What Does Box 12 Code E Mean on a W-2?
403(b) contribution (typically nonprofits, schools). What it means, whether it is taxable, and what to do with it.
By the Easy Guides Editorial Team · Updated for 2026
Box 12 Code E is 403(b) contribution (typically nonprofits, schools).
What Code E means
It works just like Code D but for a 403(b). Nothing extra to do at filing time; the tax benefit is already applied.
Does Code E affect my taxes?
Your pre-tax contribution to a 403(b) plan, common at schools, hospitals, and nonprofits. Like a 401(k), it's already excluded from your Box 1 wages.
Where to find Code E on your W-2
Look at box 12, in the middle-right of the form. It has up to four lines, labelled 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d. Those letters are only line labels. The code you want is the small letter or pair of letters printed next to the amount, and it will read E. If you have more than four entries, your employer issues a second W-2 to carry the rest.
Not the code you were looking for? The full box 12 code list covers every letter, and the W-2 box decoder explains every box on the form.