Understanding codes on tax forms

Photo: pixabay.com

Q. I am retired and don’t work. I received a 1099-R pension form and two W-2 forms. One lists wages and tips (less than $600) in Box 1 and shows deductions for Social Security and Medicare. State tax is listed in Box 17 and the letter C is noted in Box 12a. The other W-2 lists wages, etc. in box 1, worth about $100 more than the other W-2, but shows federal tax withheld. Box 12A DD has $16,619.04 listed. Can you explain the codes?
— Trying to understand

A. These tax forms can be confusing.

Payments by a former employer for certain benefits constitute wages.

That would appear in the wage box 1 and are subject to Social Security and Medicare tax, said David Ritter, chair of the tax practice at Brach Eichler in Roseland.

He said letter C in Box 12 refers to income taxable payments for group life insurance in excess of $50,000, and code DD in Box 12a refers to non-taxable costs for employer-provided health insurance.

“From the information provided in the question, I cannot be sure of what the W-2 statements reflect as to these type benefits,” Ritter said.

Sounds like you may want to speak to a tax preparer to further discuss your specific situation.

Email your questions to .

This post was first published in February 2018.

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.
Tags:
,