What does Box 12 Code "J" indicate regarding sick pay?

Box 12 Code "J" on the W-2 form signifies that the sick pay reported is not subject to income tax. This code is used to indicate that the employer has provided sick pay to an employee, and specific tax treatments apply. The funds reported with this code are generally characterized as non-taxable income, meaning that they are not included in the employee's gross income for federal tax purposes.

Understanding this code is crucial for employees and payroll professionals because it directly affects how sick pay is reported for taxation. Recognizing that not all payments received during sick leave are treated as taxable income allows for accurate tax reporting and compliance with IRS regulations.

The other choices relate to different tax matters. Designated Roth contributions involve the payment of taxes upfront for retirement savings. Uncollected Medicare tax on tips refers to additional taxes that may need to be paid on certain types of income. Excludable moving expense reimbursements deal with tax treatments for costs associated with relocating for work. Each of these codes serves a distinct purpose and indicates different tax implications, thereby differentiating them from the specific function of Code "J".