W-2 Frequently Asked Questions

W-2 Tax Statements report Gross Taxable Income, which can vary from an employee’s budgeted annual salary amounts due to several factors. 

Here are some FAQs in regard to W-2s and information those provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What period of time does my W-2 cover?

W-2s are for a calendar year, January to December.

Why do my 2024 W-2 gross wages not match my budgeted annual salary?

Pre-tax deductions reduce the taxable gross wages on a W-2. Common pre-tax deductions include health insurance premiums, retirement contributions, parking deductions, and flexible spending account deductions. Taxable gross wages will be lower than your budgeted annual salary.  

Why does my 2024 W-2 show I earned less gross wages than my 2023 W-2?

The most common reasons may include the employee worked less overtime, the employee had an increase in pre-tax deductions or the employee had a FTE change.

How can I verify my 2024 W-2 is correct?

W-2 information can be verified by viewing the taxable gross amounts on your final December 2024 paycheck in Firefly. W-2, Box 1. Wages tips and other compensation will match Fed & State Taxable Earnings on your final 2024 paycheck. To view your final 2024 paycheck in Firefly follow these steps:

  1. Select the “Employee Self Service” tile under Self Service
  2. Select “Paycheck Inquiry” tile
  3. Select your final paycheck paid in 2024
  4. Fed & State Taxable Earnings box is located in the bottom right corner of the paycheck. This amount will match Box 1 of your W-2.  

Please contact us if you have any additional questions at payroll@unl.edu.