I received two W2's from my company, for NY and NJ, and both have the same amount for boxes 1-6.........?

Question

I am using HR Block electronic filing and am wondering if I have to enter both W2's in the Income section on my federal return. I worked 5 weeks in NJ and the rest in NY, but for the same company, which accounts for the 2 W2's. Wages and Taxes are the same on both (boxes 1-6) and the only difference is boxes 15-19. On my NY W2 box 16 shows the same balance as box 1, but on the NJ W2 it shows the amount I earned there. My final pay statement shows the amount on the NY W2, which means that balance includes my NJ earnings. I don't know why they aren't separated?

I entered the info from both W2's in the Income section, but it doubled my actual income, so that's my problem. I assume I don't have to enter both. Should I only enter my NY W2 information, since that's where my home office is, my residence is, and where i work the majority of my time, and use the NJ W2 when calculating my State returns? Either that, or are my W2's incorrectly showing the same total earnings in box 1 on both?

Answer 1

My best advise, go and see a tax preparer. Let them determine what needs to be done. Yes it will cost you, but in the long run if something happens you can go back to them and have them brought into the party.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Im assuming you live in NY. If so, the wages dont have to be separated. Whether you earned them in NY or NJ you have to report the total amount on your NYS tax return (just like your federal tax return). NY will give you a credit for the taxes you paid to NJ. You would need to file Form IT-112-R. (Im sure H&R Block will do it for you)

http://www.tax.state.ny.us/pdf/2006/fillin/inc/it112r_2006_fill_in.pdf

On your NJ non-resident tax return you would only report the NJ wages. You will pay NJ tax on these wages.

Answer 3

try entering the box 15 - 19 alone for both W2, and leave out box 1 - 7 on for the second state, it will only over-state your income by 100%.