W-2 Verification Calculator
Verify W-2 boxes from gross wages and pre-tax deductions. Spot discrepancies.
Box 1 (Wages)
$65,400.00
Box 3 (SS Wages)
$71,400.00
W-2 Verification
| Gross Wages | $75,000.00 |
| Pre-Tax Deductions | -$9,600.00 |
| Box 1 - Wages, Tips | $65,400.00 |
| Box 3 - SS Wages | $71,400.00 |
| Box 5 - Medicare Wages | $71,400.00 |
| Box 2 - Federal Withheld | $9,000.00 |
| Box 17 - State Withheld | $3,500.00 |
Use the W-2 Verification Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
How It Works
Our W-2 Verification Calculator helps you cross-reference your total gross wages and pre-tax deductions against the reported figures on your 2026 W-2. This is crucial for identifying potential errors that could lead to incorrect tax filings, underpayment, or overpayment, especially with the 2026 Social Security wage base projected to be around $174,900.
The calculator works by taking your total gross wages and subtracting your reported pre-tax deductions (e.g., 401(k), health insurance premiums, FSA, HSA). This calculated 'taxable gross' is then compared against the figures reported in Box 1 (Wages, tips, other compensation), Box 3 (Social Security wages), and Box 5 (Medicare wages) on your W-2.
Always ensure you have all pay stubs for the entire tax year to accurately tally your gross wages and pre-tax deductions. Common discrepancies arise from incorrect reporting of pre-tax health insurance premiums or forgotten 401(k) contributions, which can affect your Box 1 amount but not your Box 3 or 5, given they are capped differently.
Example: Verifying a 2026 W-2
- 1 Input: Total Gross Wages: $85,000. Pre-tax 401(k) contributions: $8,000. Pre-tax Health Insurance Premiums: $3,600. HSA Contributions: $1,200.
- 2 Calculation: Taxable Gross for Box 1 = $85,000 (Gross Wages) - $8,000 (401k) - $3,600 (Health Insurance) - $1,200 (HSA) = $72,200.
- 3 Intermediate Result: Your calculated Box 1 taxable wages are $72,200. Your calculated Box 3 (Social Security) and Box 5 (Medicare) wages are $85,000 (as these deductions typically don't reduce SS/Medicare wages).
- 4 Final Result: Compare these calculated figures to your actual W-2. If your W-2 Box 1 shows $72,200, Box 3 shows $85,000, and Box 5 shows $85,000, your W-2 aligns with your records for these specific boxes. Any significant difference warrants further investigation with your employer's payroll department.
Source: IRS — Forms, Instructions & Publications · Last updated: April 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify my W-2 is correct?
Why is Box 1 on my W-2 different from my salary?
What should I do if my W-2 has errors?
You might also need
Federal Income Tax Calculator 2026 — Free IRS Tax Estimator
Calculate your 2026 federal income tax, bracket, effective rate, FICA, and take-home pay. Free, instant results based on official IRS rates and brackets.
Capital Gains Tax Calculator 2026 — Short & Long-Term Rates
Calculate short-term and long-term capital gains tax on stocks, real estate, and investments. Includes NIIT. Free, instant results based on 2026 IRS brackets.
Child Tax Credit Calculator 2026
Calculate your Child Tax Credit and Other Dependent Credit. See phase-out thresholds and net credit amount for your income.