During tax filing season, when you receive your W-2 form, upon reviewing the form, you will see that most boxes are clearly labeled, like wages, federal income tax withheld, and Social Security wages. But Box 14 looks different. This is where most people get confused, as, unlike other boxes, Box 14 doesn’t have any standard code given by the IRS on the form. Instead, employers use this box space to report all other information that doesn’t fit elsewhere on the W-2 form. That is why understanding what’s in Box 14 matters because the codes can affect your tax filing. In this blog, we will explore the most common W-2 Box 14 codes you might see, explain what they mean, and show how they could impact your tax return.
Importance of Box 14
Box 14 is the section of the form that is famously known as the catch-all section of the form. This section is used by employers to provide information about deductions, benefits, or other payments related to your employment. The regulating authority of the form, the IRS, doesn’t have a mandated list, which is why the codes may vary by employer; however, many are widely recognized.
If you see something on your W-2 form in box 14 that is not clear to you, ask your employer or check with your company’s HR/payroll department. The following table lists all the common codes for box 14.
Read more about w2 box 12 codes
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| RET | Retirement contributions (401(k), 403(b), pension) |
| INS | Health, dental, or vision insurance premiums |
| UD | Union dues |
| SDI | State Disability Insurance |
| HSA | Health Savings Account contributions |
| CAR | Company car allowance |
| UNIF | Uniform payments or reimbursements |
| EDU | Educational assistance |
| TRN | Transit or commuter benefits |
| LIFE | Group-term life insurance over $50,000 |
| OTH | Other employer-specific deductions/benefits |
Code explanation for Box 14
To better understand the code, the following is a detailed review of each one.
Retirement Contributions
In this code employer is going to list some retirement plan contributions that aren’t included in other boxes. Examples include:- 401(k) after-tax contributions, Union retirement fund contributions, 403(b) or 457 plan contributions. These contributions are not always taxable. However, you should keep track of them since they may affect retirement savings calculations.
Health Insurance Premiums
If you are paying off your health insurance premium with after-tax dollars, that amount will be shown in Box 14. This is a crucial record for understanding of your total medical, which could be significant if you itemize deductions.
Union Dues
If you are part of a labor union, your employer may report the union dues you paid in Box 14. However, these dues are not directly deductible due to consent tax law changes, but they are still primary to keep track of, especially if you itemize deductions in states that allow them.
State Disability Insurance (SDI) Taxes Withheld
Every state has its specific benefits or tax regulations, which is why in some states, for instance, in California, employees pay into the state disability insurance program. Employers use Box 14 to report this amount. If applicable, you can deduct this on your federal tax return as a state tax.
Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions
In form W-2, employers use box 12 to list the HSA contributions; however, sometimes employee after-tax contributions are listed in Box 14. Keep this in mind when reconciling your contributions for Form 8889 during tax filing. If you are sure about this, please consult a tax professional.
Uniform Payments
Some employers require uniforms for work. Box 14 is used to show the amounts you paid for uniforms. However, keep in mind, you usually cannot deduct these expenses on your federal tax return, but you might want to keep the record if your state allows it.
Educational Assistance
If your employer or company assists with your tuition expenses, that reimbursement or education benefits will be included in Box 14. According to the IRS, educational assistance up $5,250 is not taxable; any amount over that would be considered taxable income.
Commuter Benefits
If your workplace offers you commuter benefits that include transit passes or parking allowances, these will also be listed in Box 14. Important information to keep in mind is that some of these benefits are tax-free, while others could be considered taxable income based on the amount.
Group-Term Life Insurance
To report the group-term insurance, especially in cases where coverage exceeds $50,000. This amount is considered taxable income and may already be included in your W-2 wages. Box 14 helps clarify this amount.
Nontaxable Income
In case of the income that is not subject to the federal tax, such as allowances, those will be listed here. Nontaxable income usually doesn’t need to be reported as taxable wages, but it’s helpful for your records. Good record-keeping and listing of information are always good for audit protection.
Paid Family Leave (PFL)
As per the law, some states require contributions to paid family leave programs. Employers may report these contributions in Box 14. This information helps you understand where part of your paycheck went and also gives you better knowledge of whether it is deductible or not at the state or federal level.
Charitable Contributions
If your company or employer allows automatic payroll deductions for charitable contributions. These will appear in Box 14. However, these contributions don’t lower your taxable wages, but you might be able to deduct them if you itemize deductions.
Moving Expenses
Due to the recent tax changes, this will only apply to armed forces members moving because of a military order and can deduct moving expenses. Employers may still note these in Box 14 for your records.
Miscellaneous Employer-Specific Codes
Some entries in Box 14 may be specific to your employer. For example, you might see codes for gym memberships, wellness programs, or other benefits. These are usually for information and may not directly affect your tax return.
Conclusion
Box 14 may seem confusing to you as it is not an easy part of the form W-2, but having an understanding of all the codes can help you avoid confusion during tax season. Every entry, from union dues to health insurance premiums, gives you more insight into your total pay and benefits that apply to your tax situation. If you need assistance to know what applies, what doesn’t, and how to report it, consult with a tax professional. Working with a tax expert can save time and prevent mistakes. At SK Financial CPA, we help individuals and businesses simplify tax filing by explaining complicated forms like the W-2. Our team can guide you through Box 14 codes and their meaning, as well as will make sure you get everything right while maximizing your deductions.