Report flags / documents
CROSS-CHECK“The W-2s show more wages than the tax return”
What this flag on a set of documents means, why it matters, and what to check.
What it means
The W-2s for a year add up to more in box 1 than line 1a of that year's tax return.
Why it matters
Line 1a is the total of box 1 on every W-2 for the year, so the W-2s can't add up to more.
Ordinary explanations
- A corrected W-2 (W-2c) issued after the return was filed.
- An amended return that changed line 1a.
What to check
Ask the applicant for the IRS tax return transcript for that year (free at irs.gov with Get Transcript, or with Form 4506-T), which shows the return as the IRS received it. Ask the applicant for the IRS wage and income transcript (free at irs.gov or with Form 4506-T), which lists W-2 amounts as the employer reported them.
A flag is a reason to verify with the source, not proof. Apply the same steps to every applicant.
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