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jonmurphey
January 3, 2025
Question

Adjusting Box 1 and Box 16 Amounts on W-2s

  • January 3, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 0 views

I don't understand why I was able to manually adjust the Box 1 and Box 16 amounts to add the S-Corp health insurance in the Desktop version of QuickBooks for the 20+ years that I used it.  Now that I gave in and switched over to QuickBooks Online, it's not an option.  Why not?

    3 replies

    FishingForAnswers
    FishingForAnswers
    January 3, 2025

    @jonmurphey  There is an answer, but I don't think it'll be a satisfying one.

     

    My sincere condolences for your impending and numerous QBO experiences.

      C
      ClaireSamanthaS
      January 3, 2025

      Hello, @Jon11_2. I know how crucial it is for you to be able to accurately adjust your W-2 forms in QuickBooks Online (QBO). I'm here to offer personalized insights and detailed guidance to help you manage your W-2 forms efficiently within the platform.

       

      You can modify your W-2 form in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) but not in QuickBooks Online (QBO), likely due to the different features and functionalities of each platform. QBDT is installed locally and equipped with extensive payroll and tax management features, enabling direct modifications to W-2 forms. Conversely, QBO operates as a cloud-based application and might have certain restrictions or alternate procedures for managing tax forms. 

       

      You can still make changes to your W-2 forms, but the process depends on whether your automated taxes and forms are activated. If they are on, we handle the filing of your W-2s on your behalf; therefore, you will need to get in touch with us to request any necessary corrections. On the other hand, if automated taxes and forms are turned off, you must manually generate and file a W-2c and W-3 form directly with the Social Security Administration.

       

      For more comprehensive details on how to correct errors in W-2 and W-3 forms in QBO, feel free to explore these resources: Fix an incorrect W-2 and W-3.

       

      Lastly, QuickBooks Online also offers the convenient feature of allowing you to print your W-2 forms directly from the platform.

       

      Should you need further assistance with adjusting your W-2 forms in QBO, just circle back. The Community is ready and eager to provide you with the support you need.

        BigRedConsulting
        BigRedConsulting
        January 3, 2025

        @ClaireSamanthaS 

        RE: I understand how crucial it is for you to be able to accurately adjust your W-2 forms in QuickBooks Online (QBO).... You can modify your W-2 form in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) but not in QuickBooks Online (QBO),

         

        Do you realize how nonsensical that non-helpful that is?

         

        RE: QBDT is installed locally and equipped with extensive payroll and tax management features, enabling direct modifications to W-2 forms. Conversely, QBO operates as a cloud-based application and might have certain restrictions or alternate procedures for managing tax forms. 

         

        That complete nonsense.  There is no reason why a cloud-based app needs to be different than a desktop one for this case.

         

        Also, "might" have certain restrictions? Come on! Just say it: QuickBooks Online is missing tons of features and functionality compared to QuickBooks Desktop. It is in no way a reasonable replacement for QuickBooks Desktop.  If any QB Online major area is the weakest compared to Desktop, it's Payroll, which is a far cry from Desktop payroll.

         

        RE: You can still make changes to your W-2 forms... if automated taxes and forms are turned off, you must manually generate and file a W-2c and W-3 form directly with the Social Security Administration.

         

        You're suggesting that the customer file incorrect W-2 forms on purpose and then file W-2c's manually to fix them? That is abjectly absurd.  You, an Intuit agent, are telling the customer to knowingly file incorrect W-2's because of lame QuickBooks Online limitations. You do know that quite likely an illegal thing to do, right?

         

        RE: Lastly, QuickBooks Online also offers the convenient feature of allowing you to print your W-2 forms directly from the platform.

         

        Uh... so does Desktop. And it's not at all convenient if the W-2's are wrong because lame QB Online doesn't let the paying customer fix them when they're wrong.  What garbage!

          S
          swilmarth
          January 12, 2025

          I'm working through this same issue and found out there is a "Pay Type" called "S-Corp Owners Health Insurance."      (Under Employees, pick the owner, scroll to "Pay Types", click Edit, then "Additional Pay Types" at the bottom has it listed.)

           

          QBO Support is closed right now, but my plan is to contact the payroll service and have them add the amount for the year to the final paycheck of 2024.   Hopefully that will do it. 

           

          Then for 2025, I think it can just be added to each paycheck and will work "right" for next year.

           

          Like you, I am a long time Desktop user that just switched to online.  Overall I like it, but the first time doing anything in it is....an adventure.

           

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