I have no box D or Control Number on my W-2 (2024)

FAQs

I have no box D or Control Number on my W-2? ›

If your W-2 doesn't have one, it's no big deal. If you get errors when attempting to e-file with an empty box D, just enter any number in this format: 5 digits, space, 5 digits (for example, 12345 67890). The IRS doesn't care what's in box D.

If the box "d" control number on your school W-2 form is blank or missing, you should still be able to file your taxes without it. The box "d" control number is primarily used by your employer for their internal record-keeping and should not prevent you from filing your taxes.

The control number is usually generated by your employee payroll software and is only necessary if you want to import your Form W-2 into the tax software electronically.

The Control Number on W-2 wage statement (Box D) is often found below or near the employer's name and address, but it may be located in a different place or not present at all. The location of the Control Number on a specific W-2 can vary due to the different formats used by various employers.

Please let us explain. The Box D Control Number is a code that uniquely identifies your unique W-2 document in your employer's records. This number is assigned by the company's payroll processing software, and is needed if attempting to electronically import your W-2 into a tax software program (like TurboTax).

Box d: Control number.

This is a code that identifies this unique W-2 Form document in your employer's records. It is an optional field and may be left blank. Note that this number is used to upload your tax information into tax preparation software.

Box d: A control number is an internal number that can be used by an employer. Do not worry if box d is blank. It simply means your employer does not use control numbers. Box e & Box f: Your name and address.

A name control is established by the IRS when the taxpayer requests an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The IRS creates the name control from the legal name listed on the Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number.

Declaration control number (DCN).

The DCN is a 14-digit number assigned by the ERO to each tax return. Clearly print or type the DCN in the top left corner of each Form 8453 after the IRS has acknowledged receipt of the electronic tax return. The first two digits are the file identification number and are always “00”.

What does control number 4 mean on W-2? ›

Box 4: Social security tax withheld

This is the total social security tax withheld from your pay during the year. Most employees pay 6.2% of covered wages, up to the maximum social security wage base which is adjusted each year. If more than 6.2% of that amount was withheld, OPA will issue you a refund in February.

D – Elective deferral under a Section 401(k) cash or arrangement plan.

A control number on a pay stub is essentially a unique identifier. Think of it as a tracking number for your paycheck. It helps employers and payroll services track individual pay stubs and ensure they are accounted for.

The control number box is optional. You can read more details about this here: General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3. For additional guidance on filing year-end tax forms through QuickBooks Online Payroll, I'm also sharing these helpful articles: Fix An Incorrect W-2 And W-3.

The control number is a six-digit number preceded by a two-digit designator for the year of cataloging. As the control number represents the most permanent unchanging identification for an item, it is extremely important that the control number for an item be transcribed correctly.

To find the name control on CP 575B:

The name control appears on a tear-off tab attached to the notice. The name control is the four letters directly following the date in this string. In this example, the name control is "NAME".

You don't need it to file a return. If you're trying to import your W-2 and you are asked for a Control Box D, and you don't have one, select Skip import and manually enter your W-2. You won't be able to import using the 5 digit + space + 5 digit solution for e-filing.

D – Elective deferral under a Section 401(k) cash or arrangement plan. This includes a SIMPLE 401(k) arrangement.

Many employers are required to report the cost of an employee's health care benefits in Box 12 of Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement, using code "DD" to identify the amount. This amount is reported for informational purposes only and is NOT taxable.

If box 2 of your W-2 form is empty, it means that you had no federal income tax withheld from your paychecks throughout the year.