W-2 the easy way
Enter the numbers from your W-2 and we'll tell you exactly what each box means — in plain English, in under 2 minutes.
W-2 Made Easy →What the W-2 actually tells you
Your W-2 is the official record of what you earned from your employer last year and how much tax was withheld. Everything you need to file your tax return is on it — but the form itself is dense and confusing, with over 20 numbered and lettered boxes plus state and local sections.
Most people only need to worry about five boxes: Box 1 (taxable wages), Box 2 (federal tax withheld), Box 3 (Social Security wages), Box 4 (Social Security tax), and Box 12 (special codes for retirement, healthcare, and other adjustments). The rest are mostly informational or apply only to specific situations.
If you also have a side hustle or freelance income, you'll receive a 1099 form separately — that's a whole different tax situation.
Quick answers to common W-2 questions
Try the Withholding Checker
Look at Box 2 of your W-2 — the federal tax your employer withheld throughout the year. Was it enough? Too much? Our Withholding Checker compares your withholding to typical expectations based on your income and filing status, so you can spot problems before tax day.
Open the Withholding Checker →