Form W-2: Box 12 code
Box 12 of Form W-2 shows a code followed by a value. The code indicates the type of payment. This is a listing of the codes for that box.
A: Uncollected social security or RRTA tax on tips. Include this tax on Form 1040.
B: Uncollected Medicare tax on tips. Include this tax on Form 1040.
C: Taxable cost of group-term life insurance over $50,000 (included in boxes 1, 3 (up to social security wage base) and 5)
D: Elective deferrals to a section 401(k) cash or deferred arrangement .
E: Elective deferrals under a section 403(b) salary reduction arrangement
F: Elective deferrals and employer contributions (including nonelective deferrals) to a section 408(k)(6) salary reduction SEP
G: Elective deferrals and employer contributions to a section 457(b) deferred compensation plan
H: Elective deferrals under a section 501(c)(18)(D) tax exempt organization plan
J: Nontaxable sick pay
K: 20% excise tax on excess golden parachute payments
L: Substantiated employee business expense reimbursements
M: Uncollected social security or RRTA tax on taxable cost of group-term life insurance over $50,000
N: Uncollected Medicare tax on taxable cost of group-term life insurance over $50,000
P: Excludable moving expense reimbursements paid directly to employee
Q: Nontaxable combat pay
R: Employer contributions to an Archer MSA
S: Employee salary reduction contributions under a section 408(p) SIMPLE
T: Adoption benefits
V: Income from the exercise of nonstatutory stock options
W: Employer contributions to an employee’s Health Savings Account
Y: Deferrals under a section 409A nonqualified deferred compensation plan
Z: Income under a section 409A on a nonqualified deferred compensation plan
AA: Designated Roth contributions to a section 401(k) plan
BB: Designated Roth contributions to a section 403(b) salary reduction agreement
DD: Cost of employer-sponsored health coverage
EE: Designated Roth contributions under a governmental section 457(b) plan.
Forms W-2 provide information to your employees, social security, the IRS, and state and local governments.
Employers must file Form W-2 for wages paid to each employee from whom:
- Income, social security, or Medicare tax was withheld or
- Income tax would have been withheld if the employee had claimed no more than one withholding allowance or had not claimed exemption from withholding on Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate.
Also, every employer engaged in a trade or business who pays remuneration for services performed by an employee, including non-cash payments, must file a Form W-2 for each employee even if the employee is related to the employer.
Form W-2C is filed to correct a previous Form W-2 submission. File a Form W-3C whenever you file a Form W-2C with Social Security, even if you are only filing Form W-2C to correct an employee’s name or Social Security number (SSN).
by 
Erich J. Ruth
Erich J. Ruth provides technical support for National Software which is the parent company for 1099FIRE. 1099FIRE develops and markets a comprehensive range of products that enables any size of business or institution to effectively manage and comply with year-end filing requirements. 1099FIRE is an employee-owned company located in Phoenix, Arizona.
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