W-2 Verification Calculator
Verify W-2 boxes from gross wages and pre-tax deductions. Spot discrepancies.
By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated September 2026 · Source: IRS — General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3 (2026)
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.
Verification starts from your total gross wages and subtracts the pre-tax amounts you enter: traditional 401(k) contributions, HSA contributions and health insurance premiums. From those the calculator works out what Box 1 (Wages, tips, other compensation), Box 3 (Social Security wages) and Box 5 (Medicare wages) should show, so you can set them side by side with your W-2.
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. A traditional 401(k) deferral lowers Box 1 only, because it is still subject to Social Security and Medicare tax; health premiums paid pre-tax through a cafeteria plan lower Box 1, Box 3 and Box 5 alike. Box 3 also stops at the Social Security wage base, $184,500 for 2026, while Box 5 has no cap.
Example: Verifying a 2026 W-2
- 1 Input: gross wages $85,000; pre-tax 401(k) contributions $8,000; pre-tax health insurance premiums $3,600; no HSA contributions.
- 2 Box 1: $85,000 − $8,000 (401(k)) − $3,600 (health insurance) = $73,400.
- 3 Box 3 and Box 5: $85,000 − $3,600 = $81,400 each. The 401(k) deferral stays in both boxes because it is still subject to Social Security and Medicare tax, while the cafeteria-plan health premiums come out of every box. Box 3 is below the $184,500 wage base, so the cap does not bite.
- 4 Compare with your W-2: Box 1 should read $73,400 and Boxes 3 and 5 should read $81,400. A significant difference is worth raising with your employer's payroll department.
Source: IRS — General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3 (2026) · Last updated: September 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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