Here’s everything you need to know about the almost-ignored field of Form W-2; Box D.
Usually, employers are required to file Form W-2 with the IRS and send a copy of the same to the employee to communicate that the employee compensations have been reported to the IRS for a tax year.
The filed return includes the relevant social security information to help the IRS track the reports claimed by the employee on their personal income returns as well.
However, a minute detail within all this filing process, which is almost always ignored, is a little box of Form W-2 called Box-D. The following will discuss in detail the purpose of this box, its reporting obligations, and its uses.
So, let’s get to it.
What Is Box-D On Form W-2?
Take a look at the IRS Form W-2 and locate Box-D below the “employee’s name, business address, and zip code” box.
Box D is primarily designated for reporting a control number on Form W-2. The box may not always be located in the same place in the W-2 Form as the employers that print out the forms might source the form from a variety of mediums, such as the IRS office, online, or third-party agencies.
What Is The Purpose Of Box-D On Form W-2?
Box D reports the control number, which uniquely identifies your W-2 Form from your employer’s records. This number is usually assigned by your employer’s payroll processing software. You might need this number if you’re trying to import your W-2 form to an eFiling platform like Tax1099.
It is essential to note that this number is not a mandatory requirement and some employers or their payroll processing platforms may not even assign a control number sometimes.
However, the presence or lack of a control number is not going to impact the accuracy of your reports.
Uses Of Form Box-D On Form W-2
There are no major uses of a control number other than a serial instrument to identify your employer’s W-2 records. The IRS does not mandate the reporting of a control number.
Your filings will not be impacted by the lack of a control number unless otherwise instructed by the IRS through a communication or notice.
Taxpayers can leave this field blank as well and continue to report the relevant information to file with the IRS.
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