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The Daily Insight

Why is Box 9 blacked out on W2?

Author

Emma Jordan

Published Feb 13, 2026

The 16-character verification code, which appeared in Box 9 of 2018 W-2s, was added so the IRS could authenticate W-2s to the information reported on Forms 1040, U.S. Individual Tax Return. Box 9 of the 2019 Form W-2 no longer is reserved for the verification code.

What if there is no verification code on W2?

Taxpayers without a verification code on their Form(s) W-2 may leave the verification code box blank in their tax software product.

Where is the IRS verification code on your W-2?

In Drake17 and Drake18, entry for the W-2 Verification Code is line 9 on screen W2 on the General tab in data entry of the individual return. The code will consist of four groups of alphanumeric characters, separated by hyphens. There is no need to enter the hyphens in data entry when entering the verification code.

Can you forge a W-2?

Can I create a W-2 online? Yes, you can create a W-2 form for your employees online. Our W-2 generator is perfect for this, as we’ll guide you through the steps to make sure you don’t miss anything. After answering a few questions, you’ll only need to download, print and file filled copy of the form by mail.

Can W-2 be verified?

It is common for loan transactions for information be verified from personal income sources such as W-2 forms and tax returns. Verifying information from a W-2 can be completed by contacting the employer supplying the W-2 form to check for accuracy.

Is there a way to verify W-2?

Verifying information from a W-2 can be completed by contacting the employer supplying the W-2 form to check for accuracy.

What does a W-2 with no verification code look like?

W-2s without a verification code may contain a blank Box 9 or no Box 9 at all The code will be displayed in four groups of four alphanumeric characters, separated by hyphens. Example: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX.

Is there a box 9 on Form W-2?

A Form W-2 without a verification code may include a blank box 9 or no box 9 at all. The verification code will be displayed in four groups of four alphanumeric characters, separated by hyphens. Example: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX.

What happens if your verification code is blank?

Some employees may find that their verification code box is blank. In the event this happens, no code data will need to be provided to the IRS. Additionally, since this is just a test that the IRS is performing, if the code is not entered or entered incorrectly, the tax return process will not be delayed.

What happens if you miss a verification code on a tax form?

However, omitted and incorrect verification codes will not delay the processing of a tax return. The form will include these instructions to taxpayers and tax preparers: “Box 9.