After you file

He started by a saying   ...."I received a letter from the irs concerning excess social security tax in 2014"

I'm having trouble believing there is any reason to look at lines 43 or line 44 (at least not yet).

@davidjeddy ....The question has not yet been answered, but it's been asked several times.....

....What $$ amount Is on line 71 of your Form 1040?
____________*Answers are correct to the best of my knowledge when posted, but should not be considered to be legal or official tax advice.*