<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=690758617926394&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

Reporting Multiple State Earnings on the W-2

A Tax & Finance Resource by Complete Payroll

When it comes to multiple state withholdings, New York does something a little differently than most states. In fact, most employees that report withholdings in multiple states (when one of those is New York) usually believe there's an error on their W-2. We're here to set the record straight.

 

Overview

When it comes to multiple state withholdings, New York does something a little differently than most states. In fact, most employees that report withholdings in multiple states (when one of those is New York) usually believe there's an error on their W-2. We're here to set the record straight.

 

 

 

Making Sense of the W-2

In Box 16 most states report the amount of wage that was earned in that state. So if you had state withholding in more than one state, you would see the first state listed in box 15 followed by the wage earned in that state in Box 16. Beneath that you would see the next state listed in Box 15 followed by the wage earned in that state in Box 16. When the two wage amounts listed in each of the Box 16  are added together they would total box 1 which is your Federal Wage amount.

 

W-2 Box 15 and 16.png

 

For New York this is not the case…

In New York, they don’t report the total wage made in New York State, they report the total Federal wages from Box 1 in the state wage Box 16.

So, even if only 2 weeks of your yearly wage was in New York, Box 16 will show whatever is in Box 1, and if you have another state along with New York when both wage amounts from Box 16 are added together you could potentially have more than your federal wages in Box 1.

Does this mean you're being double taxed on those wages?

No. When filing your personal tax return in New York there is a section to explain if any of the wages you made were out of the state and how much of the wage was made in New York. This allows the state to figure out just how much wage was actually made in New York and how much tax should have been paid.

If you want to see the proof for yourself you can find the information in Publication NY-50 on page 33 under heading “Employee Requirements Concerning the Reporting of New York State Wages." 

You deserve a payroll partner that helps you with tax issues.

Browse Solutions

"Hunt Hollow Ski Club has tried other payroll companies from time to time, but always return to Complete Payroll because we have an assigned specialist who knows our needs inside and out, is knowledgeable, easy to reach and very responsive. My questions and concerns are addressed in a VERY timely manner and I never feel that I have to handle sticky issues alone."

Arden NeubauerHunt Hollow Ski Club
hunthollow.com

Watch Video

I have been working with Lacy Smart and her team for the last few years. I have been impressed by her responsiveness, accuracy, and high level of providing client satisfaction. She and her team are a wonderful testament to the organization!

Bahar UttamSoderberg Insurance Services Inc
soderberginsurance.com

Ashley from Complete Payroll has always been helpful. It seems that whenever we have a challenge, Ashley is there to help us through and does it well. Her customer service skills are excellent.

Bobby LuuKenrick Maintenance Corporation
kenrickfirst.com

I have worked with a few different payroll providers during my career. Complete Payroll is absolutely, by far, the most proficient and customer service-oriented provider I have been privileged to work with. Lindsay Ezard goes above and beyond to assist me with any question I may have. Thank You Lindsay!

Bonnie DeneefNuttall Golf Cars Inc
tore.com

The team at Complete Payroll is always responsive, always helpful, and always professional. They have gone above and beyond over recent years to assist Keuka College in creating efficiencies, maintaining compliance, and improving processes. Complete Payroll is a trusted partner, a valued resource, and a respected adviser.

Carol GroverKeuka College
keuka.edu

My experience with Complete Payroll has been exceptional. I was a novice to payroll so my learning curve was big. Andrea is wonderful helping me navigate payroll and not just fixing my errors but explaining what I did or did not do.

Cathie ReneRochester Hearing and Speech
rhsc.org

We were referred to Complete Payroll years ago by a board member and haven't looked back since. When I first started working with them, I knew nothing about payroll. My first rep Lacey, and now JoAnn, are great to work with. Working with Complete Payroll has just been a wonderful all-around experience for me.

Cathy PaceFinger Lakes Wrestling Club Inc

We very much appreciate the quick service. If I need a special report it arrives via email within one business day, if not that day.

Cathy SchuthHilton Health Care PC
hiltonhealthcare.com

Complete Payroll is a great payroll company, and we love Lacey! She always has the answers to my questions without hesitation. There is very little (if any) wait time to get a call back.

Christina WagarDr. Christopher Mozrall

The first suggestion I made after I joined Shear Ego was that if they were not yet using Complete Payroll, they should be. We continue to be impressed and happy with the quality and friendliness of service, and the excellent newsletters and up-to-date information on all things payroll and HR.

Colleen KollShear Ego Salon & Spa
shearego.com

We moved to Complete Payroll about 3 years ago. It was seamless and working with Lacy Smart on Mondays is a breeze.

Debbie KlymkowBoulevard Van City
vancitymobility.com

People do business with people, not with corporations. In over 20 years, we have only had two customer service reps. Instead of feeling like we are one of 10,000, CP makes us feel like family! We count on Lindsay getting it right, and she always does. Even when we go outside the box, all is as we expect it!

Diane RomanoROMOLD Inc.

Complete Payroll fits my budget, I never get bounced around between customer service reps, and it's very easy to enter my payroll. I simply take a photo of my payroll sheet and email it to my rep. There's never a problem! With them, it's business done, and business done right.

Dick EakinsNorco Farms

Complete Payroll Processing provided an easy transition from internal payroll processing. With payroll as their core competency, CP has the expertise to help mitigate errors and ease the burden of annual updates. Comprehensive reporting gives all the details needed and an organization can operate with an added piece of mind knowing that the payroll service is taken care of.

Don CunninghamTown of Bergen NY
bergenny.org

After nearly 10 years, we are receiving the same or better service than when we started. The ability to reach our dedicated customer service representative in a timely manner is huge when there are deadlines in play. Requests for unique reports and integration with our other vendors has been handled without hesitation. We truly feel a partnership with Complete Payroll.

Eileen ReevesCatholic Charities
ccwny.org

I am very happy with your service and your website is easy to use. Employees are so responsive and ready to help with any questions. Andrea responds quickly to email, Tracy did everything from the beginning to get us started understanding and entering payroll, and Sydney's training was just super helpful.

Elmira DewesElite Roasters

I just love Lindsay! She does an awesome job! She is very responsive and I like that she teaches me how to find things rather than just doing it for me.

Emily WyseWyse Properties
wyseproperties.com

When our business began in 2005 I knew right away which payroll company we would use. I have had exactly 2 payroll specialists since then, and I feel like they know me & our company. I am not shy to ask questions & if they don't know the answer I am always pointed in the right direction. I have every confidence in my payroll specialist, Lindsay and the company she is with!

Geri VitulloEnglish Road Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, LLC
englishroadpediatrics.com

I have had the great pleasure of working with Payroll Country for almost two years now. Tiffany was my original CSR and was very helpful, courteous, and was always there whenever I needed help. So far, my experience with my new rep, John, has been wonderful as well. I look forward to working with Complete Payroll for many years to come!

Gwen JonesMack's Body Shop, Inc.
macksbodyshop.com

We have been with Complete Payroll for quite awhile now and plan on staying. Thanks!

Watch Howard's Testimonial

Howard ClarkeH Clarke Services

Watch Video

Crossroads House has been using Complete Payroll for several years now. Their service is fast, friendly and accurate. Whenever we have payroll documentation needs arise for our employees, Complete Payroll always gets the job done quickly and efficiently. We are proud to count them as one of our many community partners.

Jeff AllenCrossroads House
crossroadshouse.com

Watch Video
We have received excellent and attentive service for over 10 years now. We have come to rely on Complete Payroll's consistency and very low turnover. We appreciate the chance to know our rep and they get to know us and our needs as a business. If we have payroll or general HR questions, Complete Payroll has the answers for us.

Jill BonnellSwagelok Western New York
swagelok.com

Great customer service combined with a reduction in processing fees made the decision to stay with Complete Payroll an easy one. Our customer service representative, Kendall, always gets back to us quickly, and she is always very helpful and friendly. Also, the training that we received from LeeAnn was thorough and beneficial.

Joanna BatesInn at Houghton Creek
www.innathoughtoncreek.com

We have been well served by Complete Payroll. When we have needed support, it was given both in payroll and other employee matters, like handbooks.

John WorthTown Of Pembroke
townofpembroke.org

It has been great working with everyone from Complete payroll. Everyone through the years have always been great. They take your phone calls every time, and always go above and beyond what you need. We have been customers for years and will continue for years.

Judy McdonaldAntonucci Law Firm

We have been using Complete Payroll for over five years and have found them to be responsive, professional, friendly, and cost effective. Customer service is best judged when something goes wrong. Complete Payroll is always there immediately to help fix the issue. Complete Payroll is a payroll partner, not just a payroll service.

Kelly StephensonThe Service Collaborative of WNY, Inc.
www.tscwny.org

I have worked with many payroll companies throughout my career and Complete Payroll surpasses them all in personalized service. My CSR is Andrea and I have always received assistance in a timely manner. Keep up the great job!

Linda MooreTiffany Transportation Services LTD.

Complete Payroll is the best choice that I have made for our payroll and HR services. Anytime I have called customer service, there is always a happy and knowledgeable person on the line to help us out! They have done anything I have asked of them in a quick and efficient manner! I would recommend them to anybody!

Lisa CarpenterOlean Wholesale Grocery Coop., Inc.

What I love most about Complete Payroll is the quick resolution and response. There are not many issues, but like anything in life, issues happen. Complete Payroll is the best at acknowledging the issue and resolving the problem quickly. My rep is fantastic to work with, and I refer Complete Payroll whenever I can!

Nancy WoolverFinancial Service Company

I've been very pleased with the service and responsiveness of my CSR, and CP's continued dedication to provide us with all the tools we need to have a successful payroll and HR experience. You are always available when I have a question and always make sure that any problems that arise are worked through to my satisfaction.

Paul CronkFillmore Wesleyan Church
fillmorewesleyan.church

I can not fully express my satisfaction with Complete Payroll's personalized service, directed to my specific business needs. They are always there to make suggestions on how to make my experience better. I highly recommend Complete Payroll to anyone that has a business, large or small. You will not be disappointed!

Paul MartinElite Armed Response Service, LLC

Complete Payroll has, by far, been the easiest and friendliest company we have ever worked with. They are quick to respond to any questions I am having, and they also have a great pricing structure.

Shane GustafsonA Gust of Sun Winery
agustofsun.com

The attention to detail in the customer experience and the consistent friendliness of the Complete Payroll team really make the difference. Liz, Mona, LeeAnne, Brandi, and Lacy have all been great to work with.

Shivaugn AhernCentral American Healthcare Initiative Inc.
cahisalud.org

Complete Payroll's service, loyalty, and family atmosphere is second to none! We NEVER have any mistakes, and payroll is always on time. When I have a "Brain Fart" and forget to call in payroll, my rep Lindsey has my back. Our company will always be with Complete Payroll, and I recommend them to anyone who asks. They get an A++ rating in our book!

Sue HornBrian Horn's Auto Repair, Inc.

We couldn't be happier with Complete Payroll's service. Prompt and professional, every concern or question is addressed immediately. Our rep Lacy is an absolute pleasure to deal with. We have every intention to continue our working relationship with them for years to come. It is a load off to know that this part of our business is "worry free."

Susan MunschEvergreen Trails Campground
evergreentrails.com

We have been in business for 70 years and have dealt with A LOT of other payroll companies! Complete Payroll is by far the best we have worked with! Ashlee Adams is my CSR and she is absolutely the BEST! Always makes time for me and very patient with any question that I may have!  

Teresa BullockSorge's Restaurant
sorges.com

We have been customers for many years. Evolution Software is easy to use but, more importantly, Cindy is an email away and her knowledgeable, efficient, and quick to replies to our questions are appreciated. We're very happy with Complete Payroll.

Teresa JacksonDudley Poultry
dudleypoultry.com

Complete Payroll is always there if we have a problem or need something special! Their response time is AWESOME!

Tina CanaliChemung County SPCA
chemungspca.org

My CSR, Andi Dimmick, is The Bomb! She's always friendly, cheery, and with all her clients, makes me feel like she has carved time out for ME. Her customer service is AWESOME, and the personal touch means so much!

Denni HarbaughIndependent Title Agency, LLC
fasttitles.com

Everyone I talk to at CP is friendly and tries to help. If they don't have a ready answer, that's OK. They take the time to find one. Website is user friendly, too. The actual operation of payroll is dependable and reliable.

Elvira AlettaExplore What's Next
explorewhatsnext.com

On the ball with pertinent payroll and HR topics - love the payroll system and customer service!

Theone KalkinisPeregrine Walton LLC

Things go quite smoothly and I have a very good rep: Megan!

Peter VarlanMitchell T. Yencer
eyesite-ny.com

Kari Sutton and her team always are there ready to help me with any questions or concerns. The reports are easy to read and complete with the data I need for the job! Thank you, Kari!

Norlene BooneGP Rochester, Inc.
greater-rochester.pauldavis.com

Great customer support and service!

Cindy Van BurenHeritage Packaging
heritagepackaging.com

Easy to use! My rep, Ashlee Adams gives great customer service, and I love the options you have while still being affordable.

Bob BoltKTS Management, Inc
mikes-subs.com

LeeAnn was very helpful, very thorough, patient, and professional, and pleasant! She is an excellent trainer!

Joanne HoovenOccupational Management Group
omgarm.com

Leanne was very helpful!

Gregory GeraciJack of All Trades

LeeAnne was very helpful in explaining the program with me and answered all my questions. I look forward to trying it out on my own next week!

Rachelle LyonsJD Burkhardt, Inc.

Friendly, answered all my questions, and never felt hurried.

Lisa LyonsAttica Auto Supply Inc

LeeAnn was just wonderful to work with.

Bonnie DeNeefNuttall Warehousing LLC
thegolfcartstore.com

state earnings w2 form ashley

See More Payroll & Tax Explanations

Do you know about Ashley Explains yet? Our own Tax Manager, Ashley Hamilton, regularly shares new videos answering your questions on tax compliance and other import subjects with payroll and tax implications. Click the link below to browse the latest episodes.

Browse Ashley Explains

Recent Articles

If it's relevant or interesting and it relates to taking care of your people, we're publishing it.

Common Payroll Fraud Schemes: How to Prevent and Detect Payroll Fraud

Did you know that payroll fraud is currently the number one source of accounting fraud and payroll theft and occurs in 27% of businesses? In their 2024 report, the Association of Certified Fraud

IRS Employee Retention Credit Update: What Your Company Needs to Know

The IRS continues to crack down on incorrect and fraudulent Employee Retention Credit claims with a series of updates that specifically deal with fraud prevention, new legislation, deadlines, and

Why Isn't Federal Income Tax Being Withheld from My Employees’ Paychecks?

With tax season fully upon us, a common question we are getting from our clients is about their employees’ reporting back to them that they aren’t having federal income tax withheld from their

bottom-cta-bg.jpg

Learn what a life in Payroll Country could mean for your business.

Request a quote
Get more information