Some employers report five or more Box 12 codes on a single W-2. Box 12 is used to report certain compensation and benefits, such as retirement plan contributions, health savings account (HSA) contributions, or other employer-provided benefits.
Our tax software currently allows up to four Box 12 codes on a single W-2 entry. If your W-2 includes more than four codes, you can still enter the information correctly by splitting the Box 12 entries across two W-2 records.
How Do I Enter a W-2 With More Than Four Box 12 Codes?
- Enter your W-2 exactly as issued by your employer, including up to four Box 12 codes.
- Reduce the amount in Box 1 of that W-2 entry by $1.
- Create a second W-2 entry.
- Enter the same employer information shown on the original W-2.
- Enter $1 in Box 1 of the second W-2.
- Enter the remaining Box 12 code(s) that would not fit on the first W-2 entry.
- Continue through and save the second W-2.
Why Do I Need To Adjust Box 1 by $1?
Important: Avoid Reporting Income Twice
Only enter the additional Box 12 code information on the second W-2. Do not re-enter wages, withholding amounts, or other information that already appears on the first W-2 entry.
Reporting the same wages or tax withholding on both entries could cause your income or taxes to be overstated and may affect the accuracy of your return.