W2 empty Box 1 (Box 12 HSA contribution only) - unable to e-file

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
March 3, 2024
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I have an empty W2 without any box 1 amt. but only box 12 HSA employer contribution amt. (A related problem is that I also have excess HSA contribution - I am letting TurboTax figure out the tax/penalty on the excess.)

Turbotax desktop says I cannot e-file due to this W-2. This is quite annoying because I was not expecting anything from this employer (I don't have any other W-2 from this employer) .

Is there any other workaround short of paper filing?

I appreciate any input on this issue.

Best answer by RachelW33

Unfortunately, you cannot e-file with a blank box 1 on a Form W2.

Since this is the only W2 you have from this Employer, you will need to report the HSA employer contribution separately in order to e-file your return.

Please follow these steps to get around this issue:

1) Delete the Form W2

2) Walk through the HSA interview again (search hsa and click the jump-to link)

3) When you get to the question "Did your employer tell you about any other contributions?, select "Yes"

4) Enter $1,200 in the box "Employer and payroll contributions not reported in Box 12 of your W-2

Doing this will get the amount reported properly on your Form 8889 line 9, which is exactly the same result as if you entered the W2.

RachelW33Answer

Unfortunately, you cannot e-file with a blank box 1 on a Form W2.

Since this is the only W2 you have from this Employer, you will need to report the HSA employer contribution separately in order to e-file your return.

Please follow these steps to get around this issue:

1) Delete the Form W2

2) Walk through the HSA interview again (search hsa and click the jump-to link)

3) When you get to the question "Did your employer tell you about any other contributions?, select "Yes"

4) Enter $1,200 in the box "Employer and payroll contributions not reported in Box 12 of your W-2

Doing this will get the amount reported properly on your Form 8889 line 9, which is exactly the same result as if you entered the W2.

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vijayarAuthor

Thank you - this helped! However I am getting another question towards the end when I run smartcheck/Review. Since I am not taking any withdrawal for the excess HSA amounts- I have entered 0 for the question below. Just need to know if this looks correct.

Thank you. @RachelW33