Report flags / W-2
NUMBERS“Federal tax withheld is more than the wages”
What this flag on a W-2 means, why it matters, and what to check.
What it means
Box 2 is larger than box 1.
Why it matters
Withholding comes out of wages and can't exceed them.
Ordinary explanations
- None on a real W-2.
What to check
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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