67890).

How to find health insurance premiums on W-2?

Reporting on the Form W-2

Employers that are subject to this requirement should report the value of the health care coverage in Box 12 of the Form W-2 PDF, with Code DD to identify the amount. There is no reporting on the Form W-3 of the total of these amounts for all the employer's employees.

What does D mean on tax return?

You'll use Schedule D to report capital gains and losses from selling or trading certain assets during the year. Capital assets include personal items like stocks, bonds, homes, cars, artwork, collectibles, and cryptocurrency. You need to report gains and losses from selling these assets.

What to do if box 12 is empty on W-2?

If Box 12 on your W-2 is empty, don't enter anything for Box 12. If you have more than one item showing for Box 12 on your W-2, enter each item on a separate line.

What happens if box 13 is not checked?

If you have a 401k through your employer but the box is not checked, this may have certain tax implications. For example: This may allow or disallow you to contribute money into other retirement accounts. It may also prevent you from getting the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit, if you qualify.

Will the IRS catch a missing W-2?

The IRS will contact the employer or payer and request the missing form.

Will I get in trouble for not filing a W-2?

Some states require you to file Form W-2. Failing to file with the State may result in IRS penalties. These state penalties are to be paid in addition to the Federal penalties. The penalty rates differ for each state, depending on when you file your return.

Who is responsible for incorrect W-2?

If your W-2 is incorrect

Ask your employer to correct the error. If your employer doesn't correct it by the end of February, you should either: Call us at 800-829-1040. Make an appointment at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.