W-2 Frequently Asked Questions

W-2s are for a calendar year, January 1 to December 31.

Gross wages reported on a W 2 reflect taxable earnings, not total salary. Pre-tax deductions reduce taxable gross wages. Common pre-tax deductions include:

• Health insurance premiums
• Retirement contributions
• Parking deductions
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) contributions

Because of these deductions, taxable gross wages shown on your W-2 are typically lower than your budgeted annual salary.
 

Common reasons include:

• Fewer overtime hours worked in 2025
• An increase in pre‑tax deductions
• A change in Full‑Time Equivalent (FTE) status during the year

You can verify your W‑2 by comparing it to your final December 2025 paycheck in Firefly. The amount shown in Box 1 (Wages, tips, and other compensation) on your W‑2 will match the Federal & State Taxable Earnings listed on your final 2025 paycheck.

To view your final paycheck of 2025 in Firefly:

1. Select the Employee Self Service tile under Self Service
2. Select Paycheck Inquiry tile
3. Select your final paycheck paid in 2025
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.  

Employees who qualify for this tax deduction will receive a 2025 Overtime Premium Statement. This statement identifies the portion of wages reported in Box 1 that represents the overtime premium amount and may be used when filing a personal tax return.

The statement will be issued as a paper form letter mailed to the employee’s permanent address listed in Firefly and will not be available electronically through Employee Self Service.

All mailed 2025 tax documents will be postmarked by February 2, 2026, in accordance with IRS requirements.

Current and former employees may request duplicate 2025 tax documents on or after February 16, 2026.