What Does Box 12 Code GG Mean on a W-2?
Income from qualified equity grants under Section 83(i) — what it means, whether it's taxable, and what to do with it.
By the Easy Guides Editorial Team · Updated for 2026
Code GG in Box 12 of your W-2 means income from qualified equity grants under section 83(i). Tax treatment: Included in income.
What Code GG means
If you see Code GG, equity compensation is involved and the amount is part of your income — consider getting professional help with the timing rules.
Does Code GG affect my taxes?
Income you elected to defer from certain stock grants under Section 83(i). This is a specialized code for employees at eligible private companies.
Where to find Code GG 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: GG 5,000" means Code GG with a $5,000 amount. When you file, enter the code and amount exactly as shown.