DD is the code for your filing status on Box 2 of your W2
DD on your W2 means you are Divorced. It appears in Box 2, which is labeled "Filing status." The IRS uses single-letter codes to show the marital status you claimed when you filed your tax return for that year. DD specifically tells your employer (and the IRS) that you were divorced as of December 31 of that tax year.
Your employer uses this code to calculate how much federal income tax to withhold from your paycheck. Different filing statuses result in different withholding amounts. If you were divorced partway through the year, your status on December 31 is what matters — not when the divorce was finalized.
The code appears on every W2 you receive, and it should match the filing status you used on your actual tax return. If it does not match, you may have overpaid or underpaid taxes for that year.
Key Takeaways
- DD on Box 2 of your W2 means your filing status was Divorced as of December 31 of that tax year.
- Your employer uses this code to determine how much federal income tax to withhold from your pay.
- The filing status on your W2 should match the status you claimed on your actual tax return for that year.
- If your W2 shows the wrong filing status code, contact your employer's payroll department to request a corrected W2.
How filing status codes affect your tax withholding
The IRS provides employers with withholding tables based on filing status. A divorced person filing as Single (code S) will have taxes withheld differently than someone filing as Married Filing Jointly (code MFJ). The withholding amount also depends on your income level and the number of dependents you claim.
If your employer used the wrong code on your W2, you may have had too much or too little withheld. This means you could owe money when you file your return, or you could receive a larger refund than expected. The difference is usually corrected when you file your tax return and report your actual filing status.
What other filing status codes appear on W2s
The IRS uses several codes for Box 2. Here are the most common ones:
| Code | Filing Status |
|---|---|
| S | Single |
| MFJ | Married Filing Jointly |
| MFS | Married Filing Separately |
| HH | Head of Household |
| QW | may have access to Widow(er) |
| DD | Divorced |
Your employer should have asked you to provide your filing status when you started the job or whenever your status changed. This information typically comes from your Form W4, which you complete during onboarding.
What to do if your W2 shows the wrong code
If Box 2 on your W2 shows DD but you were not divorced on December 31 of that tax year, or if it shows a different code when you were divorced, contact your employer's payroll or human resources department. Explain the discrepancy and provide documentation if needed — such as a divorce decree showing the finalization date.
Your employer can issue a corrected W2 (called a W2-C) if the error is their mistake. This corrected form will show the right filing status code. You will need the corrected W2 to file your tax return accurately. If you already filed your return with the wrong information, you may need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X) once you receive the corrected W2.
Keep in mind that the IRS also receives a copy of your W2, so the filing status code should match what you reported on your tax return. Mismatches can trigger correspondence from the IRS, though they are usually resolved once you provide the corrected W2.
When your filing status changed during the year
If your divorce was finalized partway through the year, your W2 filing status code depends on your status on December 31. For example, if you were divorced on June 15, your W2 will show DD because you were divorced at year-end. If your divorce was finalized on January 5 of the following year, your previous year's W2 will show your pre-divorce status (such as MFJ).
This matters because it affects both your withholding for that year and your tax return. When you file your return, you report the filing status that applied on December 31. The W2 code should match that status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DD on my W2 affect my tax refund?
It can. The filing status code determines how much tax your employer withheld from your pay. If the code is wrong, your withholding may be wrong, which means your refund (or amount owed) could be different than expected. When you file your return, you report your actual filing status, and the IRS adjusts based on what you owe.
Can I change my filing status code mid-year?
Yes. If your marital status changes during the year, you should submit a new Form W4 to your employer as soon as possible. The new withholding will apply to paychecks going forward, but it will not change what was already withheld. Your W2 will reflect your status on December 31, not every status you held during the year.
What if I was divorced but my W2 shows MFJ?
Contact your employer's payroll department immediately. This is an error on their part. Provide your divorce decree or final divorce judgment showing the date your divorce was finalized. Your employer should issue a corrected W2 with the DD code if you were divorced by December 31.
Does the DD code on my W2 get reported to the IRS?
Yes. Your employer sends a copy of your W2 to the IRS, including the filing status code in Box 2. The IRS matches this information against your tax return. If the code does not match your reported filing status, it may trigger a notice, though this is usually resolved by providing documentation.