Box 15&16 left blank on W2

Hello christi3,

Boxes in W2s have their designated functions and how QuickBooks fills in the necessary data.

Box 15 is for the employer's state ID numbers. The data in this box is based on an employee’s taxable wages calculated in the individual states. Here's how to review the information:

1. Click the Gear in the upper-right corner and select Payroll Settings.
2. Under the Taxes section, you can click the State Taxes.
3. Review the state tax setup and click OK.

Meanwhile, Box 16 is for state wages, tips, bonuses, and other compensation types. The data in this box is based on the total compensation types subject to state income taxes and paid to the employee. You can run the Payroll Details report to see the details.

1. Click Reports on the left menu and search Payroll Details.
2. Review the wage and deductions paid to the employee.

You might also check this article for more information about the boxes: W2 form boxes explained.

If you've already e-filed the W2s and want to make corrections, you'll need to amend it by filing a Form W-2c. Then, you can submit it out side QuickBooks. you can use this article for more information about it: Correct or amend W-2 forms.

Let us know if you require additional help with this.

Hi, My w2 box 15 &16 is blank, no other emp is blank.  I went into payroll setup and nothing is out of the ordinary.  He only got 111.00 but soc sec and medicare only was taken out.  Should I override it?  Why is it blank in the first place.  What should I do?  Thanks

Hello @robinsummers,

Thank you for posting here in the Community. I'm here to help you figure out why the W2 form boxes 15 and 16 are blank.

I recommend performing some basic troubleshooting to isolate and fix the issue. You can start with reviewing the payroll item to ensure the ID number is showing.

To verify Box 15:

1. Review the payroll item setup.
2. Select Employees then Manage Payroll Items, then View/Edit Payroll Item List.
3. Open the payroll item and click next to review the ID number. 

Next, please run the Payroll Summary report to review the state withholding amount. Here's how:

1. Click the Reports tab at the top menu bar.
2. Hover your cursor to Employees & Payroll, then select Payroll Summary.
3. Filter the date to show the entire calendar year. 
4. Double-click the amount for the state withholding in question. The amount here is equal to the total of the wage base column.

Lastly, please ensure you have the latest tax table version. This way, the forms in QuickBooks will be accurate and error-free.

Please follow these steps:

1. Click the Employees tab at the top menu bar.
2. Select Get Payroll Updates.
3. Choose Download entire payroll update.
4. Hit Update. 

Additionally, I recommend visiting the following article to learn more about how to file your W-2 forms in QuickBooks: File your W-2 forms.

Leave a comment below if you have other concerns regarding your payroll. The Community and I will be around to help you.