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February 10, 2023
Question

Getting error. How do I handle: Box 16 & 17 = 1 lineBox 18 & 19 = 2 lines Box 20 = 2 lines, same locality (paystub shows 2 entries for that city, but diff counties)

  • February 10, 2023
  • 1 reply
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I'm guessing because my company reported the two different counties that office is located in as separate (half the year one, half the other. I'm guessing because I *officially* got clearance to be remote halfway through the year...although I don't live in that city but I do live in that county). 

Federal is throwing an error and won't let me e-file because I can't fix this. I'd really rather NOT file by mail. Am I doing something wrong here?

1 reply

JosephS1
February 10, 2023

Easiest way to get around this is to edit your W-2 boxes 18-20 to combine the entries in 18 and 19 if the amounts are for each locality.  Box 20, while it may cause a problem in filing, is informational only and one of the entries can be deleted without complications.  This often happens when you import your W-2.  Follow the steps below:

  1. Click on Wages & income on the left side of your screen
  2. Click on Edit/Add at Job (W-2)
  3. Click on Edit at the W-2 in question
  4. Make sure all the employer information is accurate then click continue
  5. Scroll down to the Local Boxes and combine and delete what is causing the rejection.
  6. Click continue and answer the remaining questions (again) and you will return to the W-2 summary page and then the Wages &  Income page.

 

The IRS and State, taxing authorities are looking at the totals that apply rather than the individual amounts.  Granted, the local amounts will often be needed if multiple jurisdictions are involved but that can be taken care of on the local return to be filed.

 

@sasiman11 

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