<p>On the W-2 form, if there is an amount on Box 12a, where does that go into the CSS or FAFSA forms? </p>
<p>I understand that this may be contributions to a 401(K) plan. I'm looking at our W-2 from last year and there's quite a large amount for 12a. Just wondering if this will affect our EFC in a negative way. Thanks.</p>
<p>Hi - on the CSS, there is a line for entering the amount contributed to a 401K. This will be added to your AGI, along with other untaxed income, to determine your total income, and is used to compute the EFC in both the FM and IM.</p>
<p>Whoops - box 12a is IS reported … but only if it’s codes D,E,F,G, H, or S.</p>
<p>And yes, it will impact EFC. Pretax income contributed to non-mandatory retirement accounts is considered available for school. That is, it’s a “choice” to contribute rather than to use it to pay for school.</p>
<p>Thanks Mom, I thought so too but our accountant was helping me with the CSS and he didn’t put the amount anywhere on the CSS form. I was hoping it was not an oversight on his part but it probably was.</p>
<p>I have printed the 2011-12 CSS Profile.
Does the amount in box 12 go into this question then:</p>
<p>"Enter the amount of your parents’ 2009 untaxed income and benefits:</p>
<p>-payments to tax-deferred pension and savings plans (paid directly or withheld from earnings)</p>
<p>Yes, that is where it goes.</p>
<p>Thanks, kelsmom.</p>
<p>I plugged in the figures for that box and my EFC went up $4000. Ugh.</p>