W-2 Sample & Example

A real W-2 is a single page split into lettered identifier boxes and numbered data boxes. Here is what each region contains and how to read it.

What a W-2 looks like

W-2 — sample layoutannotated

Boxes a–f (identifiers)

Your SSN, the employer’s EIN, and both names and addresses. Box d is an optional payroll control number.

Box 1 — Wages, tips, other compensation

Your taxable wages for federal income tax. This is often lower than your gross pay because pre-tax 401(k) and health-insurance contributions are removed.

Box 2 — Federal income tax withheld

The total federal income tax your employer already sent to the IRS on your behalf.

Boxes 3 & 4 — Social Security wages / tax

Wages subject to Social Security (capped at the annual wage base) and the 6.2% tax withheld on them.

Boxes 5 & 6 — Medicare wages / tax

Wages subject to Medicare (no cap) and the 1.45% tax withheld, plus any additional 0.9% on high earners.

Box 12 — Coded amounts

Letter codes for specific items: D = 401(k) contributions, DD = cost of employer health coverage, W = HSA contributions, and more.

Box 13 — Checkboxes

Flags for statutory employee, participation in a retirement plan, and third-party sick pay.

Boxes 15–17 — State

The state, the employer’s state ID number, state wages, and state income tax withheld. A W-2 can list several states.

Boxes 18–20 — Local

Local wages, local income tax, and the locality name for city or county taxes.

Illustrative layout for education. A real w-2 may vary by issuer.

The data you get when you extract it

Upload the same w-2 to W-2 Parser and instead of reading it by hand you get clean structured data like this:

{
  "employer_ein": "82-1234567",
  "employer_name": "Acme Corp",
  "wages": "4820.00",
  "federal_tax": "4820.00",
  "social_security": "4820.00",
  "medicare": "4820.00",
  "_confidence": 0.98
}

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FAQ

What does a W-2 look like?

A real W-2 is a single page split into lettered identifier boxes and numbered data boxes. Here is what each region contains and how to read it. The annotated example above shows each region and what it contains.

Can I use this W-2 sample as a template?

Use it to understand the layout and fields. When you need the actual data off a real w-2, upload it and get structured JSON/CSV back — no manual typing.

When should I receive my W-2?

Employers must furnish W-2s by January 31. If you have not received it by mid-February, contact your employer or payroll department.

Why is Box 1 different from my salary?

Box 1 shows federal taxable wages. Pre-tax contributions (401(k), health premiums, HSA) reduce it below your gross salary, which is why the numbers differ.

This page shows an illustrative W-2 example for educational purposes and is not tax, legal, or financial advice.