In which W-2 box must allocated tips be reported?

Allocated tips must be reported in Box 8 of the W-2 form. This specific box is designated for allocated tips, which are tips that employers allocate to employees based on the gross receipts received by the employer and specific allocation formulas set by the IRS.

Box 8 distinguishes these tips from actual reported tips, which are included in Box 1. Understanding the correct placement of allocated tips is essential for both accurate reporting and compliance with IRS regulations. The other boxes mentioned, such as Box 1, 3, and 5, are used for different types of income or deductions, which makes them inappropriate for reporting allocated tips specifically. Box 3 is used for Social Security wages, and Box 5 is for Medicare wages, neither of which should include allocated tips as a separate item. Thus, recognizing the right box for allocated tips ensures proper reporting on tax documents.