Find your personal information at the top
Check your Social Security number
Review your employer’s name, address, and EIN
Look at Box 1 for wages, tips, and other compensation
Look at Box 2 for federal income tax withheld
Check Box 3 for Social Security wages
Check Box 4 for Social Security tax withheld
Check Box 5 for Medicare wages and tips
Check Box 6 for Medicare tax withheld
Review Box 12 for codes and amounts
Check Box 13 for retirement plan, statutory employee, or third-party sick pay
Check Box 14 for other deductions or information
Review Boxes 15 through 20 for state and local tax information
Compare the amounts with your final pay stub
Use the W-2 to file your tax return
Keep a copy for your records