Please double check this answer.

1. Box 14 on the W-2 is for informational purposes

  • "Other Fringe Benefits" and "TAFB" (Time Away From Base) typically represent nontaxable employer-provided benefits, such as per diem allowances for meals and incidental expenses incurred while away from home on work-related travel.
  • These amounts are usually excludable from taxable income under IRC § 274(n) and § 62(a)(2)(A) as employer-provided per diem reimbursements that follow federal per diem rates.

2. Lacerte Treatment

  • Since these amounts are for informational purposes only, they do not need to be reported anywhere on the tax return unless you are using them to reconcile deductible expenses for a Schedule C or Form 2106 (Unreimbursed Employee Expenses, which is only applicable for certain categories such as Armed Forces reservists, qualified performing artists, and fee-basis state/local government officials).
  • In Lacerte, Box 14 has an input section, but you do not need to enter these items unless the client needs a record of it for other reporting purposes.
  • The amounts should not affect taxable wages or AGI unless they were improperly categorized by the employer as taxable compensation.

Next Steps:

  1. Confirm that the amounts are employer-provided per diems within the IRS per diem rates.
  2. Check the W-2 to ensure these amounts are not included in Box 1 (Wages) or subject to Social Security/Medicare taxes.
  3. If they are informational only, no entry is required in Lacerte