What Is Box D On Form W2, Where To Locate It & What Does It Do?

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. 

Searching for a reliable eFiling solution to submit your IRS Form W-2? Get started with Tax1099

Related Blog Posts

• What Is Form W-2?
• ATTENTION EMPLOYERS: You Could Be Penalized For Not Sending W-2 Forms
• What’s The Difference Between 1099 and W-2 Tax Forms?
• The Complete Guide On Form W-2
• W-2 Employee or 1099: Which Is Better for Your Business?