[timmydons]

My company is based in Houston, Texas, but I am located in my home office in Wisconsin. Shouldn't my line 16 'State Wages' be the same as shown in line 1?

My W2 doesn't show anything in line 16. Is it OK? Does this need to be corrected by my employer prior to filing my 1040?

[ebaines]

In general the state wage amount should be close to or perhaps equal to the federal wage amount - there may be some discrepancy due to how benefits such as life insurance are treated by the feds versus the state. But they should be pretty close to each other.

If Box 16 is blank it seems your employer screwed up. Does box 17 of your W2 show an amount? Have they been withholding WI state income tax from your wages throughout the year? If not - perhaps because as TX company they aren't used to dealing with state income tax issues - you need to call the payroll department and have them start withholding WI state income tax immediately. As it is you are probably facing a big state income tax bill for 2011 due by April 17.

[timmydons]

Thanks for the feedback. I think you're correct and they screwed up. As only their second field located employee - they must not be used to this kind of W2.

I've worked in a similar capacity for a California-based company and yes, my State income always equaled my Federal income.

There is nothing in any of the State boxes (15-17) on my W2 form. As I just joined them at the end of November, no real big deal for my 2011 return, but definitely will need something to be 'fixed' for this year's witholdings!

I emailed them over the weekend and hope to hear back from their payroll specialist today. We'll see.