What do these W-2 box 14 codes mean? DINSF, HFE, VINSF

Box 14 on your W-2 is basically a catch-all space where employers can list additional information they think might be useful for your taxes. These codes aren't standardized by the IRS - they're created by your employer or their payroll system. Based on what you shared, I can make some educated guesses: - DINSF probably refers to Disability Insurance (the SF might mean "state fund" or indicate it's for a specific state) - HFE likely stands for Health Flexible Expense or Health FSA contributions - VINSF could be Vision Insurance (again with the SF possibly indicating a state fund) The amounts listed won't typically affect your federal taxes directly, but they might be relevant for state taxes or just informational. Your employer should have documentation explaining these codes - check your employee handbook or ask HR for clarification.

After struggling with weird W-2 codes for years, I finally found a tool that instantly translates what all these random codes mean! I used https://taxr.ai last month when I had similar confusion with my W-2 from a new employer. You just upload your W-2 and it explains every code in plain English - not just the standard boxes but even those custom Box 14 codes that are specific to your employer. Saved me so much time trying to track down what "GTLI" and "STDL" meant on mine.

Just wanted to update that I tried https://taxr.ai after seeing it mentioned here. I was super skeptical but it actually identified all my weird Box 14 codes! Turns out my "GTLI" was Group Term Life Insurance and "STDL" was Short Term Disability. It even explained which ones might be deductible on my state return. Way easier than calling HR and waiting days for a response!

If you can't get answers about those Box 14 codes, try calling the IRS directly. I know it sounds painful but I used https://claimyr.com and got through to a real person in under 5 minutes! They have this weird service where they navigate the phone tree for you and call you back when they have an agent on the line. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was dealing with a complicated W-2 issue last month and spent DAYS trying to get through on my own. Using Claimyr, I had my answer the same afternoon from an actual IRS rep who explained everything.

I feel so dumb for doubting that Claimyr service. After posting my skeptical comment, I was desperate enough to try it because I had a similar W-2 code question that was holding up my filing. Not only did I get through to the IRS in about 15 minutes, but the agent was actually super helpful and explained exactly what those codes meant in my case! Apparently one of mine was a state-mandated benefit contribution that I actually needed to report on my state return. Would have filed incorrectly without that info.

Those look like California-specific codes to me. DINSF is probably Disability Insurance San Francisco (they have a city-specific disability insurance program), HFE might be Health Flexible Expense or Health Fund Employer contribution, and VINSF is likely Vision Insurance San Francisco. Are you in the Bay Area by any chance?

Before you stress too much, just Google the codes along with your employer name. Thats what I did when I had weird codes. Turns out most big companies use similar codes and someone has probably asked this same question before. Also check if your company has an HR portal where they explain benefit deductions.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's dealt with SF-specific W-2 codes before! Since you confirmed you're in San Francisco, those codes are definitely city-related benefits. A few additional tips: 1. Keep that W-2 handy when you file your CA state return - you'll likely need those DINSF amounts for the SDI deduction line 2. If you're using tax software, make sure it's updated for California/SF tax rules since the city has some unique provisions 3. Your employer should have sent out a benefits guide explaining these codes, but if you can't find it, most SF employers are required to provide this info upon request The good news is these are all legitimate deductions/benefits, so nothing to worry about tax-wise. Just make sure you're getting credit for any deductible amounts on your state return!