The 2023 version of TTAX still thinks it is 2022 when it comes to calculating how much FICA you should pay. Interestingly, if you click on the "withheld too much" link, the Help box has it correct (the 2023 max is $9,932.40). But the program was not updated.
Simple fix, surprised that no one has discovered this bug yet.
Have you updated your software?
After doing a quick test, my test return shows the Amount we calculated as $9.932.00.
Hello....yes, I ran updates today (12/26/23), it says "Your software is up to date".
Are you using Premier on Windows? My release shows as 023.000.0356; TurboTax.exe is 2023.47.11.26.
I'm not sure it makes a difference, but I have Home & Business.
Perhaps another Champ or user will respond.
I am using the 2023 TurboTax Premier edition for Windows and also get the correct calculation, Amount we calculated as $9.932.00
Uninstalled WIN OS updates can hamper the TT updates from installing.
Run the OS updater twice then reboot the computer and try updating the TT program again.
Thank you for that suggestion.
Windows Update says "You're up to date", last checked at 9:59am today. Get latest update is On. Nothing pending. Running Win 11 version 23H2, installed 11/20/2023. Latest quality update was the 2023-12 Cumulative Update (KB5033375) installed 12/13/2023.
Multiple reboots, problem persists.
@bitjockey I am using the 2023 TurboTax Premier desktop edition on a Windows 10 desktop PC and on a Windows 11 laptop PC. On both PC's it is correctly showing Amount we calculated as $9.932.00.
What you are seeing is strange since you are using the latest TurboTax updates and the latest Windows updates.
Have you considered completely uninstalling the TurboTax software and then re-installing?
I just installed Windows Home & Business. I didn't get the excess message so I put in 10,000 for SS. Got the "Looks like you are due a refund from your employer" screen. It shows the right amount of $9,932.00 BUT the screen should show the actual amount with cents of 9,932.40. I kept putting in too much SS amounts and didn't get the excess screen until I entered 9,937.10! They might need to fix that.
Took your suggestion and uninstalled TTAX23 and reinstalled. Reboots in between. All updates current. It still thinks my employer withheld $1,078.80 in excess of the "Amount we calculated" of $8,853.60, which is the 2022 limit, not the 2023 limit. Tells me my employer owes me a refund, but that is not true.
@bitjockey Just to test - On the W-2 enter $200,000 for Social Security wages in box 3 and then enter $10,000 for Social Security taxes withheld in box 4. Do you get the same erroneous result of $8,853.60?
All I can say is to make sure you are running the 2023 program and not the 2022 program. Does it say 2023 at the top? It can happen.
@VolvoGirl That was going to be my next suggestion. Great minds......
Yeah but I went and looked at his screenshot again. It does say 2023 on it.
Yes, I am running 2023 - it says "TurboTax Premier 2023" and then the file name at the top. It also shows me the comparison of my 2022 and 2023 data. So I know I am running 2023.
I will install TTAX23 on another Windows PC and see what happens.
I found the issue, it was operator error. I entered the wrong amount (the 2022 limit of $142,800) in Box 3 of my W-2 entry. It appears TurboTax uses that value to calculate the maximum FICA you owe.
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. 🙂
Thanks for clearing that up for us. Yes you need to wait for the actual W2 to come. Don't try to enter from your paystubs. Other amounts might be different too like you might not know which items are pre-tax and will affect the gross amount in box 1. I never could reconcile my husband's paychecks to the W2.
I certainly understand your comments, but I am close to an expert (but obviously not infallible) on paycheck breakdowns. I have a spreadsheet that calculates my paychecks to the penny, and then summarizes everything and calculates the Fed and State taxes, as well as the W-2. It also handles investments like RSUs. I just use TTAX to file - my taxes are already done (except for 1099-R/INT/DIV stuff) before I even download TTAX each year.
This is necessary for me, because without that tax planning tool, I may end up with underpayment penalties. I have to make my Q4 Estimated Payment by mid-January, so waiting for W-2s to arrive in late January is not an option for me. It also helps me make sure I max out my 401k contribution on the last payroll period, which ensures I get the max employer contribution. When the W-2s finally arrive, I just check to make sure everything is correct.
It's complex for sure! Knowing how to calculate federal taxable wages on a paycheck by paycheck basis can be tricky. But I have managed to figure it out and build an Excel XLS that does it all - been doing so since 1998. Each year I just need to update the tax rate tables, standard deductions, etc. I just forgot to update the FICA max in my 2023 version, which caused this issue.
Apologies for wasting everyone's time and appreciate the willingness of everyone to help!