For W-2 employees ยท Tax year 2026
Your W-2, in plain English.
Every box on the form, what it means for your return, and the dates to watch when the forms arrive in early 2027.
What's here
1
Open
Decode your W-2
Boxes a to f and 1 to 20, every box 12 code, and why your numbers don't match each other.
2
Open
Season calendar
When your W-2 is due, what to do if it's missing or wrong, and the federal filing deadlines.
3
Coming soon
Paycheck truths
Overtime and bonus myths, withholding versus the tax you actually owe, and where refunds come from.
4
Coming soon
Withholding checker
A rough refund estimate from your pay stub.
5
Coming soon
Ask about your W-2
Questions about your W-2, answered from IRS publications with the source shown.
How this site works
Every fact here comes from an official source, mostly the IRS, linked next to the section it supports, with the tax year it applies to. Tax rules change every year, so check the date on each section.
This site covers the federal side, which is the same in every state. For your state's own rules and deadlines, go to your state's tax department.
This site explains the form. It can't see your situation. For a decision that matters, talk to a tax professional or use the IRS's free help.