On form W-2, what box is used to report wages, tips, and other compensation?

On the W-2 form, Box 1 is designated specifically for reporting "Wages, tips, other compensation." This box reflects the total taxable income that an employee has received during the year and includes not only regular wages but also bonuses, tips, and other forms of compensation that are subject to federal income tax.

Understanding this is crucial for accurate reporting and compliance, as all amounts reported in Box 1 will impact the employee's income tax liability. Additionally, the total in Box 1 is used to determine eligibility for various tax credits and deductions.

The other boxes mentioned, such as Box 10, Box 12, and Box 14, serve different purposes, focusing on specific types of compensation or deductions, but they do not aggregate the total taxable earnings for federal income tax as Box 1 does.