W2 Box 12 Codes

Form W2 is generally issued by employer to employees. There are several items that go to Box 12 of from W2. And if the code is not listed under code A through Code HH, go to box 14 and put the item there instead of box 12. For example, section 414(h)(2) contribution goes to box 14.

W2 Box 12 Codes:

A— Uncollected social security or RRTA tax on tips.

B — Uncollected Medicare tax on tips.

C—Taxable cost of group-term life insurance over $50,000.

D—Elective deferrals under a section 401(k) cash or deferred arrangement (plan).

E—Elective deferrals under a section 403(b) salary reduction agreement.

F—Elective deferrals under a section 408(k) (6) salary reduction SEP. General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3 (2022)-19

G—Elective deferrals and employer contributions (including nonelective deferrals) to any governmental or nongovernmental section 457(b) deferred compensation plan.

H—Elective deferrals under section 501(c) (18)(D) tax-exempt organization plan.

J—Nontaxable sick pay.

K—20% excise tax on excess golden parachute payments (not applicable to Forms W-2AS, W-2CM, W-2GU, or W-2VI).

L—Substantiated employee business expense reimbursements.

M—Uncollected social security or RRTA tax on taxable cost of group-term life insurance over $50,000 (for former employees).

N—Uncollected Medicare tax on taxable cost of group-term life insurance over $50,000 (for former employees).

P—Excludable moving expense reimbursements paid directly to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Q—Nontaxable combat pay.

R—Employer contributions to an Archer MSA.

S—Employee salary reduction contributions under a section 408(p) SIMPLE plan. Show deferrals under a section 408(p) salary reduction SIMPLE retirement account. (You may be able to claim the Saver’s Credit on this) 

T—Adoption benefits.

V—Income from the exercise of non-statutory stock option(s).

W—Employer contributions to a health savings account (HSA).

Y—Deferrals under a section 409A nonqualified deferred compensation plan.

Z—Income under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that fails to satisfy section 409A.

AA—Designated Roth contributions under a section 401(k) plan.

BB—Designated Roth contributions under a section 403(b) plan.

DD—Cost of employer-sponsored health coverage.

EE—Designated Roth contributions under a governmental section 457(b) plan.

FF—Permitted benefits under a qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement.

GG—Income from qualified equity grants under section 83(i).

HH—Aggregate deferrals under section 83(i) elections as of the close of the calendar year.