W2 shows less gross than last year

Yes it happens. Calling them is all you can do. You can see what your YTD numbers are on your last 2016 paycheck to give an idea

We did increase the 401k contributions....but I dont know how the overall gross would be less

Not sure of your situation but I get paid on the 1st and 16th of every month. Well, the way Jan 1st 2016 fell, that check was paid as the last check of 2015. So in 2015, I was paid 25 paychecks and in 2016 I was paid 23 pay checks. That's where my difference came from.

The amount in box 1 does not include stuff like your 401(k) contribution, health care reimbursement account contribs, and health insurance premiums.

We each made more in 2016 than 2015, but both our W-2 numbers were lower because of increased health premiums and increased contribs to 401(k).

So these factors could be affecting your W-2 figures for income and amount withheld.

Yes 3 and 5 are less than last year...got a raise but increased amt to 401k...still not sure how that shows up as less.

quote:

---

Yes 3 and 5 are less than last year...got a raise but increased amt to 401k...still not sure how that shows up as less.

---

Compare your final paycheck from 2016 to 2015. Those will include your overall earnings, regardless of tax deduct-ability. Your tax forms will only show taxable wages, and are never a good indicator of money paid out to you (including insurance, 401k, etc)

Did your bi-weekly paychecks go up from last year? If you weren't getting paid more into your bank account after 401k, insurance, etc. were taken out than obviously your W-2 will not go up.

401k, insurance, etc. are all pre-tax withdraws. So they are taken out straight from your gross pay dollar for dollar, if your salary was $5000/ month and you put $1000 into 401k and health insurance than your W-2 taxable income was only $4000/ month.

The other answer is as said, that you may of been paid in 2015 more times than in 2016 due to dates.