How to Import Your W-2 Into TurboTax

A W-2 has a lot of little boxes, and typing each one by hand is just asking for mistakes. Importing pulls the numbers in automatically, which is faster and more accurate. That said, you should still glance over every box afterward to make sure it matches the paper form.

This is an independent guide and not connected to Intuit.

TurboTax usually gives you a few ways to bring in a W-2:

• From your employer or payroll provider: if your employer takes part, you can pull the W-2 directly by confirming a few details.
• By photo or upload: the program can read a clear photo or PDF of your W-2 and fill in the boxes for you.
• By manual entry: always there as a fallback when import isn't an option.

When you reach the W-2 step, choose the import option and provide the requested information, which may include your employer's identification number from Box b. If your employer is supported, the data flows in within moments. Then review each field against your copy.

If you upload an image or PDF, make sure it's well lit and in focus so the numbers read correctly. The program pulls out the figures, but optical reading isn't perfect, so compare the imported values to your form box by box before you continue.

If import isn't available, manual entry is pretty straightforward. TurboTax shows fields that mirror the W-2 layout, so you just copy each box across. Go slowly with Boxes 1 through 6, since those carry your wages and withholding and matter most for your refund or balance due.

If import fails, check these:

• Your employer may not support direct import, in which case use a photo or manual entry.
• A blurry photo can produce wrong numbers, so retake it in better light.
• Confirm the details you entered, like the employer ID, exactly match the form.