How to Report Two Localities on W-2

If your W‑2 includes more than one locality in Box 20, follow the steps below to ensure your state and local income are reported correctly and to avoid duplicated wages or withholding. 

📍 Navigation Path

• Federal 
• Income (Select My Forms)
• W‑2

✅ Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Enter the W‑2 as Reported

• Select W‑2
• Enter all W‑2 information exactly as shown
• Complete the first set of Boxes 15–20 using the first locality listed

2. Add an Additional State/Locality

• To add the second state/local entry, select “Add another state.”
• In the second set of boxes, enter:
  • Box 15 – State
  • Box 18 – Local wages
  • Box 19 – Local tax withheld
  • Box 20 – Locality name

🚫 Do NOT enter amounts in Boxes 16 or 17 on the additional entry

This prevents state wages or withholding from being doubled, which can cause calculation errors.

3. Repeat as Needed (Up to Four Localities)

• You may report up to four localities per W‑2
• Use “Add another state” for each additional locality (up to the limit)

⚠️ Limitations

• Only four localities can be reported per W‑2
• Exceeding this limit requires an additional workaround (see below)

🛠 More Than Four Localities?

If your W‑2 lists more than four localities, follow these steps:

1. Subtract $1 from Box 1 (Wages) on the original W‑2 entry
2. Create a new W‑2 entry
3. Re‑enter the employer information
4. Enter $1 in Box 1
5. Repeat the steps above to enter the remaining Boxes 15–20 localities

✅ This allows all localities to be reported without overstating wages.

Do I enter my Total State amount?

No, when reporting your state wages and withholdings for your W-2, you must use the individual state amounts, not the Total State amounts.