This information applies to all associates who participated in Essex’s 401(k) Plan in tax year 2015: 

It has been brought to our attention that the already mailed 2015 Form W-2 does not have a checkmark in the RETIREMENT PLAN box (referenced in Box 13).  As a result, we will be issuing an amended Form W-2 (i.e. Form W-2c) which will include a checkmark in the RETIREMENT PLAN portion of Box 13.
 
Please note:  There are no monetary changes to your amended Form W-2c with respect to Box 13 not being checked and the ONLY change will be a checkmark in Box 13.
 
PURPOSE OF BOX 13
A checkmark in Box 13 is utilized to let the IRS know that you participated in the Essex 401(k) RETIREMENT PLAN.  When this box is checked, it lets you know (depending on your filing status and modified adjusted gross income) whether you are entitled to take a full deduction on your tax return of 2015 contributions you may have made to an Individual Retirement Account (“IRA”) in addition to the Essex 401(k) Plan.
 
If you have not established or made contributions to a traditional IRA in 2015, the amended Form W-2C should have no impact on you when filing your 2015 tax returns utilizing the original Form W-2 previously issued. 
 
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
If you have already filed your 2015 tax return and you contributed to a traditional IRA, we suggest that you check with your tax advisor to determine if an IRA deduction adjustment is required which would necessitate the need for you to file an amended tax return. 
 
If you have not filed your 2015 tax return, you do not need to wait until the Form W-2c is issued.  You can simply notify your tax advisor and file your 2015 tax return being mindful to follow the deduction rules for traditional IRA contributions due to the fact that you were an Essex 2015 RETIREMENT PLAN participant.
 
Should you have any questions or concerns, please send an email to payroll@essex.com.