Skip to main content
March 8, 2020
Question

Why does the the amount of the difference between boxes 5 and 16 equal exactly the amount shown in box 12a? How do I explain the difference if I don't know why?

  • March 8, 2020
  • 1 reply
  • 0 views
No text available

1 reply

Critter
Employee
March 8, 2020

Again this is a question for your employer to answer ... but box 5 is the total wages you earned which is subject to medicare taxes.  Some things are not subject to federal taxes so box 1 will be different ... look to box 12 for the differences.   And some things are not subject to state taxes in box 16 and/or allowed as a deduction.  Look to boxes 12 & 14 for information that may give you the answer as well as your paycheck stub.