W-2 Verification Calculator
Verify W-2 boxes from gross wages and pre-tax deductions. Spot discrepancies.
By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: IRS — Forms, Instructions & Publications
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
Before you file, it pays to confirm that the numbers on your 2026 W-2 actually match what you earned and what came out pre-tax. Catching a discrepancy now heads off an incorrect return, an underpayment, or an overpayment down the line, which matters all the more with the 2026 Social Security wage base projected at around $174,900.
Verification runs by taking your total gross wages and subtracting your reported pre-tax deductions, things like 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, FSA, and HSA amounts. The resulting taxable gross is then set side by side with the figures your employer reported in Box 1 (Wages, tips, other compensation), Box 3 (Social Security wages), and Box 5 (Medicare wages).
Pull every pay stub for the full tax year first, since an accurate tally of gross wages and pre-tax deductions depends on having the complete picture. Mismatches usually trace back to pre-tax health insurance premiums recorded incorrectly or forgotten 401(k) contributions, either of which can shift your Box 1 amount while leaving Box 3 and Box 5 alone, since those boxes are capped on a different basis.
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?
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