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<\/a><\/p>\nExplanation of Boxes<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\nBox 1 - Wages, Tips, Other Compensation<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- This is the taxable amount reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It includes any taxable fringe benefits (such as tuition remission benefits greater than $5,250), gifts, bonuses, taxable moving, as well as the taxable value of group-term life insurance in excess of $50,000 (see box 12, below). \u00a0\u00a0It excludes all pre-tax deductions including: Pre-tax medical, dental, 403(b), flex spending, parking and transportation from your gross wages.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 2 \u2013 Federal Income tax withheld<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- This is the total amount of federal income tax withheld from your wages during the calendar year.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 3 - Social Security Wages<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The applicable limit on Social Security wages in 2017 is $127,200. \u00a0Income subject to the Social Security tax is not reduced by your contributions to a retirement plan (403(b)), but is affected by all other pre-tax deductions, which include parking, healthcare, flex spending, etc. The only applicable exceptions are BU student employees working at BU while enrolled full-time and attending classes, as well as nonresident alien employees visiting the U.S. for a limited period on F-1, J-1, M-1 or Q-1 visas and performing services to carry out the purpose for which such visas have been issued.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 4 - Social Security Tax Withheld<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The Social Security tax rate for 2017 is 6.2%, and a matching amount of 6.2% is paid by BU. The only applicable exceptions are BU student employees working at BU while enrolled full-time and attending classes, and nonresident alien employees visiting the U.S. for a limited period on F-1, J-1, M-1 or Q-1 visas and performing services to carry out the purpose for which such visas have been issued.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 5 - Medicare Wages and Tips<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- There is no applicable limit on Medicare wages in 2017. Income subject to the Medicare tax is not reduced by your contributions to a retirement plan (403(b)), but is affected by all other pre-tax deductions, which includes parking, healthcare, flex spending, etc. The only applicable exceptions are BU student employees working at BU while enrolled full-time and attending classes, and nonresident alien employees visiting the U.S. for a limited period on F-1, J-1, M-1 or Q-1 visas and performing services to carry out the purpose for which such visas have been issued.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 6 - Medicare Tax Withheld<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The Medicare tax rate is 1.45% on the first $200,000 of income and 2.35% on income above $200,000, and a matching amount is paid by BU. The only applicable exceptions are BU student employees working at BU while enrolled full-time and attending classes, and nonresident alien employees visiting the U.S. for a limited period on F-1, J-1, M-1 or Q-1 visas and performing services to carry out the purpose for which such visas have been issued.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 10 - Dependent Care Benefits<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- BU must report the pre-tax amount paid into a dependent care flexible spending account as part of the BU Benefits Plan. Only dependent care benefits are reportable. Other pre-tax deductions withheld under the Benefits plan are not reportable.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 12 - Codes<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The Codes shown in box 12 are described below.\n
\n- C <\/strong>Taxable cost of group-term life insurance over $50,000 (included in Boxes 1, 3 (up to $127,200), 5 and 16.<\/li>\n
- E <\/strong>Elective deferrals under a salary reduction agreement for the Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) Program.<\/li>\n
- P <\/strong>Excludable moving expense reimbursements paid directly to employee (not included in Boxes 1, 3, 5, or 16).<\/li>\n
- BB <\/strong>Designated Roth contributions under a salary reduction agreement for the Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) Program.<\/li>\n
- DD <\/strong>Cost of employer-sponsored health coverage including the employee and employer share. These amounts are not taxable. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 13 - Checkboxes<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The \u201cRetirement plan\u201d box must be checked if you contributed to any of the University\u2019s tax deferred options. Thus, all BU Employees who fall into this category will have an X in this block. By checking the \u201cRetirement plan\u201d block, an employer notifies the IRS that an employee\u2019s eligibility for a deductible Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) is limited.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 15 - State<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- This box identifies the state your wages are reported to.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 16 - State wages, tips, etc.<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The amount of your wages subject to state tax. This amount might differ from the amount shown in Box 1.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 17 - State income tax<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The amount of tax withheld for the state in Box 15.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 18 - Local wages, tips, etc.<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The amount of your wages subject to local income tax.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 19 - Local income tax<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The amount of tax withheld for the locality in Box 20.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 20 - Locality Name<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The city or town that also withheld taxes.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Common W-2 Questions<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\nWhy do the year-to-date gross wages on my last December paycheck not match the Box 1 wages on my W-2?<\/h3><\/p>\n\n- Gross year-to-date wages on your paycheck include all compensation paid to you. Box 1 on your W-2 reports taxable federal withholding wages, including:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\n\n<\/td>\n Total Compensation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nPlus (+)<\/td>\n Imputed Income<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nLess (-)<\/td>\n 403(b) deductions [see below]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nLess (-)<\/td>\n Other pre-tax deductions [see below]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
What is included in Total Compensation?<\/h3>\n\n- Total Compensation is your base pay plus any additional income amounts paid during the tax year.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What is imputed income and how does it apply to me?<\/h3>\n\n- The IRS requires that certain benefits provided by BU be reported as taxable compensation \u2013 such as taxable tuition remission, certain types of moving expenses, and the value of employer-paid group term life insurance in excess of $50,000.The IRS requires that some types of imputed income are also to be reported in Box 12. For example, the taxable value\u00a0of your BU-paid group life insurance (also known as a type of \u201cImputed Income\u201d) is reported in Box 12 as code C. Taxable tuition (one type of imputed income included in Box 1 wages) is\u00a0not<\/span>\u00a0reported separately in Box 12.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How are my 403(b) Retirement Plan contributions reported on the W-2?<\/h3>\n\n- Under IRS section 403(b), certain employee retirement deductions can be excluded from federal taxable wages. Pre-tax contributions to the BU 403(b) Retirement Plan are excluded from federal taxable wages. \u00a0\u00a0They are listed under box 12 of your W2 with an \u201cE\u201d code. Elective after-tax 403(b) contributions (Roth<\/strong>) are included in federal taxable wages.\u00a0 After-tax contributions are listed under box 12 with a \u201cBB\u201d code.\u00a0 Employer contributions are not reported in the Form W-2.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are \u201cother pre-tax deductions?\u201d<\/h3>\n\n- Under IRS regulations, certain types of employee deductions can be made on a pre-tax basis. At BU, these deductions include:\n
\n- Medical, dental<\/li>\n
- Personal and Family Accident Insurance<\/li>\n
- Flexible spending account contributions (both Health Care and Dependent Care)<\/li>\n
- Health Savings Account contributions<\/li>\n
- Transportation<\/li>\n
- Parking<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Why does the amount in Box 1 (federal taxable wages) of my W-2 form not match Box 3 (Social security taxable wages) and\/or Box 5 (Medicare taxable wages)?<\/h3>\n\n- Each type of tax has a different definition for taxable wages:
\nBox 1 = Total Compensation + imputed income \u2013 403(b) deductions \u2013 other pre-tax deductions. (No maximum)
\nBox 3 = Total Compensation + imputed income \u2013 other pre-tax deductions. (The 2018 maximum is $128,400)
\nBox 5 = Total Compensation + imputed income \u2013 other pre-tax deductions. (No maximum)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere are my Dependent Care FSA contributions shown on my W-2?<\/h3>\n\n- If you contributed to a Dependent Care FSA via payroll deductions, your contributions are reported in Box 10.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>How do I request a W-2 Form from prior years?<\/h3><\/p>\n\n- For tax years 2014 and forward, active employees can log into ESS and print a copy of their W-2 forms.<\/li>\n
- Active employees can also request W-2 forms by completing the duplicate W-2 request form<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Former employees should email bupay@bu.edu<\/a> to request duplicate W-2 forms.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 1 - Wages, Tips, Other Compensation<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- This is the taxable amount reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It includes any taxable fringe benefits (such as tuition remission benefits greater than $5,250), gifts, bonuses, taxable moving, as well as the taxable value of group-term life insurance in excess of $50,000 (see box 12, below). \u00a0\u00a0It excludes all pre-tax deductions including: Pre-tax medical, dental, 403(b), flex spending, parking and transportation from your gross wages.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 2 \u2013 Federal Income tax withheld<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- This is the total amount of federal income tax withheld from your wages during the calendar year.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 3 - Social Security Wages<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The applicable limit on Social Security wages in 2017 is $127,200. \u00a0Income subject to the Social Security tax is not reduced by your contributions to a retirement plan (403(b)), but is affected by all other pre-tax deductions, which include parking, healthcare, flex spending, etc. The only applicable exceptions are BU student employees working at BU while enrolled full-time and attending classes, as well as nonresident alien employees visiting the U.S. for a limited period on F-1, J-1, M-1 or Q-1 visas and performing services to carry out the purpose for which such visas have been issued.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 4 - Social Security Tax Withheld<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The Social Security tax rate for 2017 is 6.2%, and a matching amount of 6.2% is paid by BU. The only applicable exceptions are BU student employees working at BU while enrolled full-time and attending classes, and nonresident alien employees visiting the U.S. for a limited period on F-1, J-1, M-1 or Q-1 visas and performing services to carry out the purpose for which such visas have been issued.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 5 - Medicare Wages and Tips<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- There is no applicable limit on Medicare wages in 2017. Income subject to the Medicare tax is not reduced by your contributions to a retirement plan (403(b)), but is affected by all other pre-tax deductions, which includes parking, healthcare, flex spending, etc. The only applicable exceptions are BU student employees working at BU while enrolled full-time and attending classes, and nonresident alien employees visiting the U.S. for a limited period on F-1, J-1, M-1 or Q-1 visas and performing services to carry out the purpose for which such visas have been issued.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 6 - Medicare Tax Withheld<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The Medicare tax rate is 1.45% on the first $200,000 of income and 2.35% on income above $200,000, and a matching amount is paid by BU. The only applicable exceptions are BU student employees working at BU while enrolled full-time and attending classes, and nonresident alien employees visiting the U.S. for a limited period on F-1, J-1, M-1 or Q-1 visas and performing services to carry out the purpose for which such visas have been issued.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 10 - Dependent Care Benefits<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- BU must report the pre-tax amount paid into a dependent care flexible spending account as part of the BU Benefits Plan. Only dependent care benefits are reportable. Other pre-tax deductions withheld under the Benefits plan are not reportable.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 12 - Codes<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The Codes shown in box 12 are described below.\n
\n- C <\/strong>Taxable cost of group-term life insurance over $50,000 (included in Boxes 1, 3 (up to $127,200), 5 and 16.<\/li>\n
- E <\/strong>Elective deferrals under a salary reduction agreement for the Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) Program.<\/li>\n
- P <\/strong>Excludable moving expense reimbursements paid directly to employee (not included in Boxes 1, 3, 5, or 16).<\/li>\n
- BB <\/strong>Designated Roth contributions under a salary reduction agreement for the Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) Program.<\/li>\n
- DD <\/strong>Cost of employer-sponsored health coverage including the employee and employer share. These amounts are not taxable. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 13 - Checkboxes<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The \u201cRetirement plan\u201d box must be checked if you contributed to any of the University\u2019s tax deferred options. Thus, all BU Employees who fall into this category will have an X in this block. By checking the \u201cRetirement plan\u201d block, an employer notifies the IRS that an employee\u2019s eligibility for a deductible Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) is limited.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 15 - State<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- This box identifies the state your wages are reported to.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 16 - State wages, tips, etc.<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The amount of your wages subject to state tax. This amount might differ from the amount shown in Box 1.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 17 - State income tax<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The amount of tax withheld for the state in Box 15.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 18 - Local wages, tips, etc.<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The amount of your wages subject to local income tax.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 19 - Local income tax<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The amount of tax withheld for the locality in Box 20.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 20 - Locality Name<\/h3><\/strong><\/p>\n\n- The city or town that also withheld taxes.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Common W-2 Questions<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\nWhy do the year-to-date gross wages on my last December paycheck not match the Box 1 wages on my W-2?<\/h3><\/p>\n\n- Gross year-to-date wages on your paycheck include all compensation paid to you. Box 1 on your W-2 reports taxable federal withholding wages, including:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\n\n<\/td>\n Total Compensation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nPlus (+)<\/td>\n Imputed Income<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nLess (-)<\/td>\n 403(b) deductions [see below]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nLess (-)<\/td>\n Other pre-tax deductions [see below]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
What is included in Total Compensation?<\/h3>\n\n- Total Compensation is your base pay plus any additional income amounts paid during the tax year.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What is imputed income and how does it apply to me?<\/h3>\n\n- The IRS requires that certain benefits provided by BU be reported as taxable compensation \u2013 such as taxable tuition remission, certain types of moving expenses, and the value of employer-paid group term life insurance in excess of $50,000.The IRS requires that some types of imputed income are also to be reported in Box 12. For example, the taxable value\u00a0of your BU-paid group life insurance (also known as a type of \u201cImputed Income\u201d) is reported in Box 12 as code C. Taxable tuition (one type of imputed income included in Box 1 wages) is\u00a0not<\/span>\u00a0reported separately in Box 12.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How are my 403(b) Retirement Plan contributions reported on the W-2?<\/h3>\n\n- Under IRS section 403(b), certain employee retirement deductions can be excluded from federal taxable wages. Pre-tax contributions to the BU 403(b) Retirement Plan are excluded from federal taxable wages. \u00a0\u00a0They are listed under box 12 of your W2 with an \u201cE\u201d code. Elective after-tax 403(b) contributions (Roth<\/strong>) are included in federal taxable wages.\u00a0 After-tax contributions are listed under box 12 with a \u201cBB\u201d code.\u00a0 Employer contributions are not reported in the Form W-2.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are \u201cother pre-tax deductions?\u201d<\/h3>\n\n- Under IRS regulations, certain types of employee deductions can be made on a pre-tax basis. At BU, these deductions include:\n
\n- Medical, dental<\/li>\n
- Personal and Family Accident Insurance<\/li>\n
- Flexible spending account contributions (both Health Care and Dependent Care)<\/li>\n
- Health Savings Account contributions<\/li>\n
- Transportation<\/li>\n
- Parking<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Why does the amount in Box 1 (federal taxable wages) of my W-2 form not match Box 3 (Social security taxable wages) and\/or Box 5 (Medicare taxable wages)?<\/h3>\n\n- Each type of tax has a different definition for taxable wages:
\nBox 1 = Total Compensation + imputed income \u2013 403(b) deductions \u2013 other pre-tax deductions. (No maximum)
\nBox 3 = Total Compensation + imputed income \u2013 other pre-tax deductions. (The 2018 maximum is $128,400)
\nBox 5 = Total Compensation + imputed income \u2013 other pre-tax deductions. (No maximum)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere are my Dependent Care FSA contributions shown on my W-2?<\/h3>\n\n- If you contributed to a Dependent Care FSA via payroll deductions, your contributions are reported in Box 10.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>How do I request a W-2 Form from prior years?<\/h3><\/p>\n\n- For tax years 2014 and forward, active employees can log into ESS and print a copy of their W-2 forms.<\/li>\n
- Active employees can also request W-2 forms by completing the duplicate W-2 request form<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Former employees should email bupay@bu.edu<\/a> to request duplicate W-2 forms.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- This is the taxable amount reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It includes any taxable fringe benefits (such as tuition remission benefits greater than $5,250), gifts, bonuses, taxable moving, as well as the taxable value of group-term life insurance in excess of $50,000 (see box 12, below). \u00a0\u00a0It excludes all pre-tax deductions including: Pre-tax medical, dental, 403(b), flex spending, parking and transportation from your gross wages.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 2 \u2013 Federal Income tax withheld<\/h3>
<\/strong><\/p>\n- \n
- This is the total amount of federal income tax withheld from your wages during the calendar year.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 3 - Social Security Wages<\/h3>
<\/strong><\/p>\n- \n
- The applicable limit on Social Security wages in 2017 is $127,200. \u00a0Income subject to the Social Security tax is not reduced by your contributions to a retirement plan (403(b)), but is affected by all other pre-tax deductions, which include parking, healthcare, flex spending, etc. The only applicable exceptions are BU student employees working at BU while enrolled full-time and attending classes, as well as nonresident alien employees visiting the U.S. for a limited period on F-1, J-1, M-1 or Q-1 visas and performing services to carry out the purpose for which such visas have been issued.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 4 - Social Security Tax Withheld<\/h3>
<\/strong><\/p>\n- \n
- The Social Security tax rate for 2017 is 6.2%, and a matching amount of 6.2% is paid by BU. The only applicable exceptions are BU student employees working at BU while enrolled full-time and attending classes, and nonresident alien employees visiting the U.S. for a limited period on F-1, J-1, M-1 or Q-1 visas and performing services to carry out the purpose for which such visas have been issued.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 5 - Medicare Wages and Tips<\/h3>
<\/strong><\/p>\n- \n
- There is no applicable limit on Medicare wages in 2017. Income subject to the Medicare tax is not reduced by your contributions to a retirement plan (403(b)), but is affected by all other pre-tax deductions, which includes parking, healthcare, flex spending, etc. The only applicable exceptions are BU student employees working at BU while enrolled full-time and attending classes, and nonresident alien employees visiting the U.S. for a limited period on F-1, J-1, M-1 or Q-1 visas and performing services to carry out the purpose for which such visas have been issued.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 6 - Medicare Tax Withheld<\/h3>
<\/strong><\/p>\n- \n
- The Medicare tax rate is 1.45% on the first $200,000 of income and 2.35% on income above $200,000, and a matching amount is paid by BU. The only applicable exceptions are BU student employees working at BU while enrolled full-time and attending classes, and nonresident alien employees visiting the U.S. for a limited period on F-1, J-1, M-1 or Q-1 visas and performing services to carry out the purpose for which such visas have been issued.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 10 - Dependent Care Benefits<\/h3>
<\/strong><\/p>\n- \n
- BU must report the pre-tax amount paid into a dependent care flexible spending account as part of the BU Benefits Plan. Only dependent care benefits are reportable. Other pre-tax deductions withheld under the Benefits plan are not reportable.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 12 - Codes<\/h3>
<\/strong><\/p>\n- \n
- The Codes shown in box 12 are described below.\n
- \n
- C <\/strong>Taxable cost of group-term life insurance over $50,000 (included in Boxes 1, 3 (up to $127,200), 5 and 16.<\/li>\n
- E <\/strong>Elective deferrals under a salary reduction agreement for the Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) Program.<\/li>\n
- P <\/strong>Excludable moving expense reimbursements paid directly to employee (not included in Boxes 1, 3, 5, or 16).<\/li>\n
- BB <\/strong>Designated Roth contributions under a salary reduction agreement for the Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) Program.<\/li>\n
- DD <\/strong>Cost of employer-sponsored health coverage including the employee and employer share. These amounts are not taxable. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 13 - Checkboxes<\/h3>
<\/strong><\/p>\n- \n
- The \u201cRetirement plan\u201d box must be checked if you contributed to any of the University\u2019s tax deferred options. Thus, all BU Employees who fall into this category will have an X in this block. By checking the \u201cRetirement plan\u201d block, an employer notifies the IRS that an employee\u2019s eligibility for a deductible Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) is limited.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 15 - State<\/h3>
<\/strong><\/p>\n- \n
- This box identifies the state your wages are reported to.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 16 - State wages, tips, etc.<\/h3>
<\/strong><\/p>\n- \n
- The amount of your wages subject to state tax. This amount might differ from the amount shown in Box 1.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 17 - State income tax<\/h3>
<\/strong><\/p>\n- \n
- The amount of tax withheld for the state in Box 15.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 18 - Local wages, tips, etc.<\/h3>
<\/strong><\/p>\n- \n
- The amount of your wages subject to local income tax.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 19 - Local income tax<\/h3>
<\/strong><\/p>\n- \n
- The amount of tax withheld for the locality in Box 20.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Box 20 - Locality Name<\/h3>
<\/strong><\/p>\n- \n
- The city or town that also withheld taxes.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Common W-2 Questions<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Why do the year-to-date gross wages on my last December paycheck not match the Box 1 wages on my W-2?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n- \n
- Gross year-to-date wages on your paycheck include all compensation paid to you. Box 1 on your W-2 reports taxable federal withholding wages, including:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\n
\n <\/td>\n Total Compensation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Plus (+)<\/td>\n Imputed Income<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Less (-)<\/td>\n 403(b) deductions [see below]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Less (-)<\/td>\n Other pre-tax deductions [see below]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
What is included in Total Compensation?<\/h3>
\n- \n
- Total Compensation is your base pay plus any additional income amounts paid during the tax year.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What is imputed income and how does it apply to me?<\/h3>
\n- \n
- The IRS requires that certain benefits provided by BU be reported as taxable compensation \u2013 such as taxable tuition remission, certain types of moving expenses, and the value of employer-paid group term life insurance in excess of $50,000.The IRS requires that some types of imputed income are also to be reported in Box 12. For example, the taxable value\u00a0of your BU-paid group life insurance (also known as a type of \u201cImputed Income\u201d) is reported in Box 12 as code C. Taxable tuition (one type of imputed income included in Box 1 wages) is\u00a0not<\/span>\u00a0reported separately in Box 12.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How are my 403(b) Retirement Plan contributions reported on the W-2?<\/h3>
\n- \n
- Under IRS section 403(b), certain employee retirement deductions can be excluded from federal taxable wages. Pre-tax contributions to the BU 403(b) Retirement Plan are excluded from federal taxable wages. \u00a0\u00a0They are listed under box 12 of your W2 with an \u201cE\u201d code. Elective after-tax 403(b) contributions (Roth<\/strong>) are included in federal taxable wages.\u00a0 After-tax contributions are listed under box 12 with a \u201cBB\u201d code.\u00a0 Employer contributions are not reported in the Form W-2.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are \u201cother pre-tax deductions?\u201d<\/h3>
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- Under IRS regulations, certain types of employee deductions can be made on a pre-tax basis. At BU, these deductions include:\n
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- Medical, dental<\/li>\n
- Personal and Family Accident Insurance<\/li>\n
- Flexible spending account contributions (both Health Care and Dependent Care)<\/li>\n
- Health Savings Account contributions<\/li>\n
- Transportation<\/li>\n
- Parking<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Why does the amount in Box 1 (federal taxable wages) of my W-2 form not match Box 3 (Social security taxable wages) and\/or Box 5 (Medicare taxable wages)?<\/h3>
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- Each type of tax has a different definition for taxable wages:
\nBox 1 = Total Compensation + imputed income \u2013 403(b) deductions \u2013 other pre-tax deductions. (No maximum)
\nBox 3 = Total Compensation + imputed income \u2013 other pre-tax deductions. (The 2018 maximum is $128,400)
\nBox 5 = Total Compensation + imputed income \u2013 other pre-tax deductions. (No maximum)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere are my Dependent Care FSA contributions shown on my W-2?<\/h3>
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- If you contributed to a Dependent Care FSA via payroll deductions, your contributions are reported in Box 10.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>How do I request a W-2 Form from prior years?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n- \n
- For tax years 2014 and forward, active employees can log into ESS and print a copy of their W-2 forms.<\/li>\n
- Active employees can also request W-2 forms by completing the duplicate W-2 request form<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Former employees should email bupay@bu.edu<\/a> to request duplicate W-2 forms.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- If you contributed to a Dependent Care FSA via payroll deductions, your contributions are reported in Box 10.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Each type of tax has a different definition for taxable wages:
- Under IRS regulations, certain types of employee deductions can be made on a pre-tax basis. At BU, these deductions include:\n
- Under IRS section 403(b), certain employee retirement deductions can be excluded from federal taxable wages. Pre-tax contributions to the BU 403(b) Retirement Plan are excluded from federal taxable wages. \u00a0\u00a0They are listed under box 12 of your W2 with an \u201cE\u201d code. Elective after-tax 403(b) contributions (Roth<\/strong>) are included in federal taxable wages.\u00a0 After-tax contributions are listed under box 12 with a \u201cBB\u201d code.\u00a0 Employer contributions are not reported in the Form W-2.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The IRS requires that certain benefits provided by BU be reported as taxable compensation \u2013 such as taxable tuition remission, certain types of moving expenses, and the value of employer-paid group term life insurance in excess of $50,000.The IRS requires that some types of imputed income are also to be reported in Box 12. For example, the taxable value\u00a0of your BU-paid group life insurance (also known as a type of \u201cImputed Income\u201d) is reported in Box 12 as code C. Taxable tuition (one type of imputed income included in Box 1 wages) is\u00a0not<\/span>\u00a0reported separately in Box 12.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Total Compensation is your base pay plus any additional income amounts paid during the tax year.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Gross year-to-date wages on your paycheck include all compensation paid to you. Box 1 on your W-2 reports taxable federal withholding wages, including:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The city or town that also withheld taxes.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The amount of tax withheld for the locality in Box 20.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The amount of your wages subject to local income tax.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The amount of tax withheld for the state in Box 15.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The amount of your wages subject to state tax. This amount might differ from the amount shown in Box 1.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- This box identifies the state your wages are reported to.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- E <\/strong>Elective deferrals under a salary reduction agreement for the Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) Program.<\/li>\n
- C <\/strong>Taxable cost of group-term life insurance over $50,000 (included in Boxes 1, 3 (up to $127,200), 5 and 16.<\/li>\n
- The Codes shown in box 12 are described below.\n
- BU must report the pre-tax amount paid into a dependent care flexible spending account as part of the BU Benefits Plan. Only dependent care benefits are reportable. Other pre-tax deductions withheld under the Benefits plan are not reportable.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The Medicare tax rate is 1.45% on the first $200,000 of income and 2.35% on income above $200,000, and a matching amount is paid by BU. The only applicable exceptions are BU student employees working at BU while enrolled full-time and attending classes, and nonresident alien employees visiting the U.S. for a limited period on F-1, J-1, M-1 or Q-1 visas and performing services to carry out the purpose for which such visas have been issued.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- There is no applicable limit on Medicare wages in 2017. Income subject to the Medicare tax is not reduced by your contributions to a retirement plan (403(b)), but is affected by all other pre-tax deductions, which includes parking, healthcare, flex spending, etc. The only applicable exceptions are BU student employees working at BU while enrolled full-time and attending classes, and nonresident alien employees visiting the U.S. for a limited period on F-1, J-1, M-1 or Q-1 visas and performing services to carry out the purpose for which such visas have been issued.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The Social Security tax rate for 2017 is 6.2%, and a matching amount of 6.2% is paid by BU. The only applicable exceptions are BU student employees working at BU while enrolled full-time and attending classes, and nonresident alien employees visiting the U.S. for a limited period on F-1, J-1, M-1 or Q-1 visas and performing services to carry out the purpose for which such visas have been issued.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The applicable limit on Social Security wages in 2017 is $127,200. \u00a0Income subject to the Social Security tax is not reduced by your contributions to a retirement plan (403(b)), but is affected by all other pre-tax deductions, which include parking, healthcare, flex spending, etc. The only applicable exceptions are BU student employees working at BU while enrolled full-time and attending classes, as well as nonresident alien employees visiting the U.S. for a limited period on F-1, J-1, M-1 or Q-1 visas and performing services to carry out the purpose for which such visas have been issued.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- This is the total amount of federal income tax withheld from your wages during the calendar year.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n