Report flags / tax return
NUMBERS“Total wages are less than W-2 wages”
What this flag on a tax return means, why it matters, and what to check.
What it means
Line 1z, which adds up lines 1a through 1h, is smaller than line 1a alone.
Why it matters
A total can't be smaller than one of its parts.
Ordinary explanations
- A misread line in a blurry copy.
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.
A flag is a reason to verify with the source, not proof. Apply the same steps to every applicant.
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