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February 6, 2021
Question

What does this question mean ? “ State abbreviation can not be blank if tax withheld in Box 17 or state wages in Box 16 have an amount.”

  • February 6, 2021
  • 1 reply
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I’m trying to file and i don’t understand what’s wrong. The federal tax withheld box on my form is left blank , but boxes 16

1 reply

KathrynG3
February 6, 2021

“ State abbreviation can not be blank if tax withheld in Box 17 or state wages in Box 16 have an amount.” means that the state has not been entered on your W-2. 

 

To fix this, return to your Jobs (W-2) section, select Review, and follow these steps: 

  • Next to your W-2, select Edit and Continue
  • Scroll all the way down to the first row under State Taxes and check if your state is entered in Box 15. Adding the state should correct this. 

Your statement cut off, so there is likely more to this story. But, I recommend starting with entering your state.

 

However, if you live in a state that does not have income tax, I recommend deleting the state line all together by selecting the Trash can icon at the end of the State Taxes row.