Understanding Lacerte diagnostic ref 9066 - CA W-2 missing employer ID

This article will help to understand why the following critical diagnostic warning is being generated:

•   California W-2 #XX is missing the CA employer ID number. (ref #9066)

This can occur when there's at least one CA source W-2, and a W-2 from a non-taxing state (for example, Nevada) in the return. This is because CA Schedule W-2 CG is generated to be included in the tax return package when mailed.

• If the state doesn't have a state ID number, the diagnostic can be ignored.
• If the return is e-filed, the diagnostic isn't generated because CA Schedule W-2 CG isn't generated and the e-file provides for multi-state W-2's.
• If the return is paper-filed, the solution for this situation per the caution instructions on the California Schedule W-2, is to attach copies of your Form(s) W-2's to the lower front of your tax return.