Troubleshooting Lacerte diagnostic ref. 38876 or 15078 in Lacerte

If you're missing information or you entered incorrect information in Screen 10, Wages, Salaries Tips, the following e-file diagnostics may generate:

• e-File: Form W-2 #(W-2 Number): e-file state identification number is missing.  (ref. #38876)
• e-File: Form W-2 # (W-2 Num):  One or more of the state abbreviations entered under the Electronic Filing (W-2 State/Local) section is invalid.  Verify that only standard postal state abbreviations are entered in these fields. (ref# 15078)

The state information is usually automatically filled out using the information in the Employer Information section in Screen 10, Wages, Salaries, Tips. Removing the state abbreviation and ID number from the Electronic Filing (W-2 State/Local) grid and reentering it may resolve the diagnostic, especially for multi-state returns.

Follow these steps to resolve the diagnostics:

1. Go to Screen 10, Wages, Salaries, Tips.
2. Select a W-2 from the left navigation panel.
3. Scroll down to the Electronic Filing (W-2 State/Local) section.
4. Make sure the information in the (15) St and (15) Employer's State ID Number grids match Form W-2, box 15.
   • If there's more than one state, make sure the states are listed in the same row as their ID numbers.
   • If there's no state withholding, delete all information for that state from the grid.