In most cases, the information that your employer lists in Box 14 of your W-2 does not affect your income tax return. In fact, for many Box 14 entries, the IRS does not even provide a place for it to get reported on your return forms.
The program provides you with a drop-down menu of codes you are able to select for your W-2 Box 14 entry. The items listed in the drop-down menu are the ones that can affect your return (state or federal).
My code is listed
Be sure to make your selection accurately and enter the amount in the corresponding field. If you have more than one code that is listed, make a separate entry for each code and dollar amount.
What if my Box 14 code is not listed?
Because there is no standard list of codes, your employer can list any description it chooses for the items in Box 14. Even though the description in Box 14 of your W-2 may not match a selection from the drop-down menu in your account exactly, the codes may represent the same thing. We have provided the most commonly used codes and descriptions for each item in Box 14. However, what is printed in Box 14 of your W-2 may not match a description on the list.
Select "Other (Not Listed Here)" for the Code for your Box 14 entry. If the item is not specifically included in the drop-down listings for Box 14, the IRS has not provided a place or specific instructions for reporting it. If you have more than one entry and none have a corresponding code, combine the amounts and make one entry for 'Other'.
If you are unsure if the code your employer listed is the same as what is on the list in your account, please contact your employer to clarify exactly what the entry on your W-2 represents before selecting.
What if my Box 14 has no dollar amount listed?
Do not enter any information if there is no dollar amount listed. If you have already selected a code and are getting an error, please remove the code by choosing the blank entry at the top of the drop-down menu.