What do the codes mean in Box 12 of my W-2?

Box 12  Code

Description

   A

Uncollected Social Security or RRTA tax on tips

   B

Uncollected Medicare tax on tips

   C

Taxable cost of group-term life insurance over $50,000

   D

Elective deferrals to a section 401(k) cash or deferred arrangement. Also includes deferrals under a SIMPLE retirement account that is part of a section 401(k) arrangement

   E

Elective deferrals under section 403(b) salary reduction agreement with your employer

   F

Elective deferrals under a section 408(k)(6) salary reduction SEP

   G

Elective deferrals and employer contributions (including non-elective deferrals) to a section 457(b) deferred compensation plan

   H

Elective deferrals to a section 501c(18)(D) tax-exempt organization plan

   J

Nontaxable sick pay (information only, not included in boxes 1, 3, or 5)

   K

Twenty percent (20%) excise tax on excess golden parachute payments

   L

Substantiated employee business expense reimbursements (nontaxable)

   M

Uncollected social security or RRTA tax on taxable cost of group-term life insurance over $50,000 (former employees only)

   N

Uncollected Medicare tax on taxable cost of group-term life insurance over $50,000 (former employees only)

   P

Excludable moving expense reimbursements paid directly to member of US Armed Forces for military orders (not included in boxes 1, 3, or 5)

   Q

Nontaxable combat pay

   R

Employer contributions to your Archer MSA.

   S

Employee salary reduction contributions under a section 408(p) SIMPLE plan (not included in box 1)

   T

Adoption benefits (not included in box 1)

   V

Income from exercise of non-statutory stock option(s) (included in boxes 1, 3 (up to social security wage base), and 5)

   W

Employer contributions (including amounts the employee elected to contribute using a section 125 (cafeteria plan) to your health savings account

   Y

Deferrals under a section 409A nonqualified deferred compensation plan

   Z

Income under section 409A on a nonqualified deferred compensation plan. This amount is also included in box 1. It is subject to an additional 20% tax plus interest.

  AA

Designated Roth contributions under section 401(k) plan

  BB

Designated Roth contributions under section 403(b) plan

  DD

Cost of employer-sponsored health coverage (this is not taxable when Code DD)

  EE

Designated Roth contributions under a governmental section 457(b) plan. This amount does not apply to contributions under a tax-exempt organization section 457(b) plan.

  FF

Permitted benefits under a qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement.

  GG

Income from qualified equity grants under section 83(i) 

  HH

Aggregate deferrals under section 83(i) elections as of the close of the calendar year.