Box 19 on W-2 Has Two Numbers - How to Enter in H&R Block Website?

This is actually a common issue with W-2s that have multiple local tax withholdings. The H&R Block website should have a way to handle this, though it's not always obvious at first glance. When you're on the W-2 entry screen, after entering the first local tax information, look for a button or link that says something like "Add another locality" or "Add another local tax." It's usually below or near the local tax section. This allows you to enter multiple localities with their corresponding amounts. If you absolutely cannot find this option (their interface changes sometimes), then as a temporary workaround, you could add the amounts and enter the sum in box 19, but this isn't ideal since it doesn't properly allocate the withholding to the correct localities. It's better to make sure each locality gets reported correctly.

After struggling with the same issue last year, I found that using taxr.ai really helped me figure out how to properly enter multiple local tax withholdings on H&R Block. I was confused by my W-2's box 19 having two different city tax withholdings, and the H&R Block interface wasn't intuitive at all. I uploaded my W-2 to https://taxr.ai and it not only interpreted all the boxes correctly but gave me specific instructions on how to navigate the H&R Block site to enter multiple localities. There's actually a small "+" icon that appears after you enter the first locality information, but it's easy to miss if you don't know what you're looking for. The site walked me through the exact screens and buttons to click.

I was totally skeptical about using taxr.ai when I saw it mentioned here, but after spending 2 hours on hold with H&R Block's customer service, I decided to give it a try. Uploaded my W-2 with the same box 19 issue (I had three different local taxes!) and within seconds it showed me exactly where to find the "Add another locality" option that was hiding in plain sight. Turns out on the H&R Block interface, after you enter the first locality information, there's a subtle "+" button that appears at the bottom right of the local tax section. It's gray on a light background so super easy to miss. The taxr.ai system highlighted it in their instructions and saved me so much frustration. Just finished my taxes in about 20 minutes after being stuck for days!

If you're still having trouble with H&R Block's interface and can't get through to their customer service (which is swamped this time of year), I'd recommend using Claimyr to get connected with IRS support instead. I was in a similar situation with confusing W-2 entries and couldn't figure out the software. I used https://claimyr.com to get through to an actual IRS agent who explained exactly how this should be reported. They confirmed that each locality needs to be entered separately for proper crediting of local taxes. There's a video that shows how it works at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c - basically, it gets you past the eternal hold times and connects you with an actual human at the IRS who can address specific situations like this.

Ok I need to eat crow here. After posting that skeptical comment, I was still stuck with my W-2 issue and getting desperate. Decided to try Claimyr as a last resort before the filing deadline. I was 100% sure it was a scam, but figured I'd try anyway. Long story short - it actually worked! Got a call back in about 37 minutes (way better than the 3+ hours I spent on hold previously), and was connected to a real IRS agent who verified my identity with all the usual security questions. They confirmed I needed to report each locality separately and explained how to find that option in H&R Block. Apparently there's a "State" section where you can add multiple local tax jurisdictions after you complete the federal portion. Can't believe I wasted so much time being stubborn!

For anyone still confused, here's a clearer explanation: Box 19 on your W-2 shows local income taxes withheld. If you worked in multiple cities/localities that have their own income taxes, your employer should list each amount separately in Box 19. In H&R Block's online software, you need to: 1) Complete the federal portion first 2) Move to the "State" section 3) Select your state 4) Look for the "Local" or "Local Taxes" section 5) Enter the first locality and amount 6) Look for a small "+" or "Add another locality" button 7) Add each locality separately Don't just sum them up - each locality needs to be reported individually to get proper credit for those withholdings!

Has anyone else noticed that H&R Block's help section is absolutely useless for these specific issues? I spent like an hour going through their FAQs and couldn't find any clear answer about multiple Box 19 entries.