You will need to follow the instructions for the one employer situation. If you can't get the company to refund it, you can manually change the amounts on your W-2 and fill out Form 843 and request a refund from the IRS. See the instructions below under What if my employer can't cooperate.
Your employer is supposed to withhold 6.2% of your Social Security Wages (the Box 3 amount on your W-2), up to a maximum of $8,239.80 per taxpayer for the tax year 2019. If one employer withheld too much Social Security tax, you won't be able to take a credit for the excess on your tax return.
So, if your employer withheld too much, contact them and ask for:
- A refund for the excess amount, and
- A corrected W-2 (also called a W-2c) which shows the correct Box 3 and Box 4 amounts.
Do not file with excess withholdings on your return, as you may be subjected to penalties and interest.
What if my employer can't—or won't—cooperate?
You can correct the Box 4 amount yourself before filing. Simply multiply the amount in Box 3 by a factor of 0.062 and enter that amount or 8,239.80 (whichever is less) in Box 4.
To get a refund for the excess withholding, fill out IRS Form 843: Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement according to the Form 843 Instructions and mail it in separately. Make a copy to keep with your tax return paperwork.
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