Where Are 401k Contributions on W2?

Your annual Wage and Tax Statement, commonly known as Form W-2, serves as a comprehensive record of your earnings and the taxes withheld throughout the year. This crucial document is essential for filing your income tax return. For many employees, the W-2 also provides important details regarding contributions made to a 401(k) retirement plan, which can significantly impact your financial picture. Understanding where to locate these entries is key for managing finances and tax obligations.

Locating 401(k) Information on Your W-2

Your 401(k) contributions are primarily reported in Box 12 of your W-2 form. Each entry in Box 12 consists of a letter code followed by the corresponding dollar amount. For elective deferrals to a traditional 401(k) plan, you will typically find Code D, indicating contributions made before taxes were applied to your income. If you contribute to a Roth 401(k) plan, the amount will be reported with Code EE.

Beyond Box 12, it is important to examine Box 13 on your W-2. This box contains three checkboxes, one of which is labeled “Retirement plan.” If this box is checked, it signifies that you were an active participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), for at least part of the year.

Understanding Different Contribution Types

The amounts reported in Box 12 of your W-2 differentiate between various types of 401(k) contributions based on their tax treatment. Pre-tax 401(k) contributions, identified by Code D, are deducted from your paycheck before federal income taxes are calculated. This means these contributions reduce your taxable income in the year they are made, leading to an immediate tax benefit. However, the contributions and any earnings they generate will be subject to income tax when you withdraw them in retirement.

In contrast, Roth 401(k) contributions, shown with Code EE, are made with after-tax dollars. Your taxable income for the current year is not reduced by these contributions. The significant advantage of Roth contributions is that qualified withdrawals in retirement, including all earnings, are completely tax-free. This structure can be beneficial if you anticipate being in a higher tax bracket during your retirement years.

It is worth noting that employer contributions, such as matching contributions or profit-sharing, are generally not reported in Box 12 of your W-2. Your W-2 primarily reflects your own elective deferrals from your wages. Information regarding employer contributions is typically provided through your 401(k) plan administrator or on your annual retirement account statements.

Why This Information Matters

The 401(k) information on your W-2 is particularly relevant for accurate tax filing. The amount reported with Code D for pre-tax contributions is already excluded from your wages in Box 1, which is the figure used to calculate your federal income tax liability. This pre-tax treatment directly lowers your adjusted gross income (AGI), potentially impacting your eligibility for certain tax credits or deductions. Roth 401(k) contributions, while shown in Box 12, do not reduce your current taxable income and are primarily for informational purposes on the W-2.

Additionally, understanding your reported contributions helps you monitor adherence to annual IRS contribution limits. For example, in 2025, the employee elective deferral limit for 401(k) plans is $23,500, with higher catch-up contribution limits for those aged 50 and over. Being aware of the amounts reported on your W-2 ensures you have not exceeded these limits across all your retirement plans, which could lead to tax penalties.

Beyond tax compliance, the 401(k) details on your W-2 are valuable for personal financial planning. These figures allow you to track your progress toward retirement savings goals and reconcile your contributions with statements received from your 401(k) plan provider. This reconciliation ensures accuracy and helps in making informed decisions about your future savings strategies.