What Does Box 12 Code G Mean on a W-2?
457(b) contribution (typically government employees) — what it means, whether it's taxable, and what to do with it.
By the Easy Guides Editorial Team · Updated for 2026
Code G in Box 12 of your W-2 means 457(b) contribution (typically government employees). Tax treatment: Pre-tax (already excluded).
What Code G means
A 457(b) can be contributed to in addition to a 401(k) or 403(b), which is why some government workers see both codes.
Does Code G affect my taxes?
Your pre-tax contribution to a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan, common for state and local government employees. It's already excluded from your Box 1 wages.
Where to find Code G on your W-2
Box 12 has up to four slots — labeled 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d. Each slot shows a letter code and a dollar amount. The 12a–12d labels are just line numbers; the actual code is the small letter next to the money. So "12a: G 5,000" means Code G with a $5,000 amount. When you file, enter the code and amount exactly as shown.